State Rep. Derek Wulf (R-Hudson).

When we are called to serve, we serve strong!

We favor the people knowing the time we spend in the State House will continue to serve the

people of lowa proudly. lowans will always cherish their traditions and keep our brand of “Made in America” into the eyes of this next generation. Celebrating National lowa Day, our leaders knew joining the Union in 1846 would provide freedom to all Americans who we welcome into this great state.

Across our country, we believe that one vote by one person entrusts our systems of democracy. In order to preserve the right of voting, our Secretary of State is promoting and protecting our elections. Fairness will always stand above politics and I was glad to meet with Secretary of State Paul Pate last week to learn more about the concerns overseeing our state and local communities’ elections. With new updated systems in the works for county auditors, low will manage a more healthy and sustainable process on election day.

On the House Floor this past week brought the much needed discussion of HF 171 and HF 161. Voting in support of reforming Medical Malpractice noneconomic damages, HF 161 limits the dollar amount of noneconomic damages claims to $2 million if occurring at a hospital, and $1 million anywhere else. No amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a loved one, but in lowa, massive noneconomic damage awards have increased exponentially. They drive up liability costs and make the cost of providing care in low less competitive. Punitive damages will be awarded to the family rather than a portion going to the state as is current law. We need to compensate people for medical injuries, but we also need to keep low’s health care industry intact, and make sure health care is there for lowans when they need it, especially in rural lowa.

Governor Reynolds signed HF 171 into law last week to increase SSA funding by 3%, which would be $106.8 million more than expected in 2023. Supplemental Student Aid to local school districts will increase per student funding to $7,635.

It never ceases to amaze me to see our Capitol every day full of motivated students, leading the pack full charge sharing their concerns and advocating for their views. This week was no exception as I welcomed the Central Lyon FFA Chapter and the Tomorrow STEMS from lowa groups to the Capitol in honoring the celebration of Career Technical Education Month

Ending this week’s Wulf Roundup, the Agriculture Committee amended and passed one House Study Bill and two House Files to move to the floor for debate. As the Vice Chair of the Agriculture Committee, I am proud to be advocating for the independent farm business owners to provide exceptional resources that will benefit their operations. I’m excited to see what happens on the House Floor this week, and I would like to extend a big thank you to Representative Heather Hora for chairing the House Study Bill to make much needed updates to the IDALS code.

Be sure to check out next week’s Wulf Weekly Roundup for updates on behalf of the Agriculture, Transportation, State Government and Ways and Means Committees.

Rep. Wulf’s district, Iowa House District 76, includes the communities of Traer, Dysart, and Buckingham in Tama County. He can be reached via email: DEREK.WULF@LEGIS.IOWA.GOV