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District 53 Newsletter

Jan. 6, 2023

Dean Fisher (R-Montour)

It’s a new year, and that means a new legislative session is upon us. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve the new Legislative District 53, thank you to all my constituents for putting your trust in me.

The Iowa Legislature has already been at work developing plans and drafting legislation in anticipation of the start of session on Monday, January 9. I’ll provide details in my weekly newsletter as the session unfolds and bills are introduced.

The Iowa House Republicans gained four seats this election, increasing our numbers from 60 to 64 out of the 100 House seats. Republicans now represent at least a portion of all 99 counties in Iowa. The House has many new members as a result of retirements, redistricting, and a few hotly contested primaries. A total of 39 new representatives will be sworn in, 24 Republicans and 15 Democrats. With such a high number of freshmen, we will of course have to work extra hard to help them all learn the process. I know from my freshmen year there is a great deal to learn, and it hasn’t stopped for the 10 years I’ve been in the legislature.

The Iowa Senate Republicans gained two seats, from 32 to 34 out of 50 seats, now holding a supermajority of more than two thirds. This Senate supermajority is important when it comes to Senate approval of the governor’s appointment of state agency directors and other offices. And, of course, Republicans retained the governor’s office, and won the Attorney General’s office and the Treasurer’s office for the first time in decades.

I have been asked to continue on as chair of the House Environmental Protection Committee which I’ve chaired for the past four years. With CO2 Pipelines being a current hot topic, I am planning on inviting experts in this field to speak to the committee about the science and environmental issues associated with the pipelines and ground sequestration so that we have a general awareness of them. I am also serving on the Agriculture Committee, the Natural Resources Committee, and the Public Safety Committee.

I will plan on publishing a newsletter each week of the session, if you wish to be on my email distribution list please send me your email address at dean.fisher@legis.iowa.gov. I also distribute it to the area newspapers and media outlets.

I love to see constituents down at the capitol, if you plan on visiting during session please let me know so that we can meet. Tours of this incredibly beautiful building are available daily and are well worth the time. I look forward to seeing you!

Rep. Fisher’s district covers all of Poweshiek County and most of Tama County excluding Traer, Dysart, and Buckingham.