Sheets Snapshot 1-22-2015
Rep. Larry Sheets (R) (photo by Don Hubbard)
Dear friends in District 80, thank you for the election win last November. First I want to express my deep sorrow in losing a fellow Representative who had earned my highest esteem and respect, Dwayne Alons. I miss him.
The first week of Session was a parade of ceremonies. It began with the swearing in of the Representatives, followed up with a Joint Session with the Iowa Senate. Numerous speeches were given by House and Senate leaders who presented their usual claims of cooperation. Governor Branstad gave his Condition of the State speech and lastly the Address by Chief Justice Cady. The week ended with Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds Inaugural Events.
In the time between ceremonies, I managed to write a Bill to extend (by 10 years) the Sunset date on the 1% sales tax to allow school districts to demonstrate a credible revenue stream 15 years out. I wrote, and am seeking sponsors for, a Bill to allow local communities a choice to raise funds for excessive transportation costs. This prevents transportation costs from draining the operational funds of the school districts. In response to the push to prevent bullying and understanding the social ramifications and abuse that can result from such a bill, I decided to draft a Bill to require the display of “The Golden Rule” as a principle of respect espoused by all major religions, philosophies, and cultures. It is simple, doesn’t require all kinds of bureaucracy/government red tape and lessens the drama that can result from youthful social conflicts.
I submitted a Bill to protect our children from sexual predators who are automatically released early for good behavior in prison. I have also addressed our roads and bridges with a bill to convert our gas tax structure from a fixed number of pennies per gallon to a percentage tax applied to the wholesale price of fuel to the dealer. It is designed to provide the same revenue per gallon as today’s tax, but to rise with inflation to repair our roads and bridges in the future. Lastly, I was very supportive of Speaker of the House Paulsen’s stand to lessen government intrusion and taxation on private citizens and businesses. We need to get Iowans to work instead of being dependent on their government. Thank you again for trusting me to represent you in Des Moines.
Upcoming forums:
* January 24rd: “Osky Eggs & Issues” @ 8:30am at Smokey Row in Oskaloosa.
* February 14th : “Osky Eggs & Issues” @ 8:30am at Smokey Row in Oskaloosa.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns at larry.sheets@legis.iowa.gov or 641-895-6153.
