House Journal: Page 5: Monday, January 12, 1998

to spend more money.  There are areas that do need additional
resources.  However, our educational system will also be
improved by better allocating the money already in the system.
We can do better by having more accountability for our schools
so parents and teachers can establish benchmarks and press for
continuous improvements.  We need to pass legislation which will
give teachers and school districts more flexibility and
resources so that they can design schools which will better meet
the needs of their students.  And, we need to establish a way to
pay good teachers more money.  The House Republicans are
committed to finding additional resources for early childhood,
at risk, and preschool children.
As we consider all of the proposals throughout the session, I am
very confident in making a bold yet simple statement:  When this
legislative session adjourns in April, we will have had a
positive impact on the educational system in Iowa.
There are many other issues that are of importance to different
people throughout the state of Iowa.  However, these four are
important to all Iowans, and we will pass meaningful legislation
in all four areas.
To Representative Schrader and the Democratic Caucus, I pledge
to work with you as closely as possible to find common sense
solutions to the challenges facing our state.  Every year that I
have served in this position, I have tried to be as open as
possible about the work that we do on a daily basis.  Despite
our differences, I look forward to a year of cooperation.
House Republicans will pursue a legislative agenda this session
that all members of this body will be proud to talk about and
campaign on next fall.  So, now it's time to get to work.  We
have many challenges before us.  There's a line in the song,
"The Strangest Party" by INXS, that says "You're part of the
solution, or part of the problem.  You're going to have to dance
with one."
Let's all commit and resolve today to be part of the solution. 
Working together this session, we will be able to have a
meaningful impact on Iowa well into the new century.
Thank you.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO NOTIFY THE GOVERNOR
Dolecheck of Ringgold, chair of the committee to notify the
Governor that the House was duly organized and ready to receive
any communication he might desire to transmit, reported that the
committee had performed its duty.
The report was accepted and the committee discharged.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO NOTIFY THE SENATE
Boggess of Taylor, chair of the committee appointed to notify
the Senate that the House was ready to receive any communication
that the Senate might desire to transmit, reported that the
committee had performed its duty.
The report was accepted and the committee discharged.

Iowa General Assembly

Index: House Journal (77th General Assembly: Session 2)

© 1998 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

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