March 19, 2024

Legislature convenes, pendulum swings to the right

Both the Iowa House and Senate convened Monday morning in its annual session that looms to be one of “change.” With Iowa having the governor, House and Senate under Republican control, an agenda is anticipated that will dramatically change the public policy that has been recognized as moderate.

The pendulum has now swung too far to the right. It will soon commence its return to the center when Iowans start to realize the changes this general assembly will adopt and be signed into law by the governor, and how this changes their lives far, far more than expected. Education, health care, workers’ rights and environmental protection will not receive the attention sufficient for citizen needs, and further deterioration is imminent.

As for northern Jasper County’s delegation of Sen. Chaz Allen and Rep. Wes Breckenridge, I am especially confident both would be working “across the aisle” with their Republican colleagues in an attempt to bridge the partisanship that tends to overwhelm the Iowa Capitol. We can be very proud of our representation in Des Moines. These two gentlemen recognize the honor of serving in their elected responsibilities, and are ever-ready to communicate with their constituents.

Sen. Dennis Black, Ret.

Lynnville