ther didn't keep Team ISEA leaders away from Des Moines and ISEA's Lobby Day today! Frigid temperature combined with wind chill made it feel like a minus 40 below zero and staff combined with leaders ventured to the Quality Inn and Suites to participate in our annual Lobby Day.
Hot coffee and sweet rolls hit the spot as we gathered awaiting the arrival of our first speaker. Folks from Nevada, Shenandoah, Hampton, Moulton, Fairfield, SE Polk, Mt. Pleasant, Centerville, Ft. Madison, Sioux City, Saydel, Des Moines and Iowa City were among the many locals represented.
A large contingent from both Davenport and Cedar Rapids had to cancel reservations to participate because of snow blocked and icy highways in eastern Iowa.
The first to address our group was Governor Chet Culver. Governor Culver, the only Governor in the nation to have served as a classroom teacher in the last twenty years, served as a high school Government teacher at Des Moines Hoover High School. Governor Culver fielded questions on Community College faculty salaries; students with mental health issues; and a Living Wage for Education Support Professionals.
We were treated to hearing from committee chairs from both House and Senate Education Committees today too! Representative Roger Wendt (on left) of Sioux City, a retired Middle School administrator and Senator Brian Schoenjahn (on the right) a retired Government teacher at Starmont addressed education issues that have worked their way through their standing committees.
ISEA Lobbyists Jon Studer (left) and Brad Hudson (right) shared with those gathered the education bills they continue to track that Team ISEA has said are our legislative priorities. Brad and Jon represent our 33,000 members every day at the state Capitol and work to inform legislators the priorities of our membership.
Representative Richard Anderson of Clarinda (center) discusses with Toni Graham, chair of ISEA's ESP standing committee (right) and Kevin Ericson (left) member of ISEA's Executive Board representing Mid-Iowa UniServ Unit issues he's working on.
Representative John Whitaker of Hillsboro shares conversation over lunch with Team ISEA's Bargaining and Rights Specialist Joann Mackin. All members of the General Assembly were invited to join us for lunch. We provided transportation for legislators on school buses driven by Team ISEA members from the Johnston Educational Support Professional Association.
Representative Eric Palmer of Oskaloosa (left) visits with Team ISEA leaders from Iowa City. A table full of Iowa City leaders braved ice-packed Interstate 80 to participate today.
Also joining us lunch today were Representative Paul Shomshor (left) of Council Bluffs; Representative Polly Bukta, retired teacher from Clinton; Representative McKinley Bailey of Webster City (second from right); and Team ISEA Student Program member from Drake University, Steve Chasse (right).
Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal (left) of Council Bluffs addressed the group over lunch. Senator Gronstal in addition to his remarks on education priorities of his caucus gave us an update on his two daughter. Senator Gronstal always gives tremendous credit for his daughters' success to the opportunities they were given in public school. Senator Gronstal chairs the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) for the Democratic National Committee.
The last to address our group was Speaker of the House Pat Murphy (at right) of Dubuque. Speaker Murphy shared priorities of his caucus then listened to concerns from our members and answered questions before heading back to the Capitol.
With very busy schedules and high demands to have a few moments with our elected state legislators, we are most grateful for Governor Culver, Majority Leader Gronstal, Speaker Murphy and House and Senate members that could join us today!
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