Senate Journal: Page 5: Monday, January 13, 2003
When we look back over the past few years, what are we proudest of?
We can all be proud of the landmark legislation in 1999 that has resulted in
smaller class sizes and-after a decade of slipping test scores-we are finally
seeing increased student achievement. Iowa’s children and educators deserve
our praise and respect for their progress.
We broke new ground by creating the Senior Living Trust, which will result
in more choices and a better quality of life for older Iowans.
We came together to approve a Clean Water Initiative that is a model for
other states hoping to clean up their drinking water with buffer strips and
other innovative measures.
In an effort to keep more of our best and brightest graduates in Iowa, we
created dozens of new recreational and cultural opportunities with the Vision
Iowa program.
And let’s not forget last year’s bipartisan legislation that was designed to
tackle the problem of factory farms and to ensure that the quality of life in
rural Iowa is better protected for our children and grandchildren.
What’s the common theme for all those initiatives: All were broadly bipartisan
measures that involved negotiations and discussions with the Governor’s office and
legislators of both parties.
With a new Legislature, the election behind us, and improving fiscal news, we must
resist the temptation to hunker down or "play it safe."
Instead, I call on Republicans and Democrats in the Senate and House to work
together to take the bold steps necessary this year to ensure that when this session is
over, we can go home and honestly say, "I have made Iowa a better place to live!!!"
Democrats stand here today committed to work with you in a bipartisan way to
solve this challenge. During the last campaign, Democrats and Republicans promised
to address several core issues-including better jobs, better schools, ensuring public
safety.
Now it is time for us to sit down and work together to make sure we fulfill ALL our
common promises to the people of Iowa.
What Iowans want and need now is for us to solve problems, to be bold, and to
make Iowa an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
So, let’s get to work-together.
Thank you, Madam President.
APPOINTMENT OF TEMPORARY
SECRETARY OF THE SENATE
© 2003 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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