March 28, 2024

Lucky to have Wes

I serve as campaign treasurer for Rep. Wes Breckenridge and also work with Wes as his legislative clerk during the session from January to April. Clerks sit in the chamber beside their representative’s seat and have the opportunity to witness the daily activity of the House and Capitol.

It’s an unusual work setting where more than 200 legislators, clerks, House and party staffs, reporters and guests interact in a close setting. Iowa’s legislative season is just 100 days or so, and when I first started it was described to me as “drinking from a fire hose.”

The legislators who take their jobs seriously work extremely hard during the weeks of the session. Wes is one of those legislators. He arrives at the Capitol early each morning to meet with various organizations from all over the state who have come to the Capitol that day to discuss their particular concerns with lawmakers.

After the day’s session is gaveled in at 8:30 a.m., he spends long hours in party caucus and committee meetings. Wes is on four standing committees: Appropriations, Education, Natural Resources, and Public Safety, as well as the Justice Systems Appropriations Budget subcommittee, where he is ranking member. Good legislators like Wes do their homework and come to these meetings prepared to talk about bills, having read them and discussed implications with stakeholders and learned what the fiscal implications are.

Wes spends a good amount of time most days in communication by email, phone or in person with constituents or others who have problems, questions or concerns about legislation. Not every legislator takes the time to be as responsive. Wes takes advantage of special noon hour programs to gain knowledge and perspective from people working directly in areas in which new legislation would make a significant difference.

Legislative progress is often one of compromise with the other party. It takes time and effort to build relationships and trust with lawmakers across the aisle. I’ve witnessed Wes do this far more often than others. Over the two years that Wes has been in office, I’ve heard many legislators of both parties make positive and admiring comments about Wes’ manner and approach to finding common ground.

We’re lucky to have Wes Breckenridge represent us in Iowa House District 29. Join me in re-electing Wes Breckenridge for a second term in the Iowa House.

Laura Engel

Newton