The Greiner Report by Sen. Sandra Greiner

Report for week 15

One of the common characteristics of the legislative session is the amount of ?down-time? at the end of session.

Such was the case on Wednesday this week when we had a two-hour lunch break while we waited on an amendment. I took the extra time to go to the Historical Museum to view the new Iowa Civil War exhibit.

Anyone who takes the time to view this exhibit will not be disappointed. Most everyone will find something that interests them. There?s a Keystone Corn Planter on wooden wheels, musical instruments from the era, a medical display featuring primitive medical tools and supplies, and a re-created encampment with tents and supplies.

The beginning of the exhibit features some history that leads up to the Civil War.  It is in this area of the exhibit where visitors will find a poster announcing a Republican rally in Washington, Iowa, on Sept. 30, 1860.

Also of interest to those with ties to Washington, is the School District No. 5 flag that was discovered in the Alexander Young Cabin last year when DAR members were cleaning the cabin preparing for the summer ?open house? season. The flag was awarded to the school district after schools were challenged to collect and contribute lint to assist with the war effort and is the main feature on a wall in the exhibit area that is devoted to the activities at home supporting the war.

There will be several special activities related to the exhibit throughout the summer which will probably include some Civil War reenactments. You can read more about the exhibit on the Historical Museum?s website at www.iowahistory.org.

Thursday afternoon, representatives of the House and Senate majorities and the governor?s office agreed about the total dollars to be spent in fiscal year 2013. Yet to be determined is how that money will be divided among the individual agencies.

Conference committees will begin meeting on Monday and the TRUE optimists believe that we will be adjourning by the end of the week.

It?s always nice to receive letters from home. Mail sent to me at the Capitol should use zip code 50319.

(Sandra Greiner represents Senate District 45. She writes a weekly column during the legislative session and can be reached by email at sandra.greiner@legis.iowa.gov. Mail addressed to Greiner can be sent to Iowa Senate, State Capitol, Des Moines 50319.)