This morning the redistricting maps were revealed to the world. They are created by the (non-partisan) Legislative Services Agency. As far as I can tell, the only effect that has is that neither party is happy with the outcome. In Congress, Iowa lost one representative so there now are only four districts. Politicalness aside, it's a bunch of hullabaloo around here. If you want to see the maps, click here. There is even a bill which sets the boundaries for every single district. Here is an excerpt, about one-third of the language for District 86, in case you're curious:
...then proceeding east along Bowery street until it intersects South Governor street, then proceeding north along South Governor street until it intersects East Burlington street, then proceeding east along East Burlington street until it intersects Muscatine avenue, then proceeding first southeasterly, then east, along Muscatine avenue until it intersects American Legion road Southeast, then proceeding east along American Legion road Southeast until it intersects the east corporate limit of the city of Iowa City, then proceeding first east, then in a clockwise manner along the corporate limits of the city of Iowa City until it intersects the east boundary of East Lucas township, then proceeding south along the boundary of East Lucas township until it intersects the north boundary of Pleasant Valley township, then proceeding first west, then in a counterclockwise manner along the boundary of Pleasant Valley township until it intersects the corporate limit of the city of Hills, then proceeding first west, then in a counterclockwise manner....
Two abortion bills, HF 656 and HF 657, are being debated this afternoon. Considering the Democrats have been in caucus for 2 1/2 hours, there will probably be a fair (as in enormous) amount of debate.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 30
As the second funnel is Friday, committees are giving it their last push. This means little floor action again.
However, a rep did order pizzas for the pages today. It was the best free lunch ever.
In other news, the House passed SF 396, HF 524, HF 549*, SF 367*, HF 642, HF 654, and HF 655.
House File 549 regulates traffic cameras (automated traffic enforcement). If the bill becomes law, then there will have to be a sign posted every place with a traffic camera.
Senate File 367 concerns high school athletes and concussions. It requires that an info sheet about concussions be provided by the district and signed by parents before athletic performance. It also asserts that should a coach or official notice signs of a concussion during a practice or event, then that student must be removed from the game until he/she has been checked by a licensed healthcare practitioner.
However, a rep did order pizzas for the pages today. It was the best free lunch ever.
In other news, the House passed SF 396, HF 524, HF 549*, SF 367*, HF 642, HF 654, and HF 655.
House File 549 regulates traffic cameras (automated traffic enforcement). If the bill becomes law, then there will have to be a sign posted every place with a traffic camera.
Senate File 367 concerns high school athletes and concussions. It requires that an info sheet about concussions be provided by the district and signed by parents before athletic performance. It also asserts that should a coach or official notice signs of a concussion during a practice or event, then that student must be removed from the game until he/she has been checked by a licensed healthcare practitioner.
Tuesday, March 29
This afternoon I worked at the switchboard. It was the busiest it's ever been. Some political group had the notion to call up Iowans who oppose HF 561, which deals with nuclear power in Iowa. As far as I can tell, here's how it works: a resident gets a call asking them how they feel about an issue. If they feel "correctly" about it, then they are asked to voice their opinion to the legislature by pushing "1". Then I answer, and many stumble through their explanation of why they're calling ("Uh, hi, um, I'm calling to say that I feel that I should give a 'no' vote on... what was it? oh yea, on law 561 because I am, um, against nuclear power in Iowa"). Then I ask who their representative is so I can forward the call (which is all the switchboard does). "Um, well, I don't really know.. Harkin maybe?" "Sir, Harkin is a U.S. Senator. This is the Iowa House of Representatives. What's your address?"
It's a hoot.
My point is, if you feel a need to call the switchboard, and don't get me wrong, it's there to be used, at least know what the issue is. I would even encourage calling your rep; it's what they're for.
The house debated and passed SF 240 (floor-managed by Iverson) and SF 124.
It's a hoot.
My point is, if you feel a need to call the switchboard, and don't get me wrong, it's there to be used, at least know what the issue is. I would even encourage calling your rep; it's what they're for.
The house debated and passed SF 240 (floor-managed by Iverson) and SF 124.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday, March 28
The Lunch 'n Learn today was with Jason Clayworth, a reporter for the Des Moines Register. He explained that his goal is to have the legislators think of the media as the link between them and their constituents, which is pretty much how it is. As the Iowa House reporter, he has a seat in the pressbox in the front of the chamber and has close access to the process. It just so happens that a story of his ran today relating to the use of K2, a synthetic marijuana. It goes like this:
Ron Ausbun wants Iowa legislators bent on making synthetic pot and other hallucinogens illegal to consider anther viewpoint: He believes the drugs are generally beneficial if used in moderation. "You and I both know that part of the human condition is to want to alter our state," Ausbun of Des Moines said. "Every kitty needs a ball of string. Every dog needs a stick."
Rep. Clel Baudler, R-Greenfield, has said for years that lawmakers have an obligation to stay on top of drug laws in the name of public safety. He was blunt about Ausbun's advocacy. "His argument proves that he's an idiot, and he's too stupid to reproduce in my opinion," Baudler said in response to Ausbun's quote about a cat and string.
As I know Baudler well, I would expect nothing less from him. I did go up to him today to tell him I enjoyed reading his quote in the article. He said, "they left out the good stuff."
Bills debated and passed today include HF 596, HF 607, HF 616, and HF 590. Not bad for a Monday.
Ron Ausbun wants Iowa legislators bent on making synthetic pot and other hallucinogens illegal to consider anther viewpoint: He believes the drugs are generally beneficial if used in moderation. "You and I both know that part of the human condition is to want to alter our state," Ausbun of Des Moines said. "Every kitty needs a ball of string. Every dog needs a stick."
Rep. Clel Baudler, R-Greenfield, has said for years that lawmakers have an obligation to stay on top of drug laws in the name of public safety. He was blunt about Ausbun's advocacy. "His argument proves that he's an idiot, and he's too stupid to reproduce in my opinion," Baudler said in response to Ausbun's quote about a cat and string.
As I know Baudler well, I would expect nothing less from him. I did go up to him today to tell him I enjoyed reading his quote in the article. He said, "they left out the good stuff."
Bills debated and passed today include HF 596, HF 607, HF 616, and HF 590. Not bad for a Monday.
Thursday, March 24
This morning I lead the pledge for a third time. Otherwise, it was a slow day. HF 267 and HF 458 were briefly debated and passed.
Someone mentioned to me that my blog makes it seem as though the legislators sit around all day when they're not debating or in committee meetings. This isn't true, for the most part. A great deal of time is spent on emailing, whether it be to/from constituents or to other legislators about a bill, etc. On any given day, there may be 5-20 subcommittee meetings (which focus on a single bill). There are also lobbyists and constituents sending in notes (via the pages) to visit with the legislators. And yes, sometimes a legislator will sit and read the newspaper while listening to music, but it is most likely because they haven't sat at their desk since they arrived in the morning and are taking a break (which is when they summon a page to get them popcorn and a Dr. Pepper). There are always politics to work through, whether it be with party leaders, fellow legislators, lobbyists, or constituents.
Someone mentioned to me that my blog makes it seem as though the legislators sit around all day when they're not debating or in committee meetings. This isn't true, for the most part. A great deal of time is spent on emailing, whether it be to/from constituents or to other legislators about a bill, etc. On any given day, there may be 5-20 subcommittee meetings (which focus on a single bill). There are also lobbyists and constituents sending in notes (via the pages) to visit with the legislators. And yes, sometimes a legislator will sit and read the newspaper while listening to music, but it is most likely because they haven't sat at their desk since they arrived in the morning and are taking a break (which is when they summon a page to get them popcorn and a Dr. Pepper). There are always politics to work through, whether it be with party leaders, fellow legislators, lobbyists, or constituents.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wednesday, March 23
Let me repeat what I said yesterday:
The dove hunting bill, which took 5 minutes in the Senate, will come up for debate as an amendment to a raccoon hunting bill. If there is a question of germainess (whether or not it actually pertains to the bill) and the dove hunting amendment is found not germaine, then the Republicans will suspend the rules and vote on it anyway.
It came up for debate today, and boy do I have the sense for politics! Darn. The amendment was found not germaine, but the rules were suspended. So, once it goes to the governor and he signs it into law, it will be legal to hunt mourning doves in Iowa. As I was working at the switchboard, several calls came in one after the next with people strongly for and strongly against dove hunting.
Other bills passed include SF 464, HF 454, SF 429, HF 473, SF 233, SF 299, SF 361, HF 597, and HF 643.
Tuesday, March 22
The House debated SF 259, SF 244, SF 149, HF 516, SF 327, HF 534, SF 474, SF 470, HF 523, SF 291, SF 400, SF 7 and HF 603 were all passed.
HF 603 is a bill relating to eminent domain. Eminent domain gives the state the authority to seize private property. As far as I can tell, this bill limits when and how eminent domain is used. It was not debated for a very long time, and the final vote was 87-6.
SF 427 was floor managed and passed by Iverson. It allows qualified organizations to lease certain electronic bingo equipment in order to assist disabled participants.
The dove hunting bill, which took 5 minutes in the Senate, will come up for debate as an amendment to a raccoon hunting bill. If there is a question of germainess (whether or not it actually pertains to the bill) and the dove hunting amendment is found not germaine, then the Republicans will suspend the rules and vote on it anyway.
HF 603 is a bill relating to eminent domain. Eminent domain gives the state the authority to seize private property. As far as I can tell, this bill limits when and how eminent domain is used. It was not debated for a very long time, and the final vote was 87-6.
SF 427 was floor managed and passed by Iverson. It allows qualified organizations to lease certain electronic bingo equipment in order to assist disabled participants.
The dove hunting bill, which took 5 minutes in the Senate, will come up for debate as an amendment to a raccoon hunting bill. If there is a question of germainess (whether or not it actually pertains to the bill) and the dove hunting amendment is found not germaine, then the Republicans will suspend the rules and vote on it anyway.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Monday, March 21
Today's Lunch 'n Learn was with Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds. A high point of the meeting was when she said she was going to finish college at Simpson, and I told her that I have heard the Lt. Governor speak at graduations at Iowa State and would she be interested in graduating and speaking at the same time...
Beginning at 4:45, the House debated and passed HF 467, SF 402, SF 475, HF 557, SF 325, SF 483, HF 609, HF 390, SF 321, HF 548, and HF 614. They finished by 6:00.
The second funnel is April 1. From what I understand, to be eligible for debate, all bills must be filed with the Chief Clerk's office, so once again, committees are hard at work. This makes for more long days. Also, before each stretch of debate, both parties go into caucus, so no one is on the floor.
Beginning at 4:45, the House debated and passed HF 467, SF 402, SF 475, HF 557, SF 325, SF 483, HF 609, HF 390, SF 321, HF 548, and HF 614. They finished by 6:00.
The second funnel is April 1. From what I understand, to be eligible for debate, all bills must be filed with the Chief Clerk's office, so once again, committees are hard at work. This makes for more long days. Also, before each stretch of debate, both parties go into caucus, so no one is on the floor.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Thursday, March 17
Today, a HF 589 came up for debate. It is controversial because part of it reads:
The bill prohibits a person from interfering with an animal facility of crop operation. This includes producing an audio or visual record which reproduces an image or sound occurring on or in the location, or possessing or distributing the record. It also prohibits a person from exercising control over the location or property, with intent to deprive the owner of the property, rentering onto the location, if the person has notice that the location is not open to the public. The severity of the offense is based on whether there has been a previous conviction. For the first conviction, the person is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor, and for a second or subsequent conviction, the person is guilty of a class "D" felony.
It is designed this way to prevent contamination of animal production sites. A farmer rep went through all the hardships of maintaining a small farm and how important sanitation is, especially for raising young animals.
The bill prohibits a person from interfering with an animal facility of crop operation. This includes producing an audio or visual record which reproduces an image or sound occurring on or in the location, or possessing or distributing the record. It also prohibits a person from exercising control over the location or property, with intent to deprive the owner of the property, rentering onto the location, if the person has notice that the location is not open to the public. The severity of the offense is based on whether there has been a previous conviction. For the first conviction, the person is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor, and for a second or subsequent conviction, the person is guilty of a class "D" felony.
It is designed this way to prevent contamination of animal production sites. A farmer rep went through all the hardships of maintaining a small farm and how important sanitation is, especially for raising young animals.
Wednesday, March 16
Once again, today was full of caucus and debate. HF 582, HF 583, HF 584, HF 585, HF 588, HF 569, HF 593, and HF 392 were all debated and passed.
Many people don't know that a live audio feed of whatever is going on in the chamber is available online: http://media.legis.state.ia.us/house_internal
Thanks to HF 584, a home schooled child can be taught drivers' ed by his/her parents. HF 593 changes one word in the Iowa Code; massage therapists must now receive 600 hours of education instead of 500 hours.
I have always wondered, "How the heck can there be so many new laws for the House to enact? What can they all possibly cover?" I have realized that most, nearly all, of the legislation passed simply amends the existing code to conform to current practices and changing times. So it's not necessarily all "new regulations" for us to follow.
Many people don't know that a live audio feed of whatever is going on in the chamber is available online: http://media.legis.state.ia.us/house_internal
Thanks to HF 584, a home schooled child can be taught drivers' ed by his/her parents. HF 593 changes one word in the Iowa Code; massage therapists must now receive 600 hours of education instead of 500 hours.
I have always wondered, "How the heck can there be so many new laws for the House to enact? What can they all possibly cover?" I have realized that most, nearly all, of the legislation passed simply amends the existing code to conform to current practices and changing times. So it's not necessarily all "new regulations" for us to follow.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15
Today was a... slow day. There were committee meetings until 3:00. Then, HF 345, HF 462, HF 537, HF 563, HF 592, HF 562, HF 540, and HF 617 were all debated and passed.
I have noticed that after a bill leaves its committee (and sometimes before), there is a... lack of bipartisanship. Pretty much every amendment proposed by a Democrat fails. Now, this could be for any number of reasons, but what does reason is that some minor amendment may move the bill forward in the Senate when it would otherwise die.
I have noticed that after a bill leaves its committee (and sometimes before), there is a... lack of bipartisanship. Pretty much every amendment proposed by a Democrat fails. Now, this could be for any number of reasons, but what does reason is that some minor amendment may move the bill forward in the Senate when it would otherwise die.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Monday, March 14
Here is the link to Rep. Murphy's speech (see last post): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX3lSw1KLaA&feature=channel_video_title
This week's Lunch 'n Learn was with a well-known, 30-year, multi-client lobbyist. He explained what he does and why he is so effective at what he does. Many people have the perception that lobbyists go around trying to corrupt legislators into voting the way they want them to for no good reason. It's not like that at all; I have noticed that reps (for the most part) respect lobbyists and are open to their views. As I've said before, reps usually have their mind made up on a bill.
When we gaveled in at 1:00, one clerk asked another clerk if she would marry him. She said yes and they took off the rest of the day.
In the afternoon, HF 461, HF 484, HF 490, HF 493, HF 499, HF 512, HF 532, HF 536, HF 565, and HF 401 were all debated and passed. The most exciting thing of the day was the engagement.
This week's Lunch 'n Learn was with a well-known, 30-year, multi-client lobbyist. He explained what he does and why he is so effective at what he does. Many people have the perception that lobbyists go around trying to corrupt legislators into voting the way they want them to for no good reason. It's not like that at all; I have noticed that reps (for the most part) respect lobbyists and are open to their views. As I've said before, reps usually have their mind made up on a bill.
When we gaveled in at 1:00, one clerk asked another clerk if she would marry him. She said yes and they took off the rest of the day.
In the afternoon, HF 461, HF 484, HF 490, HF 493, HF 499, HF 512, HF 532, HF 536, HF 565, and HF 401 were all debated and passed. The most exciting thing of the day was the engagement.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Thursday & Friday, March 10 & 11
The collective bargaining bill was debated Wednesday afternoon/evening, Thursday morning/afternoon/evening, and Friday morning. When I walked in the chamber in the morning, there were nineteen reps waiting to talk on an amendment to an amendment. Finally, the Majority Leader made a motion to debate only until noon and then force the voting of the remaining amendments and the bill itself without any debate. Many of the amendments were declared out of order, and the Speaker even had the power to simply declare an amendment not germane. It was amazing to me that something like this can be done, but I've been told that the majority party can do almost anything they want. If they have 51 votes.
Here's how it goes. The clerk calls up the amendment: "Amendment H-0000 by Hunter (Democrat) of Polk (County)." Then the Speaker says "The gentleman from Polk moves the adoption of amendment H-0000. Those in favor will say 'aye'. Those opposed say 'no'. The no's appear to have it; the no's do have it. The amendment fails."
Here's the amazing thing. The Democrats, who want the amendment to pass, scream "AYE" at the top of their lungs so the AYE is louder than the NO. Then the Republicans, the majority, give a half-hearted "no", which is obviously not as loud as the "AYE". That's when the Speaker says "the no's appear to have it; the no's do have it." Even though the no's really didn't. But the thing of it is that if they vote individually (when it shows on the board), the no's will always have more than 50 votes.
Then the most amazing thing of my whole entire experience happened. After the final vote of this bill itself, Representative Murphy was granted a "point of personal privilege." He told the chamber that this morning, the switchboard was empty, and he checked it several times throughout the morning: still empty. Then, at 11:55 am, five minutes before the forced voting began, he finally saw a page at the switchboard. By this time, he was yelling (YELLING) and his last words were at the top of his lungs: SHAME ON YOU! I assume he was not referring to the page. That page was me.
It was his third point of personal privilege in his 22 years as a representative.
Here's how it goes. The clerk calls up the amendment: "Amendment H-0000 by Hunter (Democrat) of Polk (County)." Then the Speaker says "The gentleman from Polk moves the adoption of amendment H-0000. Those in favor will say 'aye'. Those opposed say 'no'. The no's appear to have it; the no's do have it. The amendment fails."
Here's the amazing thing. The Democrats, who want the amendment to pass, scream "AYE" at the top of their lungs so the AYE is louder than the NO. Then the Republicans, the majority, give a half-hearted "no", which is obviously not as loud as the "AYE". That's when the Speaker says "the no's appear to have it; the no's do have it." Even though the no's really didn't. But the thing of it is that if they vote individually (when it shows on the board), the no's will always have more than 50 votes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Then the most amazing thing of my whole entire experience happened. After the final vote of this bill itself, Representative Murphy was granted a "point of personal privilege." He told the chamber that this morning, the switchboard was empty, and he checked it several times throughout the morning: still empty. Then, at 11:55 am, five minutes before the forced voting began, he finally saw a page at the switchboard. By this time, he was yelling (YELLING) and his last words were at the top of his lungs: SHAME ON YOU! I assume he was not referring to the page. That page was me.
It was his third point of personal privilege in his 22 years as a representative.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Wednesday, March 9
In the morning, HF 453, HF 321, HF 324, HF 389, HF 393, HF 405, and HF 406 were all passed. After caucuses and lunch, debate began at 2:00 for HF 525. This is the big-deal-collective-bargaining bill for which there are now 100+ amendments. By 4:00, we were on the third amendment (and the first two weren't even debated). It will be a long night of debate.
Topics have ranged from feces on rest area floors, to the "Hello, this is Peggy" credit card commercials, to a story about a convict who escaped with the help of a private sector guard and killed two people. Point of order.
After the first hour or so, the previously-full galleries had thinned out after everyone realized the bill wasn't going to be passed today.
The third amendment, H-1177, was debated. It says that 1) if a public employee is being laid off, their manager must give them reasonable notice, and 2) they must give a reason why. The amendment, brought forth by the Democrats, seems good to me, but the Republicans argue that any reasonable employer would do this anyway, so they're not going to mandate it. And after four hours of debate it finally failed 42-50.
Topics have ranged from feces on rest area floors, to the "Hello, this is Peggy" credit card commercials, to a story about a convict who escaped with the help of a private sector guard and killed two people. Point of order.
After the first hour or so, the previously-full galleries had thinned out after everyone realized the bill wasn't going to be passed today.
The third amendment, H-1177, was debated. It says that 1) if a public employee is being laid off, their manager must give them reasonable notice, and 2) they must give a reason why. The amendment, brought forth by the Democrats, seems good to me, but the Republicans argue that any reasonable employer would do this anyway, so they're not going to mandate it. And after four hours of debate it finally failed 42-50.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Tuesday, March 8
Today I accomplished several more tasks. For instance, a seating chart underneath the glass on the desk is now color-coded for each party. How handy! In the afternoon debate began. SF 209, HF 148, HF 186, HF 212, HF 254*, HF 268, and HF 535 were debated and passed. HF 254 was brought forth by Iverson; it was the first time I've heard him talk on the floor.
For the second time, the issue of preschool was debated. Way back in January, HF 45 was debated, and it took away funding for preschool. Tonight, HF 535 created "preschool scholarships" for qualifying families. THe Democrats argued that the bill "was a complete mess" and they asked Rep. Forristall countless questions about transportation to preschool, placement, and teacher qualifications. It all is a very confusing program (which was put together by the governor's office). Personally, I think the current system, while expensive, works well and I would like to see it tweaked instead of replaced. I predict that it will be confusing for parents and school districts to comply. Lastly, as far as I can tell it even increased the government's involvement from what it has been. In my ever-so-humble opinion, a better, more complete program can be produced. It passed only 55-45; that means that five Republicans probably had the same thoughts I did and voted on the side of the Democrats. I think this is the first time this has happened on a major vote.
But the bill is supposed to die (the majority leader won't let it be debated) in the Senate, so the hours of bickering like preschoolers were only for "going on the record".
Tomorrow will be a big day: the collective bargaining bill (HF 525) is being debated. It has something like 97 (that's ninety-seven!!!) amendments. Just imagine if all of them were passed---would there be a HF 525?? My expert prediction is that any amendment brought forth by a Republican will pass, and any amendment brought forth by a Democrat (unless it is a technical fix) will not pass. The bill itself will pass. Remember that the Majority Leader will only put a bill on the floor when she knows she has 51 votes to pass it.
For the second time, the issue of preschool was debated. Way back in January, HF 45 was debated, and it took away funding for preschool. Tonight, HF 535 created "preschool scholarships" for qualifying families. THe Democrats argued that the bill "was a complete mess" and they asked Rep. Forristall countless questions about transportation to preschool, placement, and teacher qualifications. It all is a very confusing program (which was put together by the governor's office). Personally, I think the current system, while expensive, works well and I would like to see it tweaked instead of replaced. I predict that it will be confusing for parents and school districts to comply. Lastly, as far as I can tell it even increased the government's involvement from what it has been. In my ever-so-humble opinion, a better, more complete program can be produced. It passed only 55-45; that means that five Republicans probably had the same thoughts I did and voted on the side of the Democrats. I think this is the first time this has happened on a major vote.
But the bill is supposed to die (the majority leader won't let it be debated) in the Senate, so the hours of bickering like preschoolers were only for "going on the record".
Tomorrow will be a big day: the collective bargaining bill (HF 525) is being debated. It has something like 97 (that's ninety-seven!!!) amendments. Just imagine if all of them were passed---would there be a HF 525?? My expert prediction is that any amendment brought forth by a Republican will pass, and any amendment brought forth by a Democrat (unless it is a technical fix) will not pass. The bill itself will pass. Remember that the Majority Leader will only put a bill on the floor when she knows she has 51 votes to pass it.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Monday, March 7
As I've mentioned before, I am at the Sergeant-at-Arms desk. While this may sound very important, it is actually... dull. As a note is passed in from a lobbyist outside, it is put on the desk. Then, I ring either the east or west page bell. I also wait for the phone to "ring." I put ring in "quotations" because there is only a tiny light that flickers during an incoming call to alert me. There wasn't a single call all day. Or maybe there was, but I was tying my shoes. What I accomplished was consolidating sticky notes, organizing the papers underneath the plastic top, peeling thousands of tiny, stubborn pieces of tape off of the desk, and straightening up the desk drawer (the little organizer is now taped to the bottom so it doesn't slide; there is a label for where the stapler goes; there are two push-pins for the holes in the scissors to be placed so it doesn't move...). And I was even pushing the two buttons as I did all this!
Today there was a Lunch 'n Learn with Majority Whip Erik Helland. His job is to make sure there are at least 51 votes for a bill before it reaches floor debate. In other words, every single piece of legislation that will ever hit the floor will pass. What the rep told me last week (Thursday) makes sense.
Speaking of passing bills, the House began doing a whole bunch of it today. HF 242, HF 348, HF 404, HF 465, HF 468, HF 474, and HF 494 were all debated and passed in 40 minutes.
If you want to think that sitting at the desk is important, go ahead. I won't stop you.
Today there was a Lunch 'n Learn with Majority Whip Erik Helland. His job is to make sure there are at least 51 votes for a bill before it reaches floor debate. In other words, every single piece of legislation that will ever hit the floor will pass. What the rep told me last week (Thursday) makes sense.
Speaking of passing bills, the House began doing a whole bunch of it today. HF 242, HF 348, HF 404, HF 465, HF 468, HF 474, and HF 494 were all debated and passed in 40 minutes.
If you want to think that sitting at the desk is important, go ahead. I won't stop you.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Thursday, March 3
The last day of my workweek was slow. In the morning, HF 132, HF 299, HF 190, HF 363, and HF 271 were all passed with almost no debate. Like I said before, click on them, read their titles, and read more if it seems interesting. On Monday there is a public hearing on collective bargaining. I am still unclear as to the details of it or to which house file it corresponds.
Next week debate is scheduled each afternoon at 1:00 - it will be fun to listen to something while I'm at the Sergeant at Arms desk. I talked with a legislator about his opinion on debate; he said that he believes it's essentially pointless because reps make up their minds on a bill while they're in caucus. I suppose that's true.
Next week debate is scheduled each afternoon at 1:00 - it will be fun to listen to something while I'm at the Sergeant at Arms desk. I talked with a legislator about his opinion on debate; he said that he believes it's essentially pointless because reps make up their minds on a bill while they're in caucus. I suppose that's true.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Wednesday, March 2
Each week the Sergeant-at-Arms desk is staffed by a page. Today the page supposed to be doing it was sick so I filled in for him. Next week, I'll be at the desk. All I have to do is wait for notes to come through the front door and ding the east or west bell depending on whether it's for an odd desk or an even desk. The rest of the time I sit there and wait for a tiny light on the desk to light up which alerts me of a call coming through to the desk. That doesn't happen very often.
This morning the House passed HF 290, HF 322, and HF 328. Just click on them and read the title to see what they're about.
An amendment proposed by a Democrat this morning was declared not germane (not relating to the subject of the bill). However, the Rules of the House (which state that amendments must be germane) can be suspended if 51 reps vote to do so. If an amendment proposed by the Republicans is declared not germane, the Republicans have enough votes to suspend the rules, and they always do. But, when the Democrats have a not-germane amendment and want to suspend the rules, the Republicans never let it pass. Does this seem at all partisan? It would be very frustrating.
This morning the House passed HF 290, HF 322, and HF 328. Just click on them and read the title to see what they're about.
An amendment proposed by a Democrat this morning was declared not germane (not relating to the subject of the bill). However, the Rules of the House (which state that amendments must be germane) can be suspended if 51 reps vote to do so. If an amendment proposed by the Republicans is declared not germane, the Republicans have enough votes to suspend the rules, and they always do. But, when the Democrats have a not-germane amendment and want to suspend the rules, the Republicans never let it pass. Does this seem at all partisan? It would be very frustrating.
Tuesday, March 1
This morning began a bit different. We debated. Rather, the reps did. Remember Thursday, January 27th's post? Part of it was this:
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.
This morning this bill and several others were briefly debated and passed on the floor. It was interesting to follow this bill through to the floor.
I staffed the environmental protection meeting. They discussed updating the Code to reflect the current policies and practices such as the federal government taking charge of certain regulations. The rest of the day was slow until 5:30 when they gaveled in and debated SF209, which is a 21-page bill regarding the IRS code. Unfortunately, I have other plans, so I won't be able to listen to the debate on that one.
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.
This morning this bill and several others were briefly debated and passed on the floor. It was interesting to follow this bill through to the floor.
I staffed the environmental protection meeting. They discussed updating the Code to reflect the current policies and practices such as the federal government taking charge of certain regulations. The rest of the day was slow until 5:30 when they gaveled in and debated SF209, which is a 21-page bill regarding the IRS code. Unfortunately, I have other plans, so I won't be able to listen to the debate on that one.
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