~by State Sen Jesse Green
May 7, 2021
Greetings friends and neighbors.
We are now in overtime! Normally session would have wrapped up about a week ago. To some it is surprising we have not. All I can say is that we are at a historical time in Iowa’s history. This is the largest Republican trifecta since 1973. I do not say it to gloat, but to shed light on the gravity of this moment.
There are many things I have had the pleasure as a Republican to place my ‘yes’ vote on that many Republicans before me have only dreamed of having the opportunity to do. Even though we have accomplished some unique things this session there are many wish list items left on the table.
I have been consistent ever since the start of the campaign that I will never be a stumbling block for the issues our regional representatives are passionate about. My area representatives and I are all a part of a Republican family with a Republican worldview. We all have had unique life experiences and have come from places that have shaped our republican worldview and our passions. Even though I may not agree 100 percent on some of my representatives’ policies, I trust their policies are what is needed to advance their particular districts and Iowa into a prosperous direction for everyone.
Everyone has their visions that drove them to the ‘Golden Dome’ that they desire to become reality. For some it is child care legislation, EMS, tax cuts, or Education Savings Accounts to name a few topics. The question with this “log jam” situation is how many of these policies will hit the governor’s desk?
The past couple weeks the governor has helped lead the way for the legislature to find agreements. More and more I have been impressed with her leadership as this session has progressed. For those of us not in leadership, we are “on call” as particular issues get ironed out as to how this session and budget will finish out. When this is all said and done, I hope that each of us will be able to go home and bring their constituents a piece of their vision that they can be proud of. I hope that 2021 will be a year everyone can look back on and be proud.
The bill that was the highlight of this week was the “Vaccine Passport” bill. If nothing was done to address the issue of vaccine passports, communities in the state inclined to excessive government involvement could require a vaccine passport to go into a government building, certain businesses owners could require vaccine proof to enter their business, or a well-intentioned non-profit could make it a condition of entry. Never before in America have you had to show proof of vaccination to access routine, everyday functions of life. Iowans can be certain that tradition will continue after Governor Reynolds signs HF 889 into law.
As always feel free to reach out with any thoughts and concerns. I am here to be your voice at the Capitol and a source of information for you. Reach out to me at anytime at 515-351-9761.
Happy trails until, Lord willing, we meet again next week!
