Iverson’s Insights by State Senator Stewart Iverson
Friday, January 14, 2005

Cooperation is Key to a Successful Session


The first week of the legislative session is behind us and by all accounts it’s been a success. After last fall’s election, which left the Iowa Senate split 25 Republicans to 25 Democrats, some pundits suggested such a closely divided Senate would produce a stalemate. However, the first week of the 2005 Legislative Session was just the opposite.

For the first time in recent history, the two major political parties co-chaired committees, drafted operational rules, and worked out challenges to complete a power-sharing committee system. I have been around the capitol for 15 years and I was impressed with both Republican and Democrat members’ ability to organize and begin the work of the legislative session.

With the legislature fully organized, the closely divided group of lawmakers listened to Governor Vilsack’s Condition of the State Address. I share many of the Governor’s same goals. Creating more jobs, improving education, providing affordable health care for all Iowans are achievable goals for this bi-partisan legislature. Unfortunately, without a lot of details, the legislature has the heavy task of finding solutions for many of these problems.

Iowans across the state should recognize that the evenly divided Senate will mean more focus on the issues affecting their daily lives. One political party will not have their solutions unanimously accepted, compromises must be made. For example, I think that reducing the burdensome regulatory environment is a good move to assist existing businesses and will help lure new companies to Iowa. Governor Vilsack and some legislative Democrats want an economic development account to accomplish the same goals. The solution must include both ideas. That, I believe is what Iowans expect.

Please contact me if you have any comments on this or any other issue. During the legislative session, feel free to contact me in my Des Moines office at 515-281-3560. Of course, you can reach me in Dows on the weekends at 515-852-3350 or contact me via email at stewart.iverson@legis.state.ia.us or my web site at http://www.stewiverson.com/.


Sincerely,

Stewart Iverson, Jr.