Hello from the State Capitol, 

This week was a very busy week as I had 7 bill hearings this week. This is exciting as this week alone I had 3x more bills heard than the last two years combined.  

I had a hearing in the Veterans Committee which would allow pay and allowances to be modified, and pension offset stipends established for members of the National Guard. It is important to protect those who serve and keep us safe.  

I also had a hearing in Elections Finance and Government Operations for HF 1532. This bill increases the reimbursement amounts for property owners who obtain their own appraisals during eminent domain proceedings. The new limits would be: 

• $3,000 (up from $1,500) for single-family and two-family residential properties and minimum damage acquisitions.  

• $10,000 (up from $5,000) for all other types of properties. 

HF 737 was heard in Environment which would allow lead in certain pens and pencils. It would also allow cadium in professional paint.  

Lastly, I had 4 bills heard in the transportation committee.  

Many people have had concerns about the Govenor's budget and the cuts to vulnerable populations he proposes. He plans to cut funding for nursing homes, which provide critical care for our seniors. He is also planning to cut education funding, including nonpublic pupil aid and merit-based teacher pay. Ultimately it is the Legislators who determine the budget, and we will not let the Governor balance the budget he messed up on the backs of our most vulnerable populations.