House Journal: Page 1991: Tuesday, May 8, 2001
were not totally successful in doing that, but we came very close. We have met the
Governor halfway on most of the budget issues. We listened long and hard to his
concerns and we attempted to react to those concerns. If we are faced with a special
session on the budget, there is a glaring fact that must be faced. There is no more
money for this budget. We have provided all the revenue that we can. I am hopeful
that once we leave here, and Governor Vilsack has the opportunity to view our budget
in its entirety and with the harsh fiscal realities facing our budget next year, he will
sign it.
So, given the difficulties of this year, what did we accomplish? Quite a bit. Without
a doubt, the teacher compensation package is the signature item of this legislative
session. Over the next few years as this legislation is implemented and funded, Iowa’s
strong educational system will continue to move toward excellence. Iowa’s citizens will
see more money in their pockets as a result of the phase out of the sales tax on utilities.
In addition, legislation like ethanol incentives, community development initiatives,
brownfields, the boyfriend bill, safe houses, additional child abuse workers, the cyber
stalking legislation, penalties for ecstasy, eco-terrorism, preparation for a hoof and
mouth outbreak, and the list goes on. This body did good for all Iowans this year.
When we get into the frenzy of the final week, we lose sight of that.
To the twenty new legislators, I want to tell you that this was not a typical session.
I know that you have felt many frustrations throughout this session. It was a tough
year. Please reserve judgment on your political future until we have a more normal
session next year. I want to thank all the members of the House for your efforts this
year. I thought that both parties handled their work very well this year. While there
were some flashpoints, overall, I think we collectively demonstrated amazing
cooperation.
Representative Myers, I very much appreciate your leadership this year, along with
your leadership team. I enjoyed working with you, as Representative Rants said, I
appreciate your openness. You and your leadership team did a good job for your
caucus. You are a formidable opponent, but a good person to work with. And I think
you've led them well and I appreciate your cooperation. I only wish for you a good tail
wind and that your leathers stay supple.
To the Republican leadership team, I want to thank them also, to Libby, Donna,
Danny, Bill, Steve and Russ. We had tough times this year, but we got some things
done. I appreciated every bit of your counsel to me as the Speaker as we attempted to
move through this session.
To the Republican and Democratic caucus, also, thank you again for your hard
work, thank you for bestowing to me the opportunity to serve as the Speaker. I try my
very best to do as good a job as I can in that position, and again I think working
together we made good progress this year.
To Margaret, Kathy and Gayle, thank you, they tried to keep me pretty much
informed of what's going on in the chamber. I want to thank you for your work. And I
have to admit that one of my favorite things in the session is to wait until Margaret
leaves and then bang the gavel and watch her run back in here. It never fails to amuse
me.
© 2001 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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