The Bottom Line

by State Senator Mike Breitbach

Most of my time this week has been debating bills on the Senate floor. Some of the bills are returning from the House after changes have been made and some are just coming over from the House for final approval.
A bill for final approval will move to the Governor for his signature and others will return to the House for their additional consideration. I expect many of the appropriation bills will end up in conference committee to work out final details.
Technology is quite amazing. Both yesterday and today I have been flooded with calls about SF504 which would fund the National Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. The calls were initiated by someone in favor of the bill. They call constituents, give them brief information and then transfer them to my phone and ask them to tell me to support the bill. Many of the people who got through to my cell phone didn’t realize there would be an increase in sales tax, $150 million, and many didn’t know how the funds would be spent.
I enjoy speaking with my constituents about issues important to them, but unfortunately the way in which this call was put together seemed to mislead or confuse some of the people. If we are going to fund this program I think it is only fair people realize it requires a sales tax increase. Natural resources and clean water are very important to me and I will continue to work hard to protect them.
My Senate email is michael.breitbach@legis.iowa.gov or you can call me at 563-920-7399.
Please listen to my interviews with Darin Svenson on KDEC radio (Decorah) at 7 a.m. every Thursday morning, or listen online at soundcloud.com/kdecnews.