Over the last few days, the issue I have heard about most in messages left on my phone, in texts and in emails, is stopping the use of eminent domain for the CO2 pipeline projects. The common question is, “what more can we do to get the Senate to pass HF565?” Good question. HF565 was overwhelmingly passed by the House, and creates strong protections against the use of eminent domain for the CO2 pipeline private economic development projects. Unfortunately, it was not advanced by the Senate before the final funnel deadline.
A late session surprise issue was introduced in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. One of the tasks of Senate committee chairs is to spend time outside of session finding problems and looking for solutions that are bold and innovative. With Republicans chairing Senate committees, taxpayers are protected in this system. I’ll start by introducing two tax programs involving corn producers.
In 1987, state law was changed to require gender balance for state-level appointees to boards and commissions. In 2009, the Democrat-controlled House, Senate, and Governor required county and municipal level appointees to meet the same standard. The 2009, law delayed the balance standard in order to give counties and cities a chance to find women who would be willing to serve on these boards. This delay proved to be a recognition of the difficulties to come.
Every year, the legislature passes laws that impact the way the Governor’s Office and the Executive Branch administer the Iowa Code and manage state government. Each year, the Executive Branch makes changes to its own departments and programs as laws are passed, new challenges arise, and governors change from time to time. This leads to a state government structure that reflects multiple governors and legislatures with different priorities and missions. This is where we found ourselves in 2023.
So Spring is here. Are we not so glad? So for spring, I have added a poem I wrote several years ago. I invite you readers to send me your poems and stories on Spring or Easter. Please send to news@holsteinadvance.com by April 4. Enjoy!
Hello, Willow
Hello, Willow.
Did the Winter take you?
I watch, I care for you; I snap dead branches off,
Hello, Willow.
Does the Spring air arise you?
I see your small leaves out; I see Frost has tipped them,
A proposed bill, Senate File 546, would result in removing a major component of government transparency. This legislation would require legal notices to be posted on a website controlled by the very government legal notices are designed to oversee and notices would not be required to published in a local newspaper.
This is the wrong move today, tomorrow and for the future. Government transparency is more important than ever. In truth it is critical.
