House Journal: Page 8: Monday, January 8, 1996

REMARKS BY MINORITY LEADER
Schrader of Marion offered the following remarks:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues and staff, welcome back. It's
good to see you all again.
As we convene today we are touched with sadness at the passing
of one of our colleagues, Jerry Cornelius. My memories of Jerry
are all pleasant ones. We will miss him.
On a happier note, I extend a special welcome to our newest
representative, Todd Taylor of Cedar Rapids, who is replacing
Rich Running. We know you'll enjoy your service in the
Legislature, Todd, and we wish you success.
Throughout the summer and fall, members of the Democratic caucus
have been meeting with Iowans to hear their concerns and help
sharpen our focus for this session. Here's what we learned.
Iowans want lower property taxes. Last spring Democrats worked
hard to convince the majority party to cut property taxes. We're
happy with the results. This year we are pleased to see that you
have abandoned the inequitable income tax cuts contained in your
Family Opportunity Plan in favor of additional property tax
relief and indexing. We'll work with you for fiscally
responsible reduction.
Iowans also want more local control of large hog lots. We heard
from hundreds of citizens at public hearings throughout this
state. They were nearly unanimous in their demand for more local
accountability and for more protections for smaller hog
operations. We've developed several initiatives that we plan to
share with you and which we hope to debate and adopt.
Iowans are also concerned about insurance companies that want to
limit hospital stays for mothers and newborn infants to a single
day. We've heard from medical experts, as well as mothers and
fathers, who tell us that twenty-four hours is not enough to
assure the well-being of mother and child. We think doctors and
families, not insurance executives, should make these decisions.
Finally, last year Republicans and Democrats in the House passed
legislation unanimously to keep violent criminals off our
streets. For a variety of reasons, Governor Branstad vetoed that
legislation. We are willing to work with Republicans again to
craft a tough crime bill that answers the Governor's concerns
and makes Iowans more secure in their communities.
We look forward to a productive 1996 session. Mr. Speaker, the
Democrats have arrived here ready to work and committed to stay
until our work is done.
REMARKS BY SPEAKER
Speaker Corbett offered the following remarks:

I want to welcome all of you back to this session of the
Seventy-sixth General Assembly.

150 years ago the Territory of Iowa took a bold step forward. 
This year we celebrate that bold step for statehood during our
Sesquicentennial.

Iowa General Assembly

Index: House Journal (76th General Assembly: Session 2)

© 1996 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

Comments? hjourn@legis.iowa.gov.

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