Local Columns
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Iowa ranks #1 in election integrity. This week, the House of Representatives passed HF 2610, a bill to make several changes to increase security in Iowa’s elections. The bill completes the full … more
The second funnel week’s purpose is basically the same as the first funnel week, but this time around the Senate is working with House bills, as opposed to Senate bills. This week’s schedule was … more
This year, more than 150,000 new colorectal cancers will be diagnosed, and some 52,000 Americans will die of the disease. With the help of your medical local providers, you can help turn the … more
As conversations about budgets and tax cuts are now moving to the forefront of the legislative session, it is once again time to review an important factor in these discussion – the Taxpayer Relief … more
Week seven of the legislative session ushered in a week focused mainly on debate. Every day after gaveling in, both parties retire to caucus and discuss the bills at hand. This gives my colleagues … more
In the Senate during week three the focus was on scheduling subcommittee meetings for discussion and public comment. The scheduling process can be quite a challenge as the other senators are also … more
At the beginning of the New Year, it’s natural to consider health improvements. Nothing puts your well-being in the spotlight better than scheduling essential cancer screenings. Screenings aid … more
HSB 542 has garnered the most attention from the Governor’s Condition of the State address. It is a bill seeking to reform Area Education Agencies. I’ve heard from many constituents with … more
On Monday January 15th (Martin Luther King Day) Iowa held it’s Republican (first in the nation) caucus. The final countdown after months of events, speeches, mailings and texts. It’s a wonderful … more
When Rose and I wish a good meal away from home we often head to Don Jose’s restaurant in downtown Estherville—good authentic Mexican food, friendly staff, a great place to eat. The restaurant … more
  The last few weeks of session are dedicated to off and on-again debate. After the previous week’s confirmation of the Governor’s appointees, the two standing committees of … more
It takes a second to say hello. Or to save a life. As National Stroke Awareness Month unfolds for us, it’s a good time to review how to respond to the potentially debilitating or fatal threat of … more
Week 15 in the Iowa Senate was exceptionally busy as we made major strides towards completing the agenda for the year. We ran over fifty bills on the floor, sending them to the House or to the … more
Session is coming to an end very soon, but we have still been working hard to get things done. This week we have debated and passed more legislation. Last week House Republicans released their … more
I have never been a fireman, that being said I have known a few. They all seem to share a strong sense of duty, a passion for their job, know who they are. The term, a band of brothers, comes to … more
Week 7 was an extremely busy week. There was a full schedule of subcommittee meetings from the time I arrived all throughout the week. This work is all in preparation for the first funnel deadline … more
Funnel week is next week and that means it is very busy here in the Iowa House. Many, many subcommittees are meeting in an effort to get bills moving through committee. I also served on 3 … more
  This week the Senate was hard at work trying to get everything in order before the first “Funnel Week” arrives, coming up during first part of March. By this time, all Senate … more
During Monday’s Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee we heard a presentation given by Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority. On … more
For years, Celina Karp Biniaz lived a quiet life in Iowa. Little did those around her realize the horrors she had experienced in the Nazi Holocaust. William B. Friedricks, professor emeritus of … more
China represents the greatest threat to our national, economic, energy, and food security. From buying up American farmland to stonewalling investigations into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, … more
On Monday I started my day receiving a draft of a bill I recently filed for a constituent and approving another bill to be drafted. One bill is a companion to Rep. Jones’ bill in the House … more
One highlight I forgot to mention from last week happened on Thursday during debate. I was the floor manager for HF 150 (formerly known as HF 25). I was also the chair of the subcommittee for this … more
A recent public opinion poll found that three-quarters of Americans want members of Congress to end their bickering and begin compromising more with their colleagues from the other party. The poll … more
Funeral services for Allan Heebner, 63, of Estherville, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, at the Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel, Estherville, with Pastor Doug Burton officiating. … more
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