I am glad to know that people still remember that one of our truly great presidents, Theodore Roosevelt was a Republican, and his view of support for the environment was truly wonderful. There have been times when I have wondered if "The Old Grey Elephant Aint What it Used to Be". So I am glad that some people have long memories. When I spoke of my support for Theodore at a meeting in a high income region in suburban Philadelphia, I was told by those present that he was a traitor to his party. This helped confirm my resolution to leave, and seek a new job elsewhere. At 07:57 AM 01/06/2003 -0600, you wrote: >Debbie, > >I am a relatively new member of the Sierra Club and have enjoyed reading the >newsletter and articles involving environmental issues and protecting our >natural resources. I appreciate you and your team's efforts in gathering >this information and getting these articles to us via email. > >This article is a bit of surprise. There is little if any information on >Sierra type issues and it seems a bit one sided. Will you be presenting the >Republican viewpoint in a subsequent article? You see I am probably a rare >breed for you as I am a strong Republican that is a strong believer in >protecting our environment as a member of the Sierra club. Many of the >points outlined in this political agenda are helpful to our state, but there >is an opposite side to any coin. I was just curious to see if we are going >to present that other side of coin viewpoint. > >Thank you for your time, >Larry Lubinus > > > > > >-----Original Message----- >From: Debbie Neustadt [mailto:[log in to unmask]] >Sent: Monday, January 06, 2003 6:43 AM >To: [log in to unmask] >Subject: The Democrats Economice Agenda in the Iowa Legislature > > >Legis.News -- Inside the Iowa Legislature, January 3, 2003 >By House Democratic Leader Dick Myers > >MORE TOUGH DECISIONS AWAIT 2003 SESSION > >The 2003 legislative session will kickoff on Monday, January 13. Once >again, due to the >sluggish economy, the state budget will be extremely tight. Budget >issues will no doubt >command most of the headlines from now until adjournment in April. > >This will make the third consecutive year of very tough budgeting. In >the past two years, >we have slashed state spending significantly. Today, state government in >Iowa is spending >LESS than it did four years ago. > >At the same time, thanks to Governor Vilsack's leadership, we have been >able to improve >public schools by reducing class sizes and improving teacher pay. It is >a matter of >establishing priorities and sticking by them. > >In difficult budget times, it is crucial to maintain focus on >priorities. In 2003, House >Democrats will continue to concentrate on three major areas: > >Managing and balancing the state budget. >Improving the economic security of Iowans today. >Modernizing Iowa and providing economic growth for our children's >future. > >We cannot let ourselves be sidetracked from these goals. Any diversion >from these >priorities would be a waste of our time and taxpayers' money. > >I am pleased to hear the public declarations of cooperation coming from >the Governor and >Republican leaders. We serve the public well when we work collectively, >and this year will >require our best efforts. > >************************************************************* >THE DEMOCRATIC AGENDA FOR 2003 > >Democrats will introduce specific legislation this year to further our >plan to protect >Iowans' economic security and foster modernization and growth for the >future. > >Our Democratic agenda includes: > >* Making income tax rates more competitive and simplifying tax forms. >* Taking commercial advantage of university research. >* Lowering prescription drug costs for seniors. >* Incorporating character education into all public school curricula. >* Continuing class-size reductions in elementary grades. >* Proving insurance parity for mentally illness. >* Raising the state's minimum wage. >* Protecting the privacy of Iowans' medical and financial records. > >Democrats intend to work from day one to develop and enact this agenda. >We look forward to >working with Governor Vilsack and majority Republicans to that end. > >************************************************************* >CONTACT INFORMATION > >For more information and news from the Iowa House of Representatives, >visit our website at ><www.iowahouse.org> or call (515) 281-3521. > >- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - >To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: >[log in to unmask] > > >This communication is for use by the intended recipient and contains >information that may be privileged, confidential or copyrighted under >applicable law. 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