All Posts in Category: Newsletter

On the opening day of the 2017 legislative session I supported and co-sponsored four bills along with 28 Senate Republican colleagues. These are the only four bills that I sponsored this year. One of the first four bills Senate Republicans offered in January focused on fiscal responsibility.Iowans expect their elected…

In my opening day speech, I encouraged my Senate colleagues to think big, be bold and make lasting reforms that would have a positive impact on Iowa for generations to come. They were not words in an opening day tradition, but rather more of a vision – a roadmap so…

One of the greatest moments in my day is taking my children to school. It is a great feeling to see the excitement in their eyes and hear the enthusiasm in their voices. As a parent, I fully understand the value of our children receiving a quality education. When Rachel…

The legislative process is in full swing at the Statehouse. Traditionally, much of the first week is dedicated to formal speeches and settling back into the Capitol. By the second and third weeks, lawmakers begin filing their bills and legislation is assigned to committees for consideration. As the Senate President,…

Since being elected in 2010 to the Iowa Senate, I have discussed a vision of mine with constituents and Iowans – tax reform. It is a topic that deserves to be discussed. Iowa ranks among the worst in regards to tax climate. Tax reform is an issue that deserves to…

Ankeny residents received a surprise in the mail last week from the Polk County Assessor. Many people have contacted me about the drastic increase to their assessment and property taxes. On a seemingly different note, the largest issue left facing the legislature is setting the funding level for K-12 education.…

As the third week of the legislature comes to an end, business is starting to pick up. The first two weeks of session include several ceremonial events like the governor’s Condition of the State address, as well as several introductory meetings in our committees. Now that these events have passed,…

I have had the honor of representing Ankeny in the State Senate for the past 3 years. I decided to run for the Senate because when I looked at our government, I was concerned. I saw three deficits: a budget deficit, a trust deficit and a leadership deficit. A lot…

The 2014 Legislative session kicked off this week with a lot of optimism after a 2013 session that saw the legislature pass several huge reforms, including property tax reform, education reform and healthcare reform. Following an extremely busy and productive session, many people are predicting a shorter, less productive session…