The View From Here

Last week we hit our first legislative deadline, when all bills that will survive the process must be passed by both subcommittee and full committee in their respective chambers, with the exception of Ways and Means bills and Appropriations bills. In Health and Human Services, we passed around 10 bills, as well as another dozen in State Government. In Local Government, we had another dozen bills to deal with. It is a busy time as we seek to advance legislation that improves the lives of Iowans.

SSB 1158 passed out of the Agriculture Committee on Monday. It modifies the K-12 curriculum to include instruction on the nutritional benefits of animal-based protein, and the role of real meat, dairy, and vegetables and fruit in a balanced diet.

SF 138 is a bill that I have worked on for three years. It would set up the guidelines for a Social Studies class using the Bible to understand American history. This is the most published, most read book ever and a big part of American history. I am pleased that both the Senate and the House have passed this bill and it will be eligible for floor debate the rest of the session.

I was disappointed that SSB 1166, dealing with eminent domain, failed to pass out of the Judiciary Committee. This bill dealt with eminent domain for any use, pipelines, transmission lines, roads, windmills -- you name it. It included a minimum level of voluntary easements at 90 percent. Evidently, the committee felt the 90 percent level was too high. With all of the energy projects happening or proposed in Iowa, it is imperative we provide some guidelines for when eminent domain can be used. We should not surrender our property rights to anyone wishing to make a buck! Let’s keep eminent domain for things that truly provide a benefit to all Iowans.

There has been a lot of discussion about the governor’s bill on cell phone use in the classroom. On Tuesday, the Senate Education Committee unanimously approved SF 237 to help study the effects technology is having on kids in their daily lives. The bill directs the Department of Education, working with the Department of Health and Human Services, to put together a working group to review research regarding the impact of school-provided technology on students’ cognitive function. This review would include recommendations on best practices for the use of school-provided technology in educational contexts and a focus on how to mitigate its negative impacts on social and behavioral development, attention span, mental concentration, and learning ability. The teachers that I have talked to are welcoming this discussion.

In 2023, we passed a property tax bill, HF 718. This bill helped curb the rapid increase in property taxes, but some work remained to make the system fair for all. A bill currently being worked on phases out the antiquated rollback system for residential, commercial, and industrial property over five years. This system was put in years ago but has now only made property taxes unpredictable and complicated. By eliminating the rollback, along with lowering levy rates, limiting revenue increases, and moving from tax credits to exemptions, the bill provides more stability for local governments and businesses and makes property taxes simpler and fairer for everyone. 

The chair of Ways and Means is encouraging citizens and especially local governments to reach out to him to give their input. A couple of weeks ago elected officials from Hancock County had a Zoom meeting with Senator Dawson and were pleased that their issues were heard and will be considered as this legislation takes shape.

I have community forums in Garner at 9:30 in the Public Library and in Britt at the City Hall at 11:00 on March 14th.

I will again be in Webster City at Central College on Saturday, March 22 at 11:00.