The Bottom Line

by State Senator Mike Breitbach

On Tuesday, I floor managed my first bill. Senate File 155 was a non-controversial bill which exempts dump trucks and other construction equipment from having a light over their license plate if they are hauling to and from a construction site.
The bill passed on a vote of 48 -1 and will now go to the House for consideration.
The week after “funnel week” tends to be very busy with floor debate and this year was no exception.  Monday through Wednesday we debated more than three dozen bills, including bills ensuring we provide quality mental health services to Iowans in need, and the school start date.
There is a difference between the Senate and House school start date bills. The Senate bill would allow local districts to set their start date and the House bill sets a date of no sooner than August 23.  I expect this difference to be worked out very quickly.
The school budget is still tied up in conference committee and there are rumblings we may not get a bill passed this year. If that happens, most schools will have a budget guarantee which allows them to spend 101 percent of their prior year’s budget. Any increase in spending would most likely lead to an increase in property taxes. I hope the conference committee members will find some common ground and put a bill before us we can vote on.
 
My Senate email is michael.breitbach@legis.iowa.gov or you can call me at 563-920-7399.
If you would like to schedule a time for me to meet with your local group please feel free to contact me to see if we can find a time that would work out.  
Please listen to my interviews with Darin Svenson on KDEC radio (Decorah) at 7:00 a.m. every Thursday morning, or listen online at soundcloud.com/kdecnews.
Please join me at upcoming forums:
March 21 -  9 a.m. Oelwein Farm Bureau - Oelwein Luigi’s; 11:15 a.m. Allamakee Farm Bureau.
March 28 - 10 a.m. - Garnavillo Public Library.