Visions of harmony offered as State Legislature convenes

Much pomp and circumstance greeted the packed Senate and House chambers, as the 88th Iowa General Assembly convened on Monday, Jan. 14. The first day of the general assembly saw the third straight year of a Republican “trifecta”, that is a Republican hold on both houses of the Iowa Legislature, as well as the Governor’s office. House Republicans entered the session with a reduced majority, holding 54 of the 100 seats, while Senate Republicans entered with an expanded majority- 32 of 50 seats.

While house leadership offered a similar idea on where the state should go, a competing vision of how to get there was clear among competing parties. However, leaders in the house agreed on one thing: both parties must work together.

“After the election, no matter who is in charge, Iowans expect us to move beyond the partisan gamesmanship and govern,” said House Speaker Linda Upmeyer (R- Clear Lake), who was elected to her second term as speaker on Monday.

House Majority Leader Chris Hagenow (R- Urbandale) echoed that sentiment. “Last General Assembly, over 88 percent of the bills we passed were bipartisan. I am hopeful we can move that number even higher,” Hagenow said.

For the full story, see this week's Sun. Subscribe by calling 1-800-558-1244 ext 122 or email Deb at circulation@midamericapub.com or by clicking here.