CLINTON —
Bills are starting to move more quickly through subcommittees now as the Senate and House face upcoming deadlines in passing legislation through the committee process.
In the Education committee, we passed a bill that will expand worker-training programs and provide funding for adult basic education.
We talk a lot about how we sometimes need to give our fellow citizens a hand up instead of a handout.
This legislation does just that; it helps low-skill adult workers obtain postsecondary credentials and skills required for employment. I am hopeful that we can get this bill passed into law this session.
It is one of the most important things we can do right now to help the Iowa economy grow.
Also in the Education committee, I have been working with my colleagues to study the governor’s reform package and a bill that the House has passed in order to develop legislation that will help schools increase student achievement. This is a big job, as we try to find a consensus on the many aspects of improving education.
A large group of Clinton County and Scott County health professionals arrived at the Statehouse on Feb. 27 to advocate for the expansion of affordable health care to more Iowans.
This has been a topic of much concern recently, as the governor says he is unwilling to expand Medicaid. I enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces and am impressed by their dedication to their profession and the health of the people they serve. Thanks to them for coming, asking important questions and making clear why they believe that expanding Medicare is the right thing to do.
Thank you to all who e-mail and call. Your input is important to me as I continue to learn every day about the issues that are of concern to you.
Contact me at rita.hart@legis.iowa.gov or at (563) 210-1252. Also, please consider subscribing to my newsletter at www.senate.iowa.gov/senator/hart.
Upcoming public forums
• Saturday, March 9
9 a.m.
Clinton Legislative Coffee
At the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, 721 S. Second St.
• Saturday, March 9
11 a.m.
DeWitt Legislative Coffee
Sponsored by the DeWitt Development and DeWitt Chamber
At the DeWitt Community Center
• Friday, March 22
Noon
Iowa Legislative Lunch
Sponsored by the Quad City Chamber
At the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 5202 Brady Street, Davenport
• Saturday, March 23
10:30 a.m.
Scott County Legislative Forum
Sponsored by AAUW, BPW, Farm Bureau and Great River Uniserv Unit
At Mississippi Bend AEA, 729 21st St., Bettendorf
Sen. Rita Hart, represents Clinton County and northern Scott Count in the Iowa Senate.
Opinion
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Rita Hart
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