My 25th high school class reunion was this month. While some like to relive the memories of North Scott, the school experience was traumatic for many of us. I was the target of bullying and harassment on a consistent basis. Those weren’t glory days; they were hell. And yet, I had certain generally positive experiences (e.g., Lancer Productions, choir, some friendly classmates, and a handful of teachers who tried to establish a safe and affirming environment). more

They sounded like they cared. more

The following item was published in the June 5 issues of the DeWitt Observer and Maquoketa Sentinel-Press. more

The Biden administration recently finalized a rule that would require nursing homes in America to have a minimum level of staff on duty at all times. more

The future of our country relies on the coming generations of students in our schools today. This means preparing them for the adult world they inevitably will join in the near future. more

Politicians do not appear to be serious about passing a new five-year farm bill before the November elections. more

A new federal audit has revealed a surprising claim about biofuel tax credits: One third of the credits sampled by investigators lacked the required documentation, meaning the claims should not have been allowed. more

The 2024 session was a big win for Iowans, and we passed some major legislation to address the concerns of Iowans and the issues important to them. With all these accomplishments, we are looking forward to getting back home to our districts, spending time with our families, and talking with constituents about our successes this year. more

On April 10, the Iowa House passed House File 2641 by a near unanimous 96-aye to 1-nay vote. HF 2641 is the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) departmental bill. The measure proposes a number of changes to the Code that make technical corrections to update Code verbiage, remove dormant or obsolete program and Code provisions, and restructures Code language concerning the Choose Iowa Promotional Program. more

House File 2634 removes the $7.0 million cap on the real estate transfer tax (RETT) that is deposited in the housing trust fund (HTF)—resulting in an increase to that fund and affordable housing across the state. The bill passed out of the House Economic Growth and Technology and Ways and Means Committees as well as off the House Floor unanimously. more

The 14th week included a lot of floor debate as we work through bills going through both the House and the Senate. more

The 14th week of the 2024 legislative session brought more bills to the House floor. As Chairman of the House Appropriation Committee, I have scheduled budget bills to start being voted on within our committee. We will soon be reaching the end of our session. more

If you were having a conversation with your best friend and he said your outfit looked horrible that day, would that make you feel good? more

City officials in Davenport have managed to accomplish the impossible this year: They have brought Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature together to agree on something. more

Things are starting to wrap up at the capitol as we end the session, and the House of Representatives is busy working on the budget for the 2025 Fiscal Year. more

As week 13 comes to a close I find myself with a growing appreciation for my opportunity to live here in Iowa, not to mention the great honor of serving you all in the Iowa House. more

The 13th week of the 2024 Legislative Session brought more bills to the House floor. As chairman of the House Appropriation Committee, I received our budget targets for this session. We will soon begin building the budget for the State of Iowa. more

The 13th week of the legislative session involved a lot of debate, finding an agreement on the state budget, and confirming governor appointees. Bills of note include: more

As a kid have you ever wanted to get something expensive but your parents say, “No,” or “pay for it yourself.” more

This session, the House passed House File 2554 which is based on some of the recommendations provided to update Iowa’s energy laws. Over the summer, the legislature required a full review of Iowa’s utilities and ratemaking processes. This was the first comprehensive review done in 20 years, and a lot has changed in that time in the energy sector. more