The View from Here

Honoring Atomic Veterans
This week, I had the rare privilege of managing a resolution to honor some of our country’s unsung heroes. From 1948-1958, the U.S. military conducted a number of tests on the nuclear bomb. Many of those involved were exposed to high levels of radiation which affected their health years later. They received a special status as “Atomic Veterans” that allowed them access to benefits from the V.A.
In 1977, it was determined there needed to be further cleanup of radioactive sites in the Marshall Islands. There were 6,000 Americans dispatched to clean up and monitor the site. Many of them were also exposed to high levels of radiation and suffered health consequences later. It was my pleasure to move the resolution to honor these men as “Atomic Veterans” on July 16, 2016. Two brothers and constituents of mine, Gilbert Amdahl and Willis Amdahl of Estherville, served in this capacity and were honored by the Iowa Senate.
ATVs, Snowmobiles & Permit Carry
The Senate also passed a bill (43-4) that allows landowners to carry loaded and uncased long guns while operating ATVs or snowmobiles on their property. A person with a permit to carry a handgun would be allowed carry a pistol as long as it is secured in a “retention holster.” Many rural legislators have heard complaints about current law impeding farmer’s ability to protect livestock from coyotes and other predators.  The Senate amended the House version, which I preferred, but this is still a big improvement over current law. This bill passed the House on Wednesday and now will be sent to the Governor.
K-12 School Funding
Perhaps the item with the widest interest this week was the passage of K-12 school funding. This has been tied up in conference committee for over a month. Schools will finally have a firm number to use in their budgets. We passed an increase of $153.8 million, which is much of the new money Iowa has to spend this year.
What famous politician made the following quote?
“The Budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed, lest Rome will become bankrupt. People must again learn to work instead of living on public assistance.”
This statement was spoken some 2071 years ago by Cicero, 55 BC.
As we move into April, I start looking forward to returning to my “real” job as a farmer.  I have one more town hall meeting scheduled for April 2 at the Library in Algona at 10 a.m. with Representative Gassman.  You can contact me anytime at dennis.guth@legis.iowa.gov or 641-430-0424.