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...
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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| 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.
Monday, April 11, 2011
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.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
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.
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.
Two appropriations bills went through the House today: SF 511 - Judicial branch appropriations, and HF 645 - education appropriations.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
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).
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).
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