Iowa Senate committee approves minutes; senators introduce themselves

An Iowa Senate committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting and held a round of brief introductions, the committee chair said.

The approval came without reported amendments when the chair asked if there were any changes “to the minutes as distributed.” With none offered, the chair said the minutes were approved “as distributed.” The chair also noted that any senators who had not yet arrived would be excused until they did.

The opening remarks gave several senators an opportunity to introduce themselves and the areas they represent. Senator Kara Warmie said she represents District 26, “which is all of Marshall County and the rural parts of Story County.” Senator Carrie Kelker said she represents Dubuque, Jackson and Jones counties, calling the area “the most beautiful part of Iowa.” Senator Dan Zumba described the committee’s general approach: “we tend to just move good policies to help, trains, planes, and automobiles, move across this great state.”

Other members who introduced themselves and identified districts or portions of counties included Senators Ken Rosenbaum, Mark Lofker, Adrian Dickey, Tom Shipley, Matt Blake, Cindy Winkler, Claire Selsey, Kerry Geronnagen, Rocky DeWitt, Liz Bennett, Mike Pike, Mike Klemish, Tom Townsend and Scott Webster. One participant, Tony Bizignano, identified himself as representing southeast Des Moines; the transcript did not specify an official title for Bizignano.

The introductions and the quick procedural business took place at the start of the session and set a collegial tone as the committee prepared to consider future agenda items. The meeting then continued after the introductions; the transcript records an adjournment call following the introductions.