As the sun set, or in this case rose, as the gavel fell on the Iowa legislative session, we can ponder what was accomplished. After a very divisive session that saw record citizen turnout and involvement, one might question whether the legislation passed will benefit most Iowans. Isn’t that the goal of every legislative session? We saw rights taken away from 185,000 public workers through collective bargaining dismantling; we saw injured workers lose options to seek compensation through workers compensation law changes; we saw the elimination of the current family planning services program and creation of a new, unstructured family planning program that will cost Iowans an additional $3.4 million, and which leaves Iowa unable to benefit from millions of federal dollars; we saw unnecessary changes to voting procedures that cost at an absolute minimum $700,000, even though we currently are #2 in the nation for voter integrity. All of these and other changes occur at a time when Iowans saw $118 million in de-appropriations and $131 million borrowed from our surplus just to get through the current fiscal year.
All this legislation comes at a time when we are seeing economic growth in our state; it is slow growth to be sure, but we have still been moving in an economically positive direction. But we are still coming up almost $250 million short. This indicates a spending issue. We must look at the enormous amount of money we’re spending in tax credits, rebates and incentives, and their effectiveness and efficiency for Iowans. We have given out these credits, rebates and incentives in a piecemeal fashion over the years without quality oversight. It is time to look at these tax credits, rebates and incentives and identify if we are getting a return on investment that improves Iowa’s economy through investments and jobs. I suspect that the answer is no.
On a positive note, a shout out to the 16-panel work group that worked collaboratively on drug endangered children legislation that was signed by the governor. The law requires a child abuse investigation be conducted involving dangerous drugs in the presence of children. The law adds heroin, cocaine and opioids to the definition of drugs. This will give the Department of Human Services more options in helping children in dangerous situations. Protecting our children through this legislation was a bipartisan effort that shows what can be done when we work together.
Moving forward in a positive approach to improve the quality of life for everyday Iowans must be our goal. Iowans want legislators to do what is right. We can continue the blame game, or we can work collaboratively toward solutions. I choose the latter; let’s put partisan politics behind us and look for real solutions that will help Iowa be an economic and upstanding leader in the nation. With that, I want to challenge all Iowans to stay active and involved so your voices are heard. We need your valuable input and insight so we can make informed decisions. In closing, thank you for allowing me to serve you. I am humbled and appreciative of your support and will work tirelessly on your behalf.