Heaton, Taylor express concerns over 2017 legislative session

By Karyn Spory, Mt. Pleasant News

The 2017 legislative session was not as bad as Rep. Dave Heaton (R-Mt. Pleasant) had imagined it would be. The same can?t be said for Sen. Rich Taylor (D-Mt. Pleasant).

Heaton and Taylor met with constituents in the International Room in Chadwick Library on the Iowa Wesleyan University campus Saturday morning for the final Legislative Breakfast of the season. The breakfast had originally been scheduled for April 22, but was postponed, as the legislative session was still ongoing. The session ended the next day.

Prior to the 2017 legislative session commencing, Heaton voiced his reservations about having the Republicans in control of the House, Senate and Executive branches.

?It?s been awhile since we?ve had one party in control of all the branches of government. I was, in the beginning, dreading that because I remember the last time it was that way, it ended up a real mess,? he recalled.

Heaton said the last time Republicans were in control there was too much infighting.

?This time it was a lot different,? he said. Instead of infighting, Republicans worked together to quickly pass legislation. A little too quickly as far as he?s concerned.

?To me, they were breaking the speed limit. We had several big issues that needed to be walked around a little more and feel more comfortable (with),? he explained.

For Taylor, there would never be enough time to debate some of the bills that passed, like the defunding of Planned Parenthood. Southeast Iowa has already felt the effects of this legislation as Planned Parenthood facilities in Keokuk and Burlington have announced their plans to close on June 30.

?This is my fifth year as your state senator and this year was probably the most miserable experience I?ve probably ever had in my entire life,? exclaimed Taylor.

?Most of the time I probably could have went out there to that biggest tree,? Taylor said pointing out the window, ?and it probably would have understood a little more than my Republican counterparts.?

Besides reducing available healthcare to women, Taylor said he was also disappointed with legislature passed in regards to collective bargaining. ?It?s a direct attack on our workers,? he said. ?It shows we have no regard for them whatsoever.?

Taylor did praise Heaton for voting against the bill, which limits most public-sector union contract negotiations only to base wages. The legislation also changes the arbitration process when talks stall.

?I was very happy Dave voted against that bill. He was one of the few Republicans that did. That took a lot of courage from Dave because it is tough to stand up to your leadership,? he said.

Looking toward 2018, Heaton and Taylor both felt education and water quality would be top issues.

?I think the issue of school choice will rear its head,? said Heaton. ?If money goes to private schools, how do we keep religious private schools honoring their faith and not interfering their philosophy??

Heaton said he remembers when the state discussed funding preschools and a church asked what they would do about Christmas. ?The superintendent responded there would be no Christmas. There would be no Easter,? recalled Heaton. ?All the things that was important to Christian preschools. All that has to be eliminated because of the state?s involvement.?

Taylor said the state is unable to fund schools adequately; funding private schools as well would be detrimental.

As for water quality, both representatives see the need to tackle the topic. Taylor, however, wonders if it?s an issue that will continue to be ?kicked down the road.?

The legislative breakfast was sponsored by the Mt. Pleasant Chamber Alliance.