Highlites from the Senate

This week saw a flurry of committee and subcommittee meetings as we work to perfect bills for floor debate. Budget targets have been announced in the House and the Senate targets should be forthcoming.

Once the size of the pie is determined, targets can be identified. It is very important that we don’t grow state spending faster than our revenues increase. That would mean we were promising to spend more than we had coming in. If that occurs, tax increases would not be far behind.

Debate continues regarding the Meth issue. The House passed a bill that would make products containing pseudoephedrine (the main ingredient in Meth) a schedule five drug that could only be sold in pharmacies. The Senate version allows small doses available over-the-counter in retail outlets and higher dosages would be sold from behind the counter in pharmacies. Either way, this will be the toughest law in the nation when it is enacted. Unfortunately, our neighboring states or the internet could be an alternate source for Meth makers in search of these products.

Work continues on the economic development front. It now appears that the federal government may have to step in to limit some of the foolishness that these state programs are creating. Iowa will never be able to offer the level of incentives our neighboring states can. We need to continue our work as a business friendly state that can offer high paying jobs, a fair tax structure and a minimum of red tape.

I enjoyed visiting with UNI students Jenni Hemesath, Postville, and Brandi Halverson, Ossian, at the Capitol this week. They stopped by to lobby for early childhood education. It is always a pleasure to see constituents from the district and hear their views on the issues.