The Dickey Dispatch – February 9th, 2024
by Senator Adrian Dickey
Hello Senate District 44! Reflecting back, once again it doesn’t feel like there’s any one issue that stands out, but I don’t recall having five minutes free all week either. With one week away from the first funnel deadline, you can feel the urgency for many legislators trying to get their and their constituents’ ideas that have been drafted into proposed legislation, to remain alive through the first funnel. And while the week has been another busy one, it’s been a very enjoyable week as well with many groups visiting the capital.
Wednesday was Southeast Iowa Days at the capital. This group is made largely of committees from Fort Madison clear to Ottumwa. It was great visiting with representatives from Fairfield and Mount Pleasant on concerns that they have, suggestions that they made, and just meeting some new people in their roles.
On Tuesday, the rotunda was filled with youth leadership groups from throughout the state. Many of these groups were showing their talents and creative ideas, most of them from a business standpoint, with displays that filled the capitol. One of the groups I met with was the Oskaloosa FFA. Once again, I was so impressed with how our local FFA chapters are not just talking about corn and pigs in their classrooms. How they are learning about the various trade industries and learning the beginning principles of business is really inspiring.
I also visited with Samriddhi Shrestha who is a student from Fairfield and heard her passion for Fairfield’s local FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) chapter. This is a group that I already had GREAT awareness of, as my son, Kyler, was a member of Pekin’s FBLA chapter for several years before he graduated. Not only do I recall Kyler talking about FBLA and his GREAT teacher from Pekin, Ms. Katie Jacobs, when he was in school, but he continues to talk about the things he learned in FBLA as he is in college and pursuing some business ideas. The FBLA chapters help develop young minds to think about things business related and to prepare them for life after school. Many of these students have even used what they learned through FBLA to create businesses, even while they are still in school. Very impressive!
Lastly, Thursday concluded with a visit from ABATE members throughout the state. They are always an enjoyable and informative group.
I hope everyone is able to enjoy the beautiful weather that is in front of us this weekend. I guess this is God’s way of saying sorry for what I put you through a few weeks ago.
