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Retiring representatives urge continued focus on vulnerable Iowans and preserving Capitol ramp access
Summary
Three retiring members delivered farewell remarks on the House floor, thanking staff and constituents, stressing service to vulnerable populations and, in one speech, urging the House to keep the ramp to maintain accessibility for people with disabilities.
Three retiring representatives addressed the chamber in short farewell remarks that mixed gratitude, reflections on public service and a specific appeal on accessibility.
One speaker thanked family, staff and clerks, reflected on four terms of service and noted highlights such as chairing the Natural Resources Committee. "There are only 150 legislators in the Capitol, but we pass laws that affect over 3,000,000 people," the member said, urging colleagues to take that responsibility seriously.
Representative Turek, in a speech about the importance of service, urged colleagues to continue prioritizing the "most vulnerable" — including foster children, the elderly and people with disabilities — and explicitly asked that the House "keep the ramp" so the People's House remains accessible to all Iowans. "This is the People's House, and it should be accessible to all Iowans," Turek said.
Representative Andrews reflected on constituent contact and the personal rewards of service, describing a local "bear hug" metric he uses when constituents express gratitude for his work. Each speaker thanked colleagues, staff and family and asked members to hold formal congratulations until all three retirees had finished.
The remarks were ceremonial and no formal legislative action accompanied the speeches in the transcript.
