Statehouse News 3-17-06
9/19/2007
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Debating budget bills was the order of the week here in the legislature. We passed out of the House, the Education budget ($948,355,984), the Health and Human Services budget ($1,390,698,120), and the Healthy Iowans Tobacco Trust budget ($70,681,325). I voted for all three. There were some shortfalls, but just like at home, you have to make do with what you earn. Now those bills will go over to the Senate and they will amend them to what they want and then return them to the House for another vote.
Touch Play machines was another big debate. With an overwhelming majority of people calling and writing that they wanted the machines gone from our district (87%), I voted for the ban. Thank you all for your input!
Monday night there was a public hearing on DNR rules. Water quality, factory farms and the new rules on fishable and swimmable streams were part of the discussions. It is so interesting to hear what people think. We had 11 speak on behalf of HSB736 and 6 speak against it.
On the 14th, Pastor Mark Urlaub was the pastor of the day at the Capitol. We begin our work every day with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Pastor Urlaub started us out right and did a great job. He and his lovely wife, Luann, stayed for a little while, but duty called them back home.
Visitors on TouchPlay were Thomas and Eunice Pingenot and John Ketchen (who I didn’t get to meet!). Visiting on behalf of Farm Bureau, David Wrage, Al Schafbuch, Dave McKechnie, Milford Schulze and Robert Ritscher and for the Family Career an Community Leaders of America, Ashley Schmuecker of Van Horne and Bonnie Rohlena of Keystone. We also had a huge group of FFA members visit with ISU Extension director and their chaperones. I really think there were more visitors, let me know if I skipped you!
Thank you for the great honor of serving you in the Iowa House. Believe me, I do not forget who I’m working for. If you ever have a concern or question, please feel free to call me on my cell at 319-610-3412 or at the office number 515-281-7622. As always, I’m here for you.
Your friend,
Dawn
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Iowa House of Representatives
State Representative Dawn Pettengill
STATEHOUSE NEWS -- March 17, 2006
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Ban on TouchPlay machines
Small Increase in Education Budget
Report Lists Iowa as the Third Most Livable State
More Funding for Human Services Programs
New Road Signs Will Be Installed
Transportation Commission Delays 28 Projects
Rise Grants Approved by Transportation Commission
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