Legislative Update Legislative Leaders – Perspectives on the 2011 Legislative Session Specific Responsibilities? Chair of Senate Transportation Committee, Vice Chair of Commerce Committee 1. Please explain your leadership role at the Senator Tom Rielly Senate Transportation Chair Capitol: I work hard with Republicans and Democrats to find consensus on the key issues that will make Iowa a better place to work, play and raise a family. 2. Your Predictions for the 2011 Session A. Top Three Issues of the Session 1. Jobs 2. Jobs 3. Jobs and Balance Budget
Your IMTA Government Relations Team
This is the third session that Dave Scott has been serving as IMTA’s primary lobbyist. Dave has an Dave Scott impeccable 25+ IMTA Lobbyist year record as a lobbyist and is quickly described by many as a “hardworking bulldog that gives 100% to representing the trucking industry.” In representing the trucking industry, Dave is always calling on members and gaining information and insight from the membership. He praises the IMTA members for their willingness to get involved and get active in the process. “The passion among the membership when it comes to their legislative issues and their
B. Most controversial issue of the Session With a divided Legislature -- Republicans controlling the House and Democrats controlling the Senate – the most controversial issues will be anything that doesn’t have the support of a significant majority of Republicans AND Democrats in the Legislature. C. Biggest surprise issue of the Session I can’t wait to find out! 3. Republicans control the House and the Governor’s Office, Democrats control the Senate – how is this mix going to influence the 2011 session? With a Republicans controlling the House and Democrats controlling the Senate, everyone will need to take a step back, take a deep breath and work in a cooperative fashion if they want to get ANYTHING done this session. 4. We have heard many different opinions and perspectives in regard to
specific positions on various issues is really extraordinary. The folks that are involved in trucking are truly representative of the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the economy in a positive way,” said Dave. Dave is up at the Capitol from dawn to dusk and his bipartisan reputation is respected by lawmakers and lobbyist alike. As a testament to Dave’s reputation at the Iowa Capitol, he is one of a few lobbyists that was inducted by the Iowa legislature into the Pioneer Lawmaker Association. The Pioneer Lawmaker Association was formed over 125 years ago and is for legislators who have served over 20 years in the Iowa legislature. From time to time, the group honors lobbyists to be inducted into the organization and David is one of small group that holds that distinction.
IMTA President Brenda Neville
IMTA President Brenda Neville plays an instrumental role in IMTA’s advocacy efforts by working with IMTA leaders in policy development and ultimately assisting with efforts at the Capitol to ensure IMTA’s interests are covered and protected. While
the surplus or the deficit (depending upon who is giving the speech) please share your opinion on that topic. The budget is balanced. 5. There are a lot of new legislators, how will this impact the 2011 session? I can’t wait to find out! 6. Will the 2011 legislative session end early? I hope so. 7. Your top priorities for the upcoming session as an elected leader? Balance the budget in 78 days 8. What can IMTA/trucking industry do to help you? I encourage your members to contact their Senators and Representatives early and often. The more we hear from you, the more we can do for you! 9. Closing comments? I look forward to my continued work with Iowa truckers and IMTA.
Dave is the day to day person at the Capitol, Brenda is frequently called in to meet with legislative leaders and wave the flag for IMTA’s long list of issues. “Dave and I talk on numerous occasions throughout the day and depending on the issue, I may be at the Capitol every day or once a week. Because of the work we do throughout the year, I have good working relationships with legislators and as well as the legislative leadership so we always have the access we need to communicate with them on issues of importance. IMTA monitors a number of legislative bills and committee work. IMTA is also a member of a number of coalition groups representing a wide scope of issues. “Trucking is a valuable business to Iowa so we monitor trucking issues as well as any issue or proposal that may impact our ability to business,” said Brenda. IMTA will once again be hosting “IMTA Day at the Capitol events” as well as lunches with legislators and other activities that will enable IMTA members to get involved.
Winter 2010
Lifeliner
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