Under the Golden Dome, Too

By: 
Linda Upmeyer

Iowa lawmakers look to tackle federal recklessness
 
     Spring Daylight Savings Time not only brought longer daylight hours, but much-anticipated and much-appreciated warm temperatures. However, we did not let the beautiful weather distract us from working hard at the Capitol.
     This week was devoted heavily to floor debate, as we passed several pieces of legislation to the Senate for their consideration. These bills are focused on strengthening Iowa families, providing greater opportunities for job creators and making Iowa an even greater place to live. 
     As I discussed in my opening day speech, no one can deny that the federal system of government is broken. Our national debt is currently over $18 trillion, which translates into a debt of over $56,000 per American. This type of governing is not only unsustainable and irresponsible, it is also incredibly unfair to our children, grandchildren and future generations for years to come.
     As the federal government continues to recklessly spend without regard for Iowans’ desire to live within our means, the next generation of Americans continues to be further saddled with more and more debt, and less and less opportunities for prosperity.
     There is no doubt a correction is needed in order to rebalance the power between the federal government and the states. Our founding fathers believed in a limited federal government, with all other power to be retained by the people of each sovereign state. I think states are wonderful laboratories where innovation takes place and we know how to best address our needs. 
     I’m excited about a proposal to start to address the broken system that is our federal government and its negative impact on states like ours. The United States Constitution provides a method for the states to come together to address an out-of-control federal government.  I am proud to co-sponsor House Joint Resolution 8, which sets forth Iowa’s application to Congress for a convention of states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution calls for this convention of states to propose an amendment to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government and limit their power and jurisdiction. 
     It has become abundantly clear it is going to be up to us to address this issue. We can’t wait for the federal government to fix its problems. We should not be restrained from what we do best, finding Iowa based solutions for Iowa needs.
     I look forward to supporting House Joint Resolution 8 and sending it to the Senate for their consideration. This is not a partisan issue. This is an issue between a federal government that has grown to an unmanageable size and the states who are tired of shouldering their irresponsible decisions.
     I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Sheffield native Seth Tuttle  on an extraordinary college basketball season. Seth was named this year’s Larry Bird Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year. He has led the University of Northern Iowa Panthers to a 30-3 season record, a conference tournament championship and hopefully a tremendous outcome during this year’s upcoming March Madness.
 
     As always, if you’d like to discuss an issue that is important to you, I’d love to hear from you. I can be reached anytime at (515) 281-4618 or linda.upmeyer@legis.iowa.gov

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