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This week I focused on Commerce Committee Issues and the Students First Act (HSB1).

A lot of time and energy is spent serving as a committee chair, and I had meetings with many of the energy sector players as well as the Iowa Utilities Board Chairwoman this week.  Many requests were made for our committee to sponsor bills and a discovery that the IUB rules and policies haven’t been reviewed since 2004.  We will continue to dig into issues around energy production, distribution and regulation in our state.  I know one thing for sure, when we flip that light switch we all expect the lights to come on.

Prior to heading to Des Moines this week, I met with the Dubuque and Western Dubuque Superintendents and also held a Zoom Meeting with the Archdiocese of Dubuque Superintendent.  We are rich with resources in Dubuque County, strong public and private schools, educators who care about their students, and taxpayers who are happy to invest in a strong education system.  Over the interim, I spent on due diligence as we all expected that an ESA bill would in fact be discussed in the upcoming session.  The Governor Campaigned on Parental Choice, so this bill should be no surprise.  Last year I opposed the ESA bill and on many occasions laid out my reasons to our district through email, newsletters, and social media posts.  This bill is much different, but the common theme that I can get behind is that we need to fund the student and not an institution. Every child deserves the ability to attend the school that is best for him or her.  Parents are the best decision-makers on behalf of their children. In our district, based on my pre-session survey sent to my email list and posted on social media, and by the emails from I am receiving from so many of you, you have boldly stated that this issue is important to you and you overwhelmingly agree.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, Whether you agree or disagree with me on the issues, I will continue to work hard for our district and will always listen to your concerns.

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