This week saw the first floor debate in the Iowa House of Representatives. Two bills and a resolution were passed. The two bills passed with strong bi-partisan support. The resolution was a different matter.

The first bill debated on Tuesday increased state aid for schools by 4 percent. This will apply to the 2006-2007 school year and will provide almost $100 million more to schools. Even this amount will not be enough for schools, as educators and parents pointed out prior to the session. This is why Democrats attempted to provide a 6 percent increase, but that proposal was rejected along party lines. Unable to convince majority party members to support the higher amount, I did support the 4% increase because it will provide many schools with about $200 more per pupil.

The other bill debated this week will help taxpayers who want to take advantage of legislation passed last fall, allowing them to accelerate the depreciation they take on their taxes for equipment. To benefit from this law, businesses would have had to file an amended 2003 return. This would be costly to small businesses that need to hire a CPA to file the amended return and then hire them again to handle their 2004 tax return. The bill passed by the House will allow these businesses to take their 2003 bonus depreciation on their 2004 return. It was a good bill and received unanimous support.

The resolution was a different story. It dealt with House Rules. Usually non-controversial, this year an amendment to insure that both the majority and minority party received fair representation on House committees was rejected along party line votes. Although membership in the House is 49 Democrats and 51 Republicans, the membership on committees is almost 57% Republican to 43% Democrats. We had hoped to establish a fairer representation, but it was not to be. And, I hope when we are the majority party, we will treat the minority in a more just manner.

In my efforts to understand the work of constituents, I arranged for a “ride-along” with our local Highway Patrol, Trooper Darin Snedden. On Friday evening, I accompanied him as he patrolled Highway 1, between Mount Vernon and Iowa City, and then headed east on Interstate 80 to West Branch. Just riding along and seeing the array of electronic and communication devices in that patrol car is impressive.

On our way back toward Iowa City on I-80, Trooper Snedden noticed a compact car approaching rapidly from behind. The driver of the car was in contact with 911, and we learned from the dispatcher that the situation was a medical emergency. The trooper then positioned the patrol car in front of the smaller car to provide safe escort to University Hospitals in Iowa City.

After the patient was delivered to the emergency room (where the young woman was immediately sent to surgery), Trooper Snedden had the opportunity to provide the driver with a “teachable moment”. He patiently and respectfully discussed with the driver that to transport his family member to the University Hospital from a community more than an hour away, it would be safer for everyone to utilize an ambulance. It would be safer for the driver, his ill family member, and all the people on the road.

I also learned a lesson from my experience during the Friday evening “ride-along”. I learned that Trooper Snedden’s first and foremost concern is public safety, service and protection. He acted quickly to make sure the patient arrived at the hospital safely for needed medical treatment and, at the same time, to protect other travelers on the road from being in jeopardy. Trooper Snedden is a shining example of the entire Highway Patrol and their dedication to serving the citizens of Iowa.

“The Iowa State Patrol works daily to preserve lives, rights and property through courtesy, service and protection.” That is more than a mission statement for Trooper Snedden and his fellow officers. They practice it daily. If you have the opportunity, remember to thank the members of our Highway Patrol and all of our law enforcement personnel for their service to our community and the State of Iowa.

I look forward to hearing from constituents about the work of the Iowa Legislature. You can write me at the State Capitol, Des Moines, IA 50319; call me at 515/281-7328 or e-mail me at ro.foege@legis.state.ia.us.

Ro

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