One of the cost-savings measures that was put into place will cut the session this year by twenty days. Because of the shortened time line, this first week has been packed with business!

On Tuesday, we heard the State of the State message from Governor Chet Culver and, on Wednesday, the State of the Judiciary from Supreme Court Chief Justice Marcia Ternus. However, unlike last year when it took some time to get up to speed, the rest of our time has been filled with committee meetings, caucuses, and sub-committee meetings where important work has already been completed. For instance, the Education Committee, on which I serve, has already passed four bills out of committee for debate on the floor Thursday or Friday (as I write this). They are intended to strengthen K-12 education and to protect property tax payers.

One of the pleasures of serving the Mason City community is the frequent input I receive from constituents about their concerns. I want to remind you again that I can be reached through email sharon.steckman@legis.state.ia.us. I am home every weekend (I hope) and will let you know in advance about forums that I have scheduled. Also, if you are planning a trip to the statehouse, please get in touch either through email or by sending a note into the chamber through the doormen. If I am at my seat, I will come out to visit with you.   If not, the pages or my clerk will let you know when I will be available.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you!

Originally published Jan. 15th, in Sharon’s Newsletter.