Ways and Means Chairman

It was an honor to be chosen by Speaker Upmeyer to lead the Ways and Means Committee.  This committee handles all of the Iowa House’s tax discussions and policy.  As a lifelong farmer, I understand the importance of certainty and simplification of the tax code.  I will continue to protect hard-working taxpayers while working to leave more money in the pockets of Iowa families and small business owners.  I am looking forward to the opportunity to lead this important committee.

While I am excited to become Ways and Means Committee Chairman, it does require that I leave my position as Agriculture Committee Chairman.  I enjoyed serving in that role and am proud of our many accomplishments.  Over the last three years we worked diligently and passed a long-term stream of funding for water quality.  We also protected Iowa farmers from special interest groups and from unnecessary government regulation.

Get your REAL ID Sooner than Later

Beginning October 2020, the federal government will require you to show a valid REAL ID driver’s license or identification card for:

• Flying commercial airlines
• Entering federal facilities (Post Office not included)

A REAL ID is marked with a gold star in the upper right hand corner.  This ID cannot be obtained online.  You must go to an Iowa driver’s service center, such as the Jones or Delaware County Courthouses, and present certain documents validating your identity.  Some of these can include birth certificate, social security card, marriage certificate (for name changes), or passport.  Your address must also be verified as well. This can be done with a bill or letter addressed to you.  A full explanation of the process can be found at: https://iowadot.gov/mvd/realid/real-id-home and is a good resource to use before you head out to get the REAL ID.

Because the state driver’s license stations are busy and as we approach October 2020, the traffic into the driver’s license stations will grow with longer wait times. I am encouraging you to start going to the DOT service centers, the Jones or Delaware County Treasurer’s office now and not wait until the fall of 2020. Tuesdays and Saturdays are the busiest at the Iowa DOT Service Centers and are not open to the public on Mondays.

News from District 96

The first week of this legislative session was similar to most.  The House and Senate heard from Governor Kim Reynolds, Chief Justice Mark Cady, and Major General Timothy Orr.  The Governor’s State of the State Address was a historical one as Governor Reynolds is the first duly elected female Governor of Iowa.  She discussed the importance of education funding and criminal justice reform during her speech.

If you would like to discuss an issue feel free to come to one of my forums or send me an email.  It is an honor to serve as your State Representative for another term in the Iowa House.