Swine Flu

The new, deadly virus has hit Iowa and hit it hard. Not only are there reported cases of the H1N1 virus throughout the state, today, China stated they would no longer accept Iowa pork exports. That is devastating news.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey, released this statement: “Iowa pork, and all pork for that matter, is safe and China and the other countries that are banning pork imports are not acting based on science. It is unfortunate that these unjustified actions are being felt most dramatically by the farmers who raise pork. The industry has already been facing very difficult economics for the last several months, and this just adds to the difficulties experienced by Iowa’s pork producers.”

Why are we not hearing more state officials speak out on this? This has a huge affect on Iowa's economy and we can't do enough to correct misconceptions about the virus and Iowa pork.

Iowa Senate Republicans

The Fall of the Gavel

It is 5:42 a.m. on Sunday morning at the State Capitol and the end is here. The final bill of the session is on the Senate floor, the budget is balanced, Iowa has bonded and borrowed so much money that it is insane. The standings bill (pork barrel spending bill) passed and everyone is tired and cranky. Let's do it again next year!!

Down Time

There is a lot of down time today. Most everyone in the Senate has been at the Capitol for roughly 11 hours and seen only 2 minutes of actual bill work take place. The bills that will hopefully be dispensed with very soon are the Health and Human Services budget bill, a health care bill coming back from the House and a bill regarding flood insurance.

Earlier this week Democrats passed a bill appropriating money to 13 state agencies. Amendments were tacked onto the bill that gave the OK for the state to purchase brand new vehicles – even though perfectly good newer vehicles are sitting, gathering dust in parking lots. These new vehicles will have all sorts of upgrades thanks to this amendment. Some of those upgrades include leather seats, satellite radio, GPS, running boards, truck toppers and new floor mats. Pretty nice considering the state is so cash strapped lately. It’s nice to see that tax dollars are being put to good use.............

***Update***
On a positive note, the new Adam Walsh bill just passed in the Senate tonight. The bill is tougher than the old sex offender law and provides for a 2000 plus foot rule. This was a truly bipartisan bill that will help protect Iowa children. The bill is now on to the House.

The Long Haul Part 2

It is safe to say that everyone at the Capitol is getting a little stir crazy. Legislators would be the first to admit that. The weather is nice, the steady stream of bills has become a trickle and after being cooped up in the Capitol with the same people all winter, tempers flare. That is still no excuse to not take care of the important business of Iowa.

Democrats don't seem to care as they have dug their heels into the ground and closed the lines of communication. Today Democrats in the House and Senate admitted that they are not communicating with the Governor on the most important issue in Iowa - the budget. Until that happens, everyone else is left wondering why egos can't be put in check to get to work. Pouting like high schoolers is sooooo last year..........