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Senate opens with prayer, MLK reflections and adjourns to Jan. 21
Summary
The Senate began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, heard a memorial reflection for Martin Luther King Jr. and member announcements including an Easterseals of Iowa event, and adjourned until Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 9 a.m.
The Senate convened and opened its session with a prayer delivered by the senator from Crawford and the Pledge of Allegiance, then heard ceremonial remarks and member announcements before adjourning until Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 9 a.m.
The prayer, identified by the presiding officer as a historic prayer from Martin Luther, was recited by the senator from Crawford, who closed with, "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, amen." The presiding officer then called for routine checks of the journal and for any senators to be excused.
Senator Shipley, the senator from Adams, invited members to visit Easterseals of Iowa in the rotunda from 2 to 4 p.m., saying staff and clients would be on hand to discuss the organization's mission and programs. "Staff and clients will be there to talk about Easter Seals' mission to ensure that all people with disabilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities," Shipley said, listing services such as integrated childcare, job training, brain health, case management, respite services and assistance that helps farmers with disabilities continue working. She also mentioned treats from Camp Sunnyside that will be available.
Senator Webster, the senator from Scott, briefly announced he had brought two dozen cookies from home for members to share.
On a point of personal privilege, Senator Hardman, the senator from Polk, marked the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and described attending commemorative events and volunteer service. Hardman said he visited a site where Dr. King spoke in 1959 (now Hope Elam Church) and recounted participating in the fifth annual gas giveaway founded by Representative Rob Johnson, where "11,000 gallons of gas was given away to needy Iowans." Quoting Dr. King, Hardman urged colleagues to act on conscience: "Cowardness asks the question, is it safe? Expediency asks the question, is it political? Vanity asks the question, is it popular? But conscience asks the question, is it right?"
Senator Weiner, the senator from Johnson, announced that Democrats would caucus in Room 24 and asked members to bring their clerks for introductions.
Senator Clemensch, the senator from Winneshiek, moved that the Senate adjourn until Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 9 a.m., noting that Republicans would caucus in Room 22 upon adjournment. The chair called for the ayes and, after a voice response, stated "The motion prevails," and the Senate adjourned.
