Catching up with constituents during the interim is always very rewarding. The past seven months were spent traveling across the district engaging in conversations with neighbors, friends and many concerned Iowans. Whether it was at their dining room table, a summer gathering or at parades, these conversations proved very valuable as a lawmaker embarking on the 2014 Legislative session.
It is through these discussions with concerned Iowans, I learned about their lives, views on where they think the state is going and, of course, their fears. Many Iowans shared they are seriously concerned Washington, D.C. has turned a deaf ear to what Americans believe. Iowans are starting to have more reservations the federal government has forsaken them and worry Iowa’s elected officials could be next.
The 2013 Legislative session has been deemed one of the most successful in Iowa’s history; however, there remains some unfinished business. Given Iowans growing concerns about their government, it was insightful to learn a great number of them support an initiative which could ease their angst. A proposal I support would require every bill filed in the General Assembly include a statement of constitutional authority. As the Constitution of the State of Iowa notes in the state Bill of Rights, “All political power is inherent in the people.”
I supported Senate File 261 during the 2013 session. It demanded constitutional authority when filing legislation. I support the proposed bill because many lawmakers have lost touch with the concept there are supposed to be limits on their authority. Forcing each legislator to make a statement of constitutional authority will result in a mastery of at least a small portion of the Iowa Constitution.
