Thompson Times

This week was filled with subcommittees and committee meetings. This coming week finalizes the legislation brought forward or written by individual legislators. As a review, the subcommittees are made up of 3 legislators from both parties. It is open for citizens and lobbyists to share their comments for or against the issue. Often the subcommittees are held in small areas when a large group is not expected. Space is at a premium in our Capitol so scheduling a subcommittee for the hundreds of bills waiting in the que is a challenge to say the least. Finding a time slot of 15 or 30 minutes in which three legislators and a room availability can take a day or more to coordinate. Subcommittee’s can start long before the House gavels in at 8:30 am and can run past 5pm. I am on 5 committees, Judiciary, Local Government, Veterans, International Relations, and Justice Appropriations in which I am the vice-chair. Our clerks work hard to juggle our multiple sub committees and committee meetings each week. My wife, Jacki, is my clerk and I appreciate her keeping me on track and on time for all. 

I chaired a subcommittee for the legislation I brought forward for a dedicated human trafficking team of investigators, prosecutors, and victim advocacy. It has been a bipartisan effort and both chambers, House and Senate, are supportive of the effort, but it is too early to assume passage. It now goes to the full Judiciary Committee for a vote. If it passes through the committee it will go to the Speaker of the House to make a final decision on whether it is brought to the full House of Representatives for a vote. 

This legislation goes hand in hand with previous legislation I wrote regarding defining grooming with penalties and strengthening the penalties of those found guilty of trafficking. It is my goal to make those found guilty of human trafficking and grooming in Iowa to be subject to the most severe punishment. The grooming law we passed in 2024 has been implemented recently. There are at least 7 cases of grooming which are in the trial process or have been found guilty.

I am also researching issues in our state regarding taxation, daycare, schools and student environments, food security, agriculture profitability for our farmers, the disabled and elderly, veterans, rural business growth, and many others; but this issue is protecting and rescuing the most vulnerable in our state is particularly important. If you question whether human trafficking is really going on in our state and area, I can assure you it is.

Each week the Capitol is filled with differing entities and individuals to share in the subcommittees or to talk to legislators. This past week I was able to meet with several from District 56 while at the Capitol. Greg and Liz Soenen of Goldfield were with the Iowa Council of the United Blind. They discussed efforts to “Let Us Work” for the visually impaired. Wright County Supervisor, Dean Kluss and McKinley Bailey with Building Families were at the Capitol advocating for child daycare funding. Kim Belstene, Food Service Director at Belmond-Klemme school district came to the Capitol representing School Nutrition Association of Iowa. Iowa State University filled the Capitol Rotunda with groups representing varied programs ranging from their robotics program to the veterinarian testing lab. I also took the opportunity to visit the Altoona Police high tech operation center sponsored by Rep. Bill Gustoff.

The Justice Appropriations Committee which I Vice-Chair has had three budget briefings thus far. The Governor’s Budget Recommendations were presented, the second briefing was from the Director of the Dept. of Corrections, and this past week the committee was briefed by the State Public Defender’s Office. This coming week we will hear from the State Court Administration.

My email inbox has been filled with the issues listed below:

•Glysophate (the chemical in Roundup) The bill presented is more than just discussing the proper use, labeling and liability. I had a long one-on-one conversation with the legislator presenting the bill to get all sides of the issue. I am still researching the real purpose of the legislation. SF394

•Motorized devices (e-bikes).

•Community College select 4-year degree programs.

•Making animal torture a felony HF557

Several on the list above I have concerns. I continue to research the issues as to whether I support a bill moving forward as is, needs amendments or discontinuing altogether.

Each Monday at the morning opening, a representative is asked to share a patriotic, historical story or event in honor of our 250th year as a country. This Monday I will share my involvement in the Cuban Refugee operation in May 1980.