In the morning, it wasn’t too busy but in the afternoon that changed. Lobbyists were going crazy because the floor was finally opened for debate for amendments for the Taxpayers First Act (TFA). The first major back-and-forth was for an amendment, proposed by Democrats, which would continue funding for 4-year-old preschool. While the Republicans argued that the greater need was downsizing government and reducing the budget by making tough sacrifices, the Democrats argued that the greater need was providing quality, early-childhood education for more Iowans. In my opinion, both sides are right! But was is the greater need?
Another major amendment was to continue funding for anti-substance programs like D.A.R.E., J.E.L., and Quitline Iowa, once again proposed by the Democrats. Both sides held their positions for the same reasons as before. Such went every amendment proposed by the Democrats.
The amendment results? On these two amendments, the vote on whether to pass was Nay-60; Yay-40. The split between Republicans and Democrats? 60-40 respectively. There are no partisan politics whatsoever down here.
The results on the Taxpayer First Act? After 8-9 hours of nonstop (a.k.a. no breaks, recesses, at ease etc.) debate, the TFA was passed 60-40 around 11:30 p.m. The best part? When I got here this morning I couldn't find the paper with the full-page+ of written-out blog so I recalled all of this from memory!!
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