Wednesday, February 9

I can tell we're getting a little more into the session.  Today we gaveled in at 8:30 and recessed until 4:00, so the entire day was a mass of committee meetings, committee meetings, and oh yeah, subcommittee meetings.  The lobbyists were busy today lobbying for the BCVJ, WEO, JYCU, and most any other acronym I can randomly type.  At one point, about 160 students toured the chamber and finally took a picture around the well.  Boy did that make it hot in the chamber.

Over lunch I was bored so I went to the legislature's web site and skimmed over a few bills.  There were several that, while still in committees, were interesting to read.  I'll even provide a direct link to the list of education committee bills that are out there: http://www.legis.iowa.gov/Legislation/Find/billByCommittee.aspx?GA=84

In the afternoon I worked at the switchboard.  It's amazing how many people will call in and not have the slightest idea whom their legislator is.  Fortunately, we have a list of most of the municipalities in Iowa with their respective reps.  One lady believed her rep was "Grassley".  To be sure, I asked if she meant Pat Grassley (a state rep) or Chuck Grassley ("oh yes, he's the one").  I offered to give her C. Grassley's number but she decided she would rather tell me everything politically with which she has ever disagreed.  I doodled a little on a sticky note.