The 91st General Assembly has officially begun in Iowa! The week started with legislators being sworn in on Monday, followed by the Governor’s Condition of the State address on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the Chief Justice delivered the Condition of the Judiciary, and on Thursday, Major General Osborn presented the Condition of the Guard. Next Monday, we look forward to the inauguration of President Trump, which we hope will steer our nation towards energy independence, potentially lowering costs across the board.
A Family Affair
I had the pleasure of having my family with me as I took the oath of office. It’s wonderful to share this experience with them, especially as they have grown up spending their winters and springs at the Capitol, which my daughter Libby affectionately calls “The Castle.” I hope they are gaining valuable civics lessons by witnessing the workings of the Capitol firsthand.
Special Guest at the Condition of the State
During the Governor’s Condition of the State address, I had a special guest with me. Michael O’Mara, a seventh grader from northwest Iowa and runner-up in the National Civics Bee, joined me at my front-and-center desk. Michael’s impressive performance in the competition, which took place in Washington DC, earned him $26,500.
Committee Assignments
This year, my committee assignments have changed some. I am still the Chairman of the Economic Growth and Technology Committee and a member of the Appropriations Committee. What’s new is the Appropriations Subcommittee on Federal and Other Funds, and my reassignment to Veterans Affairs. This week, the Veterans Affairs, Economic Growth and Technology, and Appropriations committees met to introduce members and set rules.
Drafting Legislation…and sharks!
Over the interim, I have been approached by constituents, schools, and groups to draft bills addressing various issues. For instance, I have drafted bills for schools concerning the start date and one brought by the Orient Dissolution board, and few others still in drafting. Additionally, the Humane Society met with me this past summer about unregulated “zoos” and a shark bite incident in Iowa, yep, you heard that right. Despite being far from the ocean, Iowa now has a shark bite incident on record. The bill I helped draft aims to add sharks to the dangerous animals list and ensuring that sharks that grow over 23 inches can be viewed, but not touched, by visitors. Simple, right? Nope, nothing is.
Media Overreaction on Shark Bill
The media often sensationalizes headlines, especially when it involves something unusual like a shark bite in Iowa. While some may question the importance of such issues (we address thousands every session, and believe me, they aren’t all genius plans), I believe it is crucial to address problems before they become bigger issues. In this case, when a kid gets bit because we didnt act, don’t come crying to me. Believe me, common sense is not that common, hence the many laws already on the books. Unfortunately, I don’t expect the bill will progress beyond the subcommittee, (because, insert keyboard warrior line, “Don’t they have more important stuff to work on!”) but hey, at least the media and the clickbait social media folks had some fun.
A Productive Start
Overall, it has been a productive start to the 91st General Assembly. We’ve had numerous discussions on our goals, met new faces, and established a clear direction for the legislative session ahead. I remain committed to serving the people of Iowa and ensuring our state’s continued growth and prosperity. Reach out to me here: [[email protected]]. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to keeping you updated on our progress. Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain.