Sheets Snapshot – January 18, 2018
by Larry Sheets
Dear friends in House District 80,
The first two weeks in this session were the same as in the last 5 years; Governor’s Condition of the State Speech, The Chief Justice’s State of the Judiciary, and the National Guard’s Adjutant General on the State of our National Guard.
There will be no changes to IPERS this session, so those who have listened to fear mongers’ claims about IPERS should relax. IPERS is 81.4% funded and well managed and remains one of the most sound pension systems in the entire country. Iowans have seen the positive results of a conservative legislature. Iowa has racked up numerous accolades recently including:
*The 3rd best managed state
*The best state for middle class families
*The best state for retirees
*The best in high school graduation rates
*The 4th best in K-12 funding
Iowa has invested an additional $735 million in K-12 education since 2011, resulting in a total annual investment to nearly $3.2 billion, or 45% of the states” entire budget. Iowa’s unemployment rate is at a 17 year low. Jobs are top priority with Governor Reynolds.
There have been changes at the Sheets household. My son Robert graduated two years ago in Bio Chemistry but is considering other career paths. My daughter Debbie is in her final year at Iowa State in physical training. My son David graduated with a Business Finance degree at Iowa State, my son Steven graduated Moulton High school as a junior and became a freshman to Iowa State in software Engineering- joining my son Tommy in that course of study. My daughter, Sarah, is a Junior at Moulton and is a cheerleader, and Joseph is an eighth grader playing basketball there. Our guy foreign exchange student from Mexico we had last year He’s been replaced by Frida, a foreign exchange student also from Mexico. I’ve missed a lot of their growth and activities while in Des Moines – something I regret.
Upcoming forums:
* Feb 3: League of Women Voters @9:30am at Bridge View in Ottumwa
* Jan 27: “Osky Eggs & Issues” @ 8:30am at Smokey Row in Oskaloosa.
* Feb 17: “Legislative Coffee” @ 10am in Centerville at the office of Chariton Planning and Development; 308 North 12th Street.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns at larry.sheets@legis.iowa.gov or 641-895-6153.
