Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) famously said, “Leave no authority existing not responsible to the people.” In the spirit of Jefferson, the board of directors of the Thomas Jefferson Gardens in Jefferson invites citizens to the third Meet Your Legislator event Saturday, March 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Welcome Center located in the Thomas Jefferson Gardens.
Iowa State Sen. Jerry Behn and State Rep. Phil Thompson will greet their Greene County constituents and others and listen to their hopes and concerns as the Iowa Legislative enters the final weeks of its session.
The First Funnel day for both houses passed Feb. 21, by which date all proposed legislation must have passed out of committee in its respective house in order to progress. The adjournment date for this year’s session is planned for April 21, the 100th day of the session.
The Revenue Estimating Council will meet in early March in order to provide budget information and realistic dollar numbers for the Iowa House and Senate and office of the Governor.
The education appropriation bill proposed by the Iowa Senate is at odds with the recommendation from Gov. Reynolds and the suggestion by the House. The delay in approval of school funding puts all the state’s schools district under pressure as they work to complete their local school budgets without knowing what the appropriation will be from the state.
Along with education, other topics are certain to be discussed with Greene County’s legislative representatives. Participation is important because some nearby counties are unable to arrange for dialogue with their legislators. While participants in the Meet your Legislator forum might not always agree, the communication does not become disagreeable.
Victoria Riley, editor and published on the Greene County News Online, will serve as the moderator. Government students from the Greene County and Paton Churdan school districts are offered a special invitation to attend. Light refreshments will be served by the Thomas Jefferson Gardens Board.
