This week the activities in the Senate seem to be slowing just a bit. The bills still eligible for debate are either getting signed by the governor, being bounced between the two chambers, or have found a silent place to rest for the remainder of the session. The final priorities will be hammering out the FY19 budget, tax reform package, and finishing negotiations on other bills that are a priority for the Senate, governor, and the House.

We also passed House File 2420, which creates an Iowa Service Corps program. This bill was created to help communities meet their needs all over the state and allow these programs to be developed outside of the federal government. This change will allow a broader set of service learning programs that will better meet the needs of Iowans. Implementing this program will also provide opportunities for more youth service programs and expand youth service participation.

Gov. Kim Reynolds declared this week as Severe Weather Awareness week in Iowa.

Throughout the week, Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, National Weather Service, and Iowa Emergency Management Association worked to promote awareness on severe thunderstorms, weather warnings, tornadoes, flash floods, and how to prepare your family for such events. As spring weather arrives and severe weather season comes with it, being properly prepared in the event of a severe weather incident is important.

On Thursday Gov. Reynolds signed into law one of the mental health bills the Senate passed last week, House File 2456. The bill being signed into law is great step toward fixing our state’s mental health system and ensuring care for those who need it the most.

I was honored and humbled to play an integral role in drafting the Senate version of the Complex Needs Mental Health Bill. Rep. Shannon Lundgren, Rep. Joel Frye, Sen. Mark Chelgren also played key roles from the legislature to help ensure this bill’s smooth passage. I would like to note the bill passed the House and Senate unanimously. The Complex Needs Mental Health Work Group brought forth the recommendations to help originate this legislation.

This is another step forward in the process of addressing the most delicate needs of Iowans who suffer complex mental health issues. Thank you to everyone involved for this great achievement for Iowans!

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State Sen. Jeff Edler can be reached at (641) 751-5902 or jeff.edler@legis.iowa.gov