By Rep. Dawn Pettengill

21 days is all you need to start or change a habit. We just finished our third week and all of us are back in the legislative lifestyle habit. Even my feet are used to the high heels on waxed tile and that’s a feat for feet!

It was a busy one at the Capitol. We voted two big pieces of disaster relief legislation out of both the House and Senate Chambers. Next week, they will be off to the Governor for his signature. That we got that much through, that fast, was amazing. Believe me, not much moves that quickly through our hallowed halls.

In committees this week, we heard from several department heads and the bill action is starting. That is my favorite, subcommittee work! So far, I’ve been assigned 15 bills to work on…besides my own. I really love it.

As far as testimony goes, in State Government, we heard from the director of the Municipal Fire and Peace Officers Retirement Plan and the director of the Campaign Ethics and Disclosure Board. In Commerce, the Attorney General’s staff gave a presentation on subprime lenders and their actions to date. The Rebuild Iowa committee had presentations by the Department of Economic Development and the Iowa Finance Authority on what they’ve done toward disaster relief.

Plus, there were lots of visitors from home. Krystal Wright, Bob Ohlen and the Benton Community FFA, LaPorte City’s FFA, Mark and Minda Deardon, Ron Buch, Ann Jorgenson, Andy Lent, Bud Maynard and Mayor John Watson. I really like getting visitors. If you are in Des Moines, stop in!

Reminder: Legislative Coffee, Luzerne City Hall, Saturday February 7th at 10:00 am.

House District 39’s Constituent Advisory Committee will be meeting on Saturday afternoon. We still have a few Democrat and Independent openings in the following precincts: BP1, BP3, Eldorado, Iowa, Honey Creek and Washington. If you’re interested, let me know.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. My number is 319-610-3412.

Question of the Week: Do you think counties and cities should be mandated to have gender balance on their board and commission appointments? (In other words, 50% Women and 50% Men on every board or commission.)