Wrapping up the 2025 legislative session

Wow, what an adventure the voters of Scott, Clinton, and Jackson County sent my wife (served as clerk) and me on. We went to work immediately on Day 1 and on Day 2, I gave my first floor speech entitled “School Finance 101” about why 2% SSA was a property tax hike for local communities. As bills came up, I reviewed the lobbyist declarations to determine where different groups stood on the issues. Following the old cliché of “trust, but verify,” I made personal calls and sent emails to our local elected officials, business owners, and impacted constituents to ensure that I was representing their interests. As your voice in the Iowa Senate, I gave support protecting the 5th Amendment regarding the limitations of eminent domain, and after much research and personal phone calls, I voted against the pesticide bill as it would hurt the farmers, and their heirs, should they be unfortunate enough to incur non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I voted to provide an even business model for our local pharmacies. In summary, I continue to educate myself in areas in which I do not have much background and provide real-life examples in areas that I do. I will continue to answer emails and attend multiple events throughout the year as your State Senator.