Day 8

0800 - 1700

Today's benefits included a breakfast in commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Groundwater Protection Act. They had chocolate muffins ... I took some extras for lunch. Yum. The Iowa Credit Union League was in attendance, and we had a visit from a group titled ICAN. Apparently, it is a UI student group that does research and white papers for legislators. Very interesting idea. Another non-legislative event of today was our Capitol Choir's (not really) first meeting. We are apparently performing in an celebration service for legislators ... I am quite unaware, actually. I assume it is Wednesday evening, April 11th. Anyways, it has a mix of representatives, pages, doormen, and clerks, so it will no doubt be fun.

Legislation of the day took a surprising twist when Rep. Rants blasted Rep. Wessel-Kroeschell for another of her bills. If you recall, she took quite a beating with voter registration, and I feel somewhat sorry for her. Today's issue was electioneering communications for campaign finances [HF 580]. It did pass, 82/15, but we were overdue for a debate. Rep. Reichert's bill for an Iowa propane education and research council was also attacked, on the basis that it appropriated money for a cause. The amount of money was rather minuscule, a tenth of a cent per gallon of propane, but the accusation had merit, in my mind. The bill had never gone through the Appropriations committee ... so there was quite a lively discussion about it on the floor. The bill [HF 556] ended up passing 67/29.

Day 7

0800 - 1645

Various free things: ABATE of Iowa (a motorcyclist group) offered a breakfast this morning. Excellent stuff - apparently they had to get on a bus and leave Sioux City at 2:45 AM to get set up in time. As well as being the first day of spring, it was also Iowa Agriculture Day, and we were in full swing at the Capitol. The two Ag groups of the previous day returned, as well as turkey, pork, dairy, biodiesel, and poultry groups. There was enough free turkey salad, cheese, orange juice, eggs, cookies (with cranberries), and smokies to make a meal of it ... which I did. In addition to lunch, IAHPERD -- some sort of recreation organization -- popped in during the day. The CASA/ICADV, a coalition of groups opposed to sexual abuse and domestic violence, suddenly showed up wearing these bright red shirts, and they were furiously sending in messages attached to these folders of information. They would send in two or three at a time, which kept us popping up to place them on desks.

Once again, nothing revolutionary happened today. It's almost like there is the gigantic cloud of "right-to-work" hanging over all the bills we discuss. Since the House is only working on House bills this week, much of what we are discussing is old business that got set aside. Nothing controversial. A "energy city designation program" met some opposition that it limited benefits to rural areas, but that was only enough to grant it two 'no' votes. A beer keg registration bill passed with flying colors, although there was interesting discussion. One of the representatives hypothesized about his keg "showing up at a church social." A clerk joked, "He must be Catholic." It was pretty bizarre.

We went home on time. Thank goodness.

Day 6

0800 - 1700

Another summary of lobbyist action -- The Iowa Department of the Blind served a breakfast including the tiniest muffins I have ever seen. They were free ... no doubt that had something to do with it. Ag Week continued with Soybean Day, and T-shirts, soy treats, and gigantic "soybean" exhibits. Palmer Chiropractic College provided a lunch ... so far, the best free lunch I've had. John Edwards visited the Democratic caucus today ... I sat in on his "pep talk" - 10 minutes, nothing original. No offense, but it wasn't a place to reveal new policies. It was interesting to see Mr. Edwards, though.

Legislation -- several bills were passed easily. Non-controversial, and so forth. The only two bills that saw any amount of debate today were an all-inclusive transportation bill and same-day voting registration. The transportation omnibus was controversial for its allowance of certain farm implements to drive on county roads, but a fee would be charged to the owners and would benefit the county. The bill passed.

The second bill would eliminate the 10-day pre-election registration period for voters in Iowa. There was a range of debate over this bill, mostly along party line, and some highlights follow. The bill would require a photo ID and certain proof of residence, as well as an signed oath certifying the legality of the vote. The Democratic supporters argued that the bill would improve voter turnout, especially among the coveted 18-25 demographic. It seemed from the arguments that the other beneficiary would be those who had recently moved to the state and had not had time to register. However, Republicans argued that the bill cheapened the voting process by simplification. Rep. Watts said, "It's up to the voter to inform himself!" Rep. Wortham questioned the voting judgment of anyone who failed to register previously to the deadline. Apparently, the model for the same-day registration was Minnesota, where 30% of voters do so same-day. Only seven other states currently allow this practice.

Rep. Wessel-Kroeschell's closing remarks raised an interesting question. She states that democracy is dependent upon allowing, even encouraging citizens to vote. However, don't the Constitutional principles of America center around individualism? Isn't democracy really dependent upon its citizens to be individually responsible? Also, is voting a right, or a privilege?

Regardless of the truth of the issue, the bill passed the House, 53-42. I will say that the debate was relevant and interesting - I look forward to more debates in the same line.

Day 5

1030 - 1645.

This week is Agriculture Week at the Capitol. Today's feature was chooseiowa.com, a group supporting local growers and producers. They set up around the rotunda, so more free stuff -- just not food. The standard middle school groups were in attendance, and the Iowa Psychiatric Association had a lobbyist meeting today. The Iowa Department for the Blind provided the pledge-leaders ... we were offered hundreds of kolaches from Cedar Rapids, I think. They actually called it 'Kolache Day.' I had three - the cherry are the best. The other notable group was county supervisors ... there were quite a few wandering
around and contacting their representatives.

Legislatively, nothing happened today. Apparently, the chief clerk was sick, so no bills were debated. We convened at 1 PM, read Tuesday's bills, went into caucus and then committee, reconvened at 4:30, adjourned at 4:45. Somewhat boring.

This week I am the Sergeant-At-Arms, which is either the best or worst job of the page. If you enjoy being alone and not running bills back and forth, then S-A-A is the job for you. Normally, I would jump at the chance ... but I am realizing that the other pages provide company that is both valuable and enjoyable.

All in all ... another day, another dollar.