Thursday, January 27

Finally there was a day when something happened!  Governor Branstad gave his budget address to a joint session of the legislature.  Back to the chairs, back to the huge crowds of people.  It was the first time I've ever seen him in person.  His budget seems to cut programs that were initially funded by one-time money from the federal government.  As if that wasn't exciting enough, there was some more debate on the floor in the afternoon.  The first bill to come up was to require photo identification to vote.  The Republicans argued that it would solidify the integrity of the voting system, while the Democrats argued that it would create an unnecessary burden on Iowans (especially the elderly and minorities) who do not have a photo ID.  Good points on both sides.  It passed 60-40.

The next bill created an online searchable budget database for anyone to see exactly Iowa's revenues and expenses, thus increasing government transparency.  This bill passed unanimously.  What a wonderful bipartisan end to the week.

After debate, I sat in on a Veterans' Affairs meeting.  They passed a bill which gives National Guardsmen & -women the ability to sign over their share of custody/visitation to someone of their choosing if they are deployed.  The bill will now go to the floor of the house.