Senate Journal: Page 993: Wednesday, April 7, 1999

  Why, in 1978, you could win an open seat in the Iowa Legislature for less
  than
  $5,000!  Some things never change, though.  If you aren't a member, it's
  still hard to
  find a place to park around here. There are about 30 lobbyists here who are
  former
  members and they'll all tell you the greatest mistake they made while
  serving was in
  not providing more places for people to park.
  But a lot of good things have happened too. It's more business like. The
  work week
  is more family friendly.  Marathon late night sessions are rare.  More women
  serve in
  the Legislature today. Some day when half the membership is female, we'll be
  able to
  say we have a Legislature that truly reflects the population of this state.
  But there I've started to preach and I promised not to do that.  So to
  Senator
  Drake, thank you again for the invitation to address this joint session.  To
  the Pioneer
  Lawmakers, welcome home.  To the members, good luck in making that April 23
  adjournment.
  And to both present and former members in this chamber, I want to say
  something
  those of us in the media rarely say - and that is thank you. Thank you for
  your
  personal sacrifice. Thank you for your public service. Thank you for trying
  to make
  Iowa better and for your willingness to be in what Theodore Roosevelt once
  called "The
  Arena."

  Representative Gipp moved that the joint convention be dissolved
  at 2:30 p.m.

  The motion prevailed by a voice vote.

  The Senate returned to the Senate Chamber and resumed regular
  session.
  SPECIAL GUESTS

  Senator Iverson introduced the Honorable Wayne Bennett, former
  member of the Senate from Ida County, Ida Grove, Iowa, who was
  present on the Senate floor.

  Senator Freeman introduced the Honorable Arne Waldstein,
  former member of the Senate from Buena Vista County, Storm Lake,
  Iowa, who was present on the Senate floor.

  LEAVE OF ABSENCE

  Leave of absence was granted as follows:

  Senator Fink for the remainder of the day, on request of Senator Gronstal.

© 1999 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

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