Hundreds of our veterans and their families traveled to the State Capitol on Wednesday for “Veterans Day on the Hill.” Throughout the day, veterans met with legislators to discuss the priorities of the Veterans Coalition.
I was proud to welcome several Vietnam veterans from Jasper County. My guests were Randy Wagner, Bud Picket, Tom McKinney, Richard Wobst, Gary Van Baale and Richard Bullock. I formally introduced them following the morning-prayer-and-pledge in the House Chamber. The Jasper County veterans received a standing ovation from all 100 State Representatives. Most of these gentlemen had visited me and received a well-deserved standing ovation last year. I want this to become an annual tradition and invite all Jasper County veterans to be part of the delegation next year. I’d love for you to join me on Veterans Day on the Hill. Contact me and we’ll set it up.
A ceremony was also held to honor veterans and other service members. The Jasper County Veterans delegation and I attended the service. The Director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, Col. Robert King, the Chair of the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs, George Goebel, Major General Timothy Orr of the Iowa National Guard and members of the Legislature spoke during the ceremony.
The Veterans Coalition is a group of representatives from various veterans’ organizations across Iowa. They work collectively to develop and advance policy ideas to assist Iowa veterans and their families.
The Veterans Coalition’s main goal is to help Iowa grow and prosper. The Coalition is asking for continued support of Iowa veterans and their families. This includes protecting the financial integrity of the agencies and programs like the Iowa Veterans Home, the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund, the Injured Veterans Grant Program and the Military Home Ownership Program.
I have pledged my support to these efforts and encourage all veterans and their families to contact me with ideas, suggestions and concerns. Veterans have sacrificed to defend our liberties and protect our freedom, it is our responsibility to do all we can for them.
Also this week, the Department of Education outlined their guidance on the new start date waiver for schools. How early in the summer schools can start classes is a long-standing controversy and we’re searching for a solution. Here’s what the Department of Education stated:
School districts have to apply for a waiver by March 15, if they want to start next year prior to the week of Sept. 1. The district must make a case that starting later would have a ‘significant negative educational impact,’ according to the department.
I’m going to work with our colleagues in the House, Senate, and Governor’s office to help finally resolve this issue.
I appreciate hearing from parents, teachers, students, and administrators concerning school-start date and all education issues. We must always put Iowa’s kids first. I am certain that if we work together, we will find a solution to this on-going issue that will work to strengthen our schools and allow for the full economic impact of tourism on our state. Both are critical to our future.
I'm proud to represent Newton, Colfax, Baxter, Mingo, Kellogg, Prairie City, Lambs Grove, Ira, and Valeria. I look forward to hearing from you at 641-521-9260 or dan.kelley@legis.iowa.gov.
Visit my website at www.electkelley.com. Friend me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.