The 2024 Legislative Session is underway. I am going to start my column out the same way I always do – with a reminder.
Republicans have had control of all three branches of government for the seventh year in a row and over 90 percent of the bills that become law are bipartisan if not unanimous. State government is far more functional than the federal government.
In the first couple weeks of the new Session, I co-sponsored two pieces of legislation and have heard a lot about two other issues.
Nursing Homes
I co-sponsored a healthcare bill that will give vital tools for nursing home employees to help their residents and expand the scope of services available.
I am also pushing for more funding on the appropriations side. Seniors who have dedicated their lives to this state deserve dignity after a lifetime of hard work. More details will follow as the bill works its way through the process.
Public Safety
I co-sponsored legislation for public safety personnel by making positive changes and modifications to the retirement benefits of sheriffs and deputy sheriffs. These folks put their lives on the line for all of us and the least we can do is ensure their retirement system is in line with what they deserve.
The bill also restricts bail for murder in the first degree or felonious assaults committed upon public safety personnel and provides a tax credit for moving expenses for law enforcement moving into the state for employment. As always, I “Back the Blue” 100 percent.
Area Education Agencies (AEAs)
Governor Reynolds put out a bill regarding how services are paid for and delivered within our Area Education Agencies (AEAs). AEAs work with our school districts and individual parents and students to help with many areas of education including children with special needs and disabilities.
I do not doubt there are efficiencies to be found within the AEA system and I do not think any area of government should have an expectation of reviews never happening due to the fact that we are talking about tax dollars.
My litmus test for supporting any AEA bill is simple – does it help and improve services for the children who need them. The current bill in question does not accomplish that and I do not support it.
I have received much feedback from you and have met with many AEA families and employees. I sense a willingness to work together as long as they have a seat at the table. I will withhold my support until I can be convinced the AEAs are involved and that it improves services.
If those two things do not happen, I will continue to be a no. One additional concern I have with the bill is that it creates a large bureaucracy within the Department of Education. I hope any bill also addresses the outrageous salaries being paid to AEA administrators.
Eminent Domain
I continue to be a leading advocate in the state for landowners’ rights and I will continue to support any and all bills that further the rights of landowners against government theft – aka eminent domain.
I intensely dislike a for-profit pipeline company forcing landowners to sell. The House has passed a bill, and I will continue to stand firm.
My advice right now to all landowners….DO NOT SELL for any price. The power NOT to sell is in your hands. Wolf’s proposed pipeline in Cedar and Scott, counties will have blatantly lied to everyone in eastern Iowa if they break their promise and apply for eminent domain. If they do then every legal avenue to stop them should be used. We should be prepared just in case.
Visitors to the Capitol: Corey and Michelle Garvin, Wilton.
Listening Posts: Feb. 3 at 9 a.m., Muscatine Community College
Contact Representative Kaufmann:
E-mail: Bobby.Kaufmann@legis.iowa.gov
Phone: 563-260-3355
Mail: 1527 330th Street, Wilton IA 52778