Holly Brink Update From the House for District 80 – February 28, 2019
Just this past Thursday I led the HF 447 subcommittee. The bill will affect how insulin can be dispensed in an emergency and insurance coverage. I was joined by Representatives James (left) and Meyer (right).
by Holly Brink
Hello Friends,
First, I wanted to extend my congratulations to our district’s students at the Iowa State Univerity, University of Iowa and Univerisity of Northern Iowa! I received an email with a great number of students from our District that made either the Dean’s List (3.5 GPA or higher), the President’s List (4.0 GPA), and or graduated! They have all demonstrated their convictions in their studies. I want to wish them all the best for those still in school with their course work and those graduated who are entering into the next chapter of their lives.
Second, I want to thank all who came to this past week’s Eggs and Issues at Smokey Row. Not only did we have a great turn out but also some great conversations. I appreciate all those in attendance and I hope I can see you all again in the next forums. This Saturday I will be in Ottumwa at Southern Iowa Mental Health starting at 9:30 am.
Third, I want to thank the folks from Iowa Farm Bureau stopping to see Representative Hite and I in the House chamber! I appreciate that they gave us their time to talk with us about the services and measures Farm Bureau provide to ensure the prosperity of agricultural business in Iowa. I’m glad we had the time to me with all of you!
As for my work in the chamber, it has been yet another productive week. On Tuesday, I ran House File(HF) 294 through the Human Resources committee where it passed unanimously. The bill, if passed into law, will eliminate the cap on Medicaid home and community service brain injury waiver. Through the removal of the cap, it will streamline the process for all individuals involved. I am proud to have led this bill through subcommittee as I believe it will best serve those in need of assistance.
Wednesday I was a part of several subcommittee meetings on a number of issues Iowans are facing. But Wednesday was an important day to me as HF 184 a topic many of you know I am very passionate about and the first bill I filed when I started the 88th General Assembly. This bill would allow a child to participate in Preschool at age 4 or 5 allowing our young students to have the opportunity to attend when preschool and use the program to its full potential. It was passed out of the education committee 23-0 and is now eligible for the floor.
Thursday, I chaired the subcommittee on HF468. The purpose of this bill is to help grow regional rural hubs. Giving growing rural communities a chance to compete for economic development incentives against similar communities. It was an honor to lead the discussion on this important piece of legislation to help grow rural Iowa.
As it is currently written, HF468 seeks to assist small town economic development by mandating at least 50% of the Economic Development incentives be spent in a community that is under 30,000 in population and in a county of less that 50,000 along with a few other factors. The Economic Development Authority provides opportunities for businesses, communities, and other organizations within the state to further invigorate their local economies. I feel growth in rural Iowa is important to the future of all of Iowa.
As always, it is an honor to be serving as your representative here in Des Moines. If you have any questions about regarding any legislation that is making its way through the House or if you have any concerns about an issue affecting our community, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Holly Brink
State Representative, Iowa District 80
(641)295-7111
Holly.brink@legis.iowa.gov
