Update From the House for District 80 – January 14, 2021
by Holly Brink
Week 1 Update
Hello Friends,
I am honored to once again serve as your Representative for District 80. It has been a year like no other and there is plenty of work to be done at the Capitol. I am excited to get to work for you.
This year I have the pleasure of serving at the Chair of the Government Oversight committee, as well as a member of the Appropriations, Education, Economic Growth, and Informational Technology committees. These committees will be handling key issues and we recover from COVID-19 and position the State of Iowa to continue to lead the way.
The first week was highlighted by speeches from Governor Kim Reynolds, with the Condition of the State Address, new Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen, with the Condition of the Judiciary Address, and Major General Benjamin Corell, with the State of the National Guard Address.
It was especially great to hear from Chief Justice Christensen as she starts her first full year as Chief Justice. She outlined the importance of resuming in-person proceedings, and the success of trial programs that help keep families together.
During this important session the Governor as well as leadership in the House and Senate have laid out several priorities to tackle.
1. Universal Broadband
High speed internet access is vital for expanding opportunity. Without high speed internet Iowans lose access to jobs and even education. Unfortunately a third of Iowa counties are still classified as broadband deserts, where high speed internet access cannot be counted on. Governor Reynolds has proposed a $450 million investment in broadband by 2025 to give Iowa the largest broadband buildout in the country. Broadband will be a priority for the Legislature this session.
2. Childcare
House Republicans will continue to work to improve access to childcare, especially to affordable options. There also needs to an off-ramp so Iowans can advance in their careers without worrying about losing necessary care for their children.
3. Return to School Plans
Unfortunately when COVID-19 first appeared in our state we did not have enough information about the virus and K-12 schools were forced to shut down. We now know that our young students are the safest age category should they become infected. We also know the horrible impact that online schooling can have on our children. 37% of students in Iowa City schools were failing at least one class, a number double the previous year, and similar shocking numbers can be found in districts across our state.
The Legislature will work with all parties to develop a safe and responsible plan to ensure young Iowans do not continue to fall behind.
The Governor presented her budget for Fiscal Year 2022 along with her Condition of the State Address. The Governor’s proposed budget includes a 2.5% increase to public schools among other priorities.
Iowa’s financial situation is very healthy even with the impacts of the pandemic. According to the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency, the state took in $36.1 million more than what was collected in December, 2019.
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Update
o All long-term residents and staff will be vaccinated before the end of January
o Phase 1b of vaccine distribution will begin by February 1st
Thank you for your encouragement and prayers. This year Iowans have come together as a community and I believe the Legislature should do what we can to have a session that works for all Iowans.
Please reach out to me if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions. I always enjoy hearing from you!
Holly Brink
State Representative, Iowa District 80
(641)295-7111
Holly.brink@legis.iowa.gov
