Government : HELLO HOUSE DISTRICT 75 FROM THE STATE CAPITOL!

The COVID-19 pandemic curve is either flattened out or on its way down across Iowa, and Governor Reynolds with her team of experts and advisors are continuing the process of returning to normal by relaxing restrictions of businesses. I pray the state can return to normal and the virus fades away!

At the time of this writing, the state legislature does not have enough information on the economic effect people and businesses have had. Legislators will reconvene on June 3rd and asked the Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) to provide the most up to date information possible on the current status of the state's budget. The REC consists of three members and normally meets at least three times a year to look at the amount of revenue the state of Iowa receives from tax receipts. I am confident the legislature will pass a conservative and responsible budget plan based on the REC estimates.

Last but certainly not least, on May 25th, the nation will observe a very important federal holiday: Memorial Day. It has been observed since just after the Civil War but didn't become an official federal holiday until 1971. It officially commemorates all U.S. military personnel who lost their lives in all wars. These fallen heroes who lost their lives in battle fought for the freedoms we still have today and for the people and the nation they loved. Here is a "Did You Know?" fact courtesy of www.history.com: on each Memorial Day, a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.

Stay safe, healthy, and hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

If you would like to have a little local get-away to see and read about the history of our local heroes, the Benton County Freedom Rock is in Shellsburg on Main Street next to the American Legion, and the Iowa County Freedom Rock is in Marengo at 1498 Court Avenue on the north end of town.  Go to www.thefreedomrock.com/iowa-fr-tour