David Yepsen urges higher pay and warns lawmakers about farm crisis, technology and wartime strains

David Yepsen, introduced to the chamber as the day's speaker, told members of the General Assembly that public service comes at a cost and argued lawmakers should be better compensated: "To the people of Iowa, they need to know, you need a raise," he said, noting that legislators' statutory pay of "$100 a year" would be about "$36,000" if adjusted for inflation.

Yepsen framed the ask in the context of service burdens, saying legislature work costs time away from home, businesses and farms. He also referenced current challenges confronting lawmakers: "We face a crisis on the farm, just like the 1930s," he said, and added that "our country is at war," noting those serving in uniform deserve gratitude.

Turning to other policy areas, Yepsen raised concerns about health care and water quality and urged legislators to balance industry needs with protections for health and environment. He warned lawmakers must respond to technological change, naming impacts ranging "from its impact on children, to the impact of data centers, to speed cameras," and asked whether the body is "coming to grips with artificial intelligence."

Throughout his remarks Yepsen used historical anecdotes about reporters and legislators to underscore continuity and the burdens of public life. He closed by quoting Theodore Roosevelt's 'man in the arena' passage to urge lawmakers to accept accountability and continue public service: "The credit belongs to the man in the arena...who errs, who comes up short again and again..." and thanked the assembly for their service.

After Yepsen's remarks Representative Siegrist thanked him and reminded new members to sign the historic book associated with the Pioneer Lawmakers Association; the House subsequently stood at ease and adjourned later by motion.