Hite Capitol Update – March 3rd, 2022
by Dustin Hite
Hi all! As we wrap up the eighth week of session, I thought I would take the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Morgan White and I am Representative Hite’s clerk for the 89th General Assembly. I was raised on a row-crop and beef cattle farm in Estherville, Iowa (NW IA) where I attended Estherville Lincoln Central. I grew up playing sports and showing livestock through 4-H and FFA. During my time at Iowa State University, I became passionate about agricultural policy and state representation. I worked as a Communications Assistant for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association for a year and a half, where I enjoyed researching proposed policies and communicating that information with members. I interned in the Office of Governor Kim Reynolds last spring, where I met Representative Hite’s former clerk, John Hirl, who graciously recommended this position to me.
I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Agriculture and Society in December of 2021 and am planning on attending law school this coming fall. Representative Hite has been trying to persuade me to become a Hawkeye- imagine that! My goal is to help represent agriculturalists and rural Iowans navigate policies and legal situations after my completion of law school.
To be honest, I wasn’t too sure what to expect when I started clerking for Representative Hite this session. Because he is the Chair of the Education Committee, I am the secretary and have the responsibility of tracking bills and taking minutes, along with keeping his subcommittees organized. Let me just say that Representative Hite is a very busy man and is very involved here at the State House, working hard to represent his constituents. Luckily, I am a pretty organized ‘list’ person, so keeping track of the numerous bills that he runs has gotten easier and less overwhelming as this session proceeds. I am fortunate to work for a representative who is a great multitasker and has Iowans as his top priority. I have enjoyed getting to witness firsthand how laws are made at the state level and the discourse among the representatives here. I am looking forward to more bills advancing to the House Floor and seeing what kind of debater Representative Hite is. 😊
As for business this week, Monday and Wednesday were busy with House Floor debate. Many bills were passed, including legislation to increase access to quality, affordable child care and to increase support for Iowa’s veterans. Representative Hite ran a few bills, which all successfully passed. Tuesday night, Governor Kim Reynolds delivered the Republican Response to President Biden’s State of the Union Address, highlighting what Iowa has accomplished so far this session including historic tax cuts and support for the biofuel industry. It is a great time to be an Iowan!
Please feel to request a tour of the Capitol building and meet with Representative Hite this session. I remember visiting the Capitol and meeting my representative when I was in middle school and saying to my parents, “I am going to work here someday.” It has been satisfying to see that aspiration come full circle.
As always, please reach out to Representative Hite at dustin.hite@legis.iowa.gov with any questions, comments, or concerns. I can assure you he will continue working on issues important to Iowa and his constituents as the session proceeds.
