Sheets Snapshot‏ – February 19

Rep. Larry Sheets (R) (photo by Don Hubbard)

by Larry Sheets

Last week was very interesting in the Iowa House. We addressed issues relating to abortion and education and less exciting issues like trailer parks. It is effectively emotional and intellectual whiplash.

The house voted by a solid majority (including a few conservative Democrats) to outlaw the so-called webcam abortions. These are the type of abortions that occur with a remote controlled release of two types of pills. This release is accomplished using skype and is initiated by a distant doctor. The first pill is taken in the office to kill the infant, while the second pill(s) are taken at home to cause a miscarriage. The mother may then experience complications with hemorrhaging, infection or incomplete abortion at home and therefore, will need immediate medical attention. This method, recognized as a safety hazard was rejected by the Iowa Board of Medicine, but was overturned by the courts. We can only hope that conservative Senators who have the same concern win.

We passed a Bill out of the house to synchronize the requirements on local school boards with the 2 year budgeting cycle the State uses. This was attempted years ago when the state went from a 1 year to a 2 year cycle, but the Senate would not pass it. They probably won’t again, because it makes good talking points for those who want to spend more than the State (that’s you) can afford. Education has the largest piece of the pie with 55% of the $7 Billion Iowa Budget. Health and Human Services accounts for 24 %, and the Judiciary with 10%. That leaves 11% for everything else. Liberals tried to attach an amendment to this Bill to require an increase of 6% Allowable Growth (Supplemental State Aid). Our state revenues have never grown above 4% for the last 23 years – so, you do the math.

I passed a Bill out of the Local Government Committee this week relating to trailer parks, of all things. The Rural Improvement Zone Bill that I want to pass is stymied because the Senate won’t consider it while court action has taken place. Like a Chicago Cubs fan, I’m waiting for next year.

I wrote a Bill (HF559) to address a number of Rural School Issues. A number of its ideas were deleted during deliberations; however a very important part did pass the committee. This Bill creates a transportation levy, voter approved, to pay for repairing, maintaining, and fueling transportation equipment. The levy can only cover amounts above the average transportation costs per district.

Thank you for granting me the privilege of serving and representing you.

Upcoming forums:
• February 22nd and March 8th,: “Osky Eggs & Issues” @ 8:30am at Smokey Row in Oskaloosa.
• March 1st,: “League of Women Voters“ 9:30-11:00 at Bridgeview in Ottumwa