Hamerlinck’s Observations Week 6

Though this year’s session of the Iowa General Assembly is fast-approaching the mid-way point, many of the most contentious issues and controversial pieces of legislation being pushed by the Governor and his legislative counterparts are yet to come to full debate in the Legislature. In particular, there are four major anti-job bills and one colossal rapid school consolidation scheme all being pushed by the party currently in control of the Legislature. Should any of these proposals or bills be passed and signed into law, their consequences will have an immediate and indefinite influence on the freedoms and economic futures of Iowa’s citizenry. The only plans that warrant any kind of serious consideration are proposals that create jobs and opportunities for Iowans and those who want to make this state their home.

We know that it is just plain common sense to resist legislation that will seriously hinder – not help – Iowa’s economy while instead promoting policy alternatives that will place Iowa at the top of the economic pinnacle. We know that Iowa’s economy can grow stronger and produce the kinds of jobs and opportunities that will lead Iowa towards being a true worldwide beacon of economic prosperity if the barriers and roadblocks to job creation and economic development are reduced and removed. Iowa already has a tremendous reputation for having an industrious workforce and a stellar educational heritage that continually produces new leaders that make a difference in our communities, churches, schools and civic organizations.

Insanity at the Capitol
The Iowa Voter No Longer Matters to Some Iowa Politicians

Each year the Iowa State Legislature considers roughly four thousand bills which are filed by state departments and politicians. The vast majority of these bills are never considered as those who chair subcommittees place them in random desk drawers never to be seen again. Legislation must have merit and support from elected officials who lobby for the bills passage in order to see it move through the subcommittee and committee process.

Usually, poor pieces of legislation like, Senate Study Bill 1128 or the Popular Vote Bill, are quickly filed away and forgotten. Sadly, this bill was approved by two senators in the subcommittee and it will soon be debated before the full State Government Committee.

Senate Study Bill 1128 would require Iowa’s Electoral College votes to go the Presidential candidate who wins the national popular vote rather than the popular vote within the state. This means the State of Iowa will support the candidate who wins the national popular vote irrelevant of how many people vote in the State of Iowa.

In summary, the voter no longer matters in the state of Iowa. There are more voters in New York, California, Texas, Florida, Illinois and Pennsylvania than the rest of the country. Iowa voters are being told they no longer count in Presidential elections.

It is even more amazing to see this piece of legislation supported by Senators Appel, Courtney and Jochum. Legislators who were elected have now voted against the very people who sent them to Des Moines. Even more appalling, is the chance this horrible piece of legislation may actually make it to the floor. Sadly, the House is simultaneously running a companion in House Study Bill 98.

Though Iowa has the first in the nation caucuses, we could no longer have a presidential vote. I fully encourage you view these bills on the state’s website and to call your State Senators and Representatives.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in at the Capitol. I welcome anyone with questions to call me at (515) 281-3371 or email me at shawn.hamerlinck@legis.state.ia.us. If you know of anyone who would like to receive future newsletters or you wish to no longer receive newsletters please email me at shawn@hamerlinckforsentate.com.