Tuesday, April 26

This morning all the pages were recognized and given a Certificate of Excellence (just so it's official).  Naturally, they saved the best for last - I swear it had nothing to do with that fact that it was in alphabetical order.

The nuclear energy bill, HF 561, came up for debate today.  There are countless amendments and amendments to amendments (got that?), all of which will be debated.  It was made clear in the opening statements that the bill does not give permission for a nuclear plant to be built, and it does not give permission for energy rate increases.  All it does is grant the Iowa Utility Board the power to give these permissions.  Democrats argued that not all the research has been completed and submitted and that the legislature should wait until it has all the information instead of "rushing."  The Republicans argued that the citizens of Iowa are tired of the legislature constantly "stalling" on issues and that at some point it needs to "take action".  An example was given of President Clinton (I think) declining to drill for oil in the mid 90s because it could take as long as twelve years to set up infrastructure etc. And here we are.

Many of the utility companies support the eventual construction of a nuclear power plant. Why? Because the coal-fired plants in Iowa, as well as the other, smaller, sources, literally will soon not be able to produce enough energy, especially during peak hours.  While wind & solar energy can and should be encouraged and expanded, this cannot physically produce enough power either.  It's really not a question of whether more energy is needed - it's a question of how to provide it.

Monday, April 25

As the session winds down, there is less and less business for the House to debate.  In return, there are fewer committee meetings and not as much floor debate.  Today the House convened at 1:00, recessed till the completion of a State Government meeting/caucuses, and sped through SF 289, HF 686, and SF 313.  All that's left is the budget. Ahem, that's right, all they have to do before they leave is decide who knows best as to how they will spend my hard-earned dollars.

I read in the Des Moines Register today that the federal government borrows 42 cents of every dollar it spends. Um, I don't want to start some pointless political rant (lucky for everyone), but it stands to reason that if Washington's politicians were smart enough to get elected, then shouldn't they be able to see that maybe, just maybe maybe maybe, borrowing that much... [dramatic, lengthy, and, finally, awkward pause] ...is their fault? Ok, I'm done now.

Thursday, April 21

As I walked to the Capital today, I didn't see anyone.  When I entered the building, I didn't see anyone.  Finally, after reaching the second floor, I saw two lobbyists conversing.  Inside the chamber there was one representative and three clerks on the floor, plus doormen and a couple pages.

With no more than 15 reps here, HR 26 was read and actually adopted.  No where will the record of who was here this day be found because it was adopted by a voice vote.  However, no bills can be passed because these votes would be recorded and there is obviously not a majority. Still, it's interesting to think that some business can still be conducted.

Wednesday, April 20

This morning I was distributing two amendments throughout the capital - we call it the amendment run - and when I got to the well I gave the chief clerk two of the same amendment.  I told him I was confusing myself.  As he just became aware of my blog yesterday, he told me to write about it.  I hope he sees this.

One job two pages and I had today was to sort and move 150 five-lb. boxes (I think of binders) from a UPS truck to the two chambers.  Take about $9.00/package and it cost somebody ~$1350 to ship binders to reps near the end of the session just so they can be packed up again and lost over the next eight months...

In other news, the House debated the Economic Development appropriations bill.  If I ask a Republican, it is a great bill that practices fiscal responsibility and creates stability to promote job and business growth.  If I ask a Democrat, it cuts crucial services and hinders the ability of small businesses to have access to said crucial services that they need to maintain their goals and jobs.  If only everyone would stand up and just read this!

A highlight of the day was when debate started (again) on whether or not the House voted last session to have geothermal heated streets and sidewalks.  Rep. Wenthe (D) said he would gladly provide evidence proving that any plans for this were "taken off the drawing board" long before the House voted.  Then Rep. Pettengill (R) said that she (and all the other Republicans, I suppose) was under the impression that they were indeed voting on the issue of heated sidewalks. Point of order.

Lastly, I would love to have heated sidewalks and streets. Wouldn't that be sweet!?

Tuesday, April 19

After a five-minute morning session, the House adjourned and went into Appropriations and Ways & Means Committees at 10:00.  At 11:00, both parties went into caucus.  At 1:00 there was finally some floor debate (minus the debate).   SCR 7, SF 410, and SF 515 were passed and then many of the reps either left or sat around and hosted tiny political discussions amongst themselves.  The vote on SF 410 was very interesting because a Democrat and eight Republicans actually voted against it - including Majority Leader Upmeyer.  It showed me that she was willing to put the bill up for debate for the majority of the caucus even though she was against it.  I think that is a quality of a good leader.

Monday, April 18

At our Lunch 'n Learn the presenter was a no-show, so we went around the room sharing something we learned.  One thing that stuck out was that from a bill's conception to its... passing... most of the small things that carry it along are done hush-hush-behind-the-scenes, and that this is how it works the best.  This is why it is often so quiet in the chamber: a few legislators may discuss the future of a bill and its amendments over coffee or in a cubicle.  Just think what it would be like if all of these "meetings" were required to be made public and records kept.  Would that increase transparency, or the size of government?

The general public should be aware that the real debate doesn't happen on the floor when the cameras are rolling.  The real debate happens while the parties are caucusing (debating and coming to a somewhat general consensus) behind closed doors and the pages and clerks are counting the lights in the ceiling.

Today HF 254, HF 392, HF 493, HF 597, HF 654, HF 672, HF 679, HF 684, SF 521, SF 209 (a.k.a. HF 45; a.k.a. Taxpayers First Act), HF 653, and HF 673 were debated and passed.

I was also declared the hero of the day when I found an earring on the floor.

Thursday, April 14

It was a short, two-hour day today.  All the expectations for the redistricting bill to be a long, drawn-out debate were thrown out the small vents below the huge windows when not a single representative stood to talk other than opening & closing comments.  It passed 91-7.

SF 397 was passed, making it a criminal offense to impersonate a decorated military veteran. SF 418 relates to the disclosure of information with new motor vehicle repairs.  HF 652 gives a tax exemption to those in active duty with Operation New Dawn.

Wednesday, April 13

Today I found my true calling as a model: a tour guide motioned for me to step away from directly underneath the gallery so the students could see a real live page.  It was such an experience, and I would just like to thank everyone...


This morning  SCR 6, HF 666, HF 674, HF 676, and HF 677 were all debated and passed.  After a much-needed break for lunch (a.k.a. there was a free one),  HF 675 and SF 236 were also passed.  Then came the good stuff!

After the passing of SF 236, Rep. Steckman (D) asked for immediate consideration of HF 185 (the bill for % allowable growth for education, which means how much more money the state will provide simply due to things like inflation), to which there was an objection, division (votes are counted individually), record (the individual votes are recorded instead of the overall count), Rule 75 was invoked (all members present/not previously excused must vote on the issue at hand), and the motion lost 40-56 (along party lines).  Promptly after the vote, Rep. Mascher (D) requested a point of personal privelige.  The Speaker refused to let her speak, and both parties went straight to caucus.  After caucuses, Mascher pushed her button again and made her point.  Then Majority Leader Upmeyer had what I call a counterpoint of personal privilege.  I recorded both arguments and they can be heard here.  The reps must be reminiscing about their childhoods by playing the ever-famous blame game.  Perhaps I could make a reality soap opera about this place...

Tuesday, April 12

This morning was super-slow for me - I didn't run an errand for an hour and a half.  This was due to the Appropriations and Ways & Means committees at 10:00, and caucuses after the meetings.  I keep in mind that just because I'm not busy doesn't mean that things aren't going on around here.

I was at the switchboard and someone called wanting her name off "the list".  I asked her who was trying to contact her and she didn't know.  She said that she and many people she knows have gotten tired of political phone calls, and on the one she just got (which was forwarded to the House) she just pushed all the numbers to talk to someone.  I simply told her that it's not the government trying to contact her; it's political action groups, and a surprising number of people simply agree to talk to their rep to tell them to vote or not vote for something they know little or nothing about.

This afternoon HF 484, HF 363, SF 462, SF 456*, SF 365, SF 407, SF 424, SF 495*, HF 660, and SF 482 were debated and passed.

SF 456 is a bill relating to persons prohibited from possessing or receiving firearms because of mental health commitments or adjudications and to petitions for relief from such prohibitions.

I read this article in the DM Register a few weeks ago about the long-term ombudsman.  The ombuds(wo)man is the "voice" on behalf of the elders in Iowa.  The bill it refers to is SF 495, which was passed today unanimously.

Monday, April 11

I had an interesting day.  The Lunch 'n Learn was with a three-person panel of clerks who told us what they do and how clerks assist the legislators in day-to-day tasks (mostly organization).  I wasn't surprised to hear that most emails sent to first.last@legis.iowa.gov are answered by clerks; at the beginning of the session it is not uncommon for there to be 10,000+ emails from the previous year.

My New Buddies

This afternoon I had my picture taken with Rep Iverson, Senator Bacon, and Governor Branstad.  The governor's office is roughly the size of... my house.  Both floors of my house.

In the afternoon SF 510, a judicial system appropriations bill, SF 197, a bill modifying provisions applicable to fire protection systems and electrician licensure requirements, SF 260, a bill eliminating the transfer tax imposed on insurers organized in other states who elect to become domestic insurers in Iowa, and SF 315 were debated and passed.

Thursday, April 7

The morning began with the 84th General Assembly Memorial Choir singing Wilhousky's "Battle Hymn of the Republic".  They then led the Pledge of Allegiance. HF 537 and SF 361 were debated and passed.  SF 361 authorizes the Iowa State Fair Board to establish an endowment fund to receive gifts in trust dedicated to the maintenance and improvement of the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

SF 509 was debated and passed.  It makes appropriations involving state government entities involved with agriculture, natural resources, and environmental protection.  HF 649 was also debated and passed. It makes appropriations for health and human services.  On these bills, and many more to come, the Democrats propose amendments to (usually) increase spending slightly to provide a service, and the Republicans argue that the state can't afford it.  Round and round it goes.  One Republican voted nay on both these bills.

Wednesday, April 6

Back to the chairs.

A joint session was held today for Pioneer Lawmakers, who are selected based on their ability to move the state forward etc.  We were addressed by Art Neu, former Senator and Lieutenant Governor of Iowa.  From what I could tell, he has lots of common sense when it comes to getting things done in politics.  I wish common sense prevailed in the current world of politics.

After the joint sesson, SF 460, SF 243, SF 279, SF 312, and SF 326 were debated and passed.  Something I learned from SF 312 was that if there are at least 500 people that request a certain type of license plate, the DOT will create that plate for them.

Tuesday, April 5

Today was a long day of debating appropriations bills. The process of creating, removing, and transferring funds is a long and tedious one - I can only imagine the political bloodbath going on in Washington D.C. right now.  Because Iowa's legislative chambers don't have the same majority party, it is super difficult to pass legislation.  As a result, there is no longer a chance of working later than April, there is more of a certainty about it.

Two appropriations bills went through the House today: SF 511 - Judicial branch appropriations, and HF 645 - education appropriations.

Monday, April 4

Today's Lunch 'n Learn was with David Roederer, the Director of the Iowa Department of Management.  He works closely with the governor, especially with the budget.  The department supervises the executive branch (underneath the governor's office).  Something very interesting I learned was that there are roughly 40,000 people in Iowa that work for the executive branch.  This includes the universities, DOT, public hospitals, education, and everything else other than the legislature and court systems.

After two hours of caucus, HF 646, HF 648, SF 120, SF 122, SF 123, SF 194, SF 205, SF 286, SF 389, SF 393, SF 399, SF 428, and SF 453 were all debated and passed.  The house adjourned at 11:45 pm, 15 minutes before they must stop debating (unless the rules are suspended).

Thursday, March 31

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.