“Leave no authority existing not responsible to the people.” ~Thomas Jefferson, 1743-1826.
With those introductory words, the Thomas Jefferson Gardens board invites area residents to the third “Meet Your Legislator” event Saturday, March 7, at 10:30 am at the Welcome Center, located in the Thomas Jefferson Gardens.
Sen. Jerry Behn and Rep. Phil Thompson will be present to greet constituents, and listen to their hopes, as well as concerns as the legislative session goes into its final weeks.
The first funnel date for both houses passed was Feb. 21. This means proposed legislation must have passed out of committee for their respective houses. The 100th day of session, thus adjournment date for this year’s session, is April 21.
The Revenue Estimating Council will meet in early March to provide budget information for current and realistic dollar estimates for the House and Senate, as well as Gov Reynolds.
The education appropriation bill proposed by the Senate is at odds with the recommendation from the Governor and that suggested by the House. It puts all the schools in Iowa in difficulty as they are working to complete the local school budgets, only to be hamstrung by not knowing what the appropriation will be from the State of Iowa.
This and other topics are certain to be issues posed to Greene County’s legislative representatives. Local participation is important, as some nearby counties are unable to arrange for dialogue with their legislators. While participants in Meet your Legislator may not always agree, the communication does not become disagreeable.
Tori Riley will fill in for Rick Morain as moderator. Government students from Greene County and Paton-Churdan schools are offered a special invitation to attend.
Light refreshments will be served by the Thomas Jefferson Gardens board.
