It has taken a bit of time to process the first session of the Iowa Legislature. When people ask me, I shake my head in wonder. My colleagues Representative Fisher and Senator Edler shared their views on how the session went. I definitely think your perception depends on which side of the aisle you sit on.

There was some very good bipartisan legislation that will benefit the people of Iowa. A few examples are: Increased funding for students learning English (HF 605); expanded protections to prevent sexual abuse (SF 253); encouraged more OB/GYN doctors to locate in rural Iowa (SF 129); increased funding for job training at our community colleges (HF 871); created new enforcement to stop human trafficking (HF 452); introduced a new tracking system for rape kits (HF 426); established more funding opportunities for voluntary fire departments (HF 761); allotted a $1 million increase for Iowa state parks (HF 860); explored opportunities to expand broadband across Iowa communities (HF 848); created new opportunities and financial assistance for small-scale meat processing businesses and lockers (HF 871, HF 857); expanded services to sexual assault survivors and increase accountability in the investigations of these crimes (HF 603, HF 426); provided assistance for child care to the providers, businesses and parents (HF 891 and others). These pieces of legislation looked out for the common good.

Part of my head shaking about the session comes from the emergence of individual rights over the common good and a one-size-fits-all attitude of taking away local control. I shake my head at legislation that provides individual freedom and choice, but ignores the common good. Some examples of these legislations include: K-12 education issues including the February “Return to Learn” of all districts regardless of the local school board decisions; the late night passage of “masks optional” mandates for schools that occurred just weeks before school dismissed for the summer and without the voice of local school boards; the expansion of charter schools; the elimination of diversity plans in five districts and the introduction of Student First Scholarship Accounts (vouchers). Those in support of this legislation touted giving parents more choices.

I firmly believe that if we want to make our schools better for my children, we have to make it better for all children. These laws failed to do that. On the Education Omnibus bill where $5 million in vouchers were introduced to the house in an amendment, I offered a different amendment to take $5 million and give it to the lowest performing schools to build them up and make education strong for all children. It was voted down along party lines. Although the voucher bill was withdrawn, I am sure we will see it again.

The tax bill provided some relief in property taxes due to the shift of mental health services to the state. I have seen how the state has funded education over the years. I fear our mental health systems will fall to the same whims of the legislature. In that same bill that offered some property tax relief, the “backfill” for cities and counties was removed. Along with underfunding of our public schools, these issues will most likely cause schools, cities and counties to reevaluate the services they can provide or raise property taxes to make up the reduced revenue. It seems to me like we are playing a shell game with the tax relief.

Finally, I shake my head at many bills that seem to trample the rights of our citizens. Although we passed First Amendment Freedom of Speech laws, we added greater penalties to those who may gather to exercise that right. We made it more difficult for Iowans to vote, following the largest voting year ever. Bills that dictate what we can teach in schools or what views of our history we can share do not allow for free thinking and inquiry-based learning that is so important for our children. Bills concerning LBGT+ people were discussed and worked to discriminate against these marginalized populations, to offer less protection for their civil rights.

I was very disappointed in the divisiveness that I saw during my first legislative session. I will continue to represent all residents of House District 71. I will listen to you, even if we don’t agree. Friends, we are better than what I saw this session. The Iowa I know is respectful and kind to those we share this green space with. We help each other. We want what is best for our people and communities. We may not always agree, but at least let’s talk with each other and look for common ground. That did not happen this session.

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Sue Cahill is the state representative for District 71.

Contact her at Sue.Cahill@legis.iowa.gov.