(Des Moines, IA) Today, State Representative Pat Grassley (R-New Hartford) was selected as the new House Appropriations Chairman by Speaker-Select Linda Upmeyer (R-Clear Lake). Grassley will replace former State Representative Chuck Soderberg (R-LeMars), who resigned earlier this week to pursue a new job in Des Moines.
“I am honored to be chosen by Speaker-Select Upmeyer for this great opportunity to represent my caucus as the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee,” Grassley said. “Constructing the state’s budget is one of the most important things that we do as legislators and I’m looking forward to ensuring that Iowa’s taxpayers are put first since they are the ones footing the bill. We need to remember that tax dollars do not belong to the government; that money belongs to the hard-working taxpayers of Iowa. The state has to live within its means, just like every day Iowans.”
“Rep. Soderberg is leaving behind some lofty expectations as Appropriations Chair but I am up to the challenge to lead this caucus and make sure we continue to enact fiscally-sound budgets that abide by our principles. I am looking forward to the opportunity,” Grassley added.
“Rep. Grassley is a respected leader in the House Republican caucus, and I’m confident that he will succeed in this new role,” said Upmeyer. “Pat brings a common sense, solutions-based approach to the budgeting process that will help him find problems and efficiencies within the state’s budget. He has always made it a priority to protect the future of all Iowans and pass budgets that are sustainable and target the needs of families.”
Grassley, first elected in 2006, is a small business owner and farmer in New Hartford. He lives on his family’s farm with his wife, Amanda, and their three young children. Prior to his selection as Appropriations Chairman, Grassley most recently served as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee since 2013, and as Chairman of the House Economic Growth Committee from 2011-2013.
A new House Agriculture Committee Chair will be selected at a later date.