The View from Here

National Ag Day
We started the week by celebrating National Ag Day on Tuesday when we took time to appreciate the fact that everyone in the United States, as my colleague, Senator Zumbach, told us, “has bountiful, high quality, safe, environmentally friendly, low cost food.”
Iowa has the privilege of being a part of a process where “billions of dollars…[flow]… through our economy, generating thousands of jobs.” Like Senator Zumbach, I too am proud to be a part of the one percent who feed 99 out of 100 people. Not only that but an overwhelming number of us farmers and ag business folks are also concerned about the land, water, and people they affect.
Coupling Bill
Our first business this week was passing the coupling bill after an agreement was made between the House and Senate. It passed 50-0 and will keep $97 million in the pockets of our small businessmen, farmers and teachers. This is rather ironic after comments made two weeks ago by one Democrat who claimed businesses complaining about not coupling were just crying “crocodile tears.” The $97 million saved will turn over several times in our local communities and bring good healthy economic activity.
Suppressors
The bill that would remove suppressors for firearms from the list of offensive weapons prohibited in the state was passed 46-4. Anyone wanting to purchase a suppressor would have to comply with federal law and pay a $200 transfer tax. Iowa will join 41 other states that have already legalized suppressors. In the past, I have had military veterans write me that they reconsidered moving to Iowa when they learned we banned suppressors. My hope is this bill will be interpreted as another way we open our arms to veterans.
Appropriations
Last week was the second funnel week, meaning all the bills for the year have been debated in both chambers of the Iowa legislature. The only new items we can discuss this year must be brought up by leadership or be part of an appropriations bill. Next week, we will be working hard on appropriations bills, deciding how many taxpayer dollars goes to each of government’s responsibilities. I sit on the Administration & Regulations joint committee that sets the budgets for over 15 state agencies. I am hoping the Admin & Regs budget will be the first to be finalized this year.
Here is a quote to lighten up your day: “If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in 5 years there’d be a shortage of sand”-Milton Friedman.
March 25 forums will be: 8:30 a.m. in Forest City at Salveson Hall, Waldorf; 10 a.m. in Lake Mills at The Mill Theater; 11:30 a.m. in Buffalo Center at Heritage Town Center.
Looking ahead, plan to attend the April 2 forum at 10 a.m. in Algona at the library.
Feel free to email me at dennis.guth@legis.iowa.gov or call me at (641) 430-0424.

Lake Mills Graphic

204 N. Mill Street
Lake Mills, IA 50450

Office Number: (641) 592-4222
Fax Number: (641) 592-6397

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