On March 11, 2011, after three days of debate, House Republicans passed a bill that ends collective bargaining in the state of Iowa. Representative Pat Murphy of Dubuque spoke against this bill and stressed the importance of open and honest legislation.
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Listen Here: Speaker Pat Murphy – 2009 Opening Day Remarks
We could not foresee the national recession that has been occurring and that we are currently in, and we could not have seen the national disasters that affected Iowa this past summer. Iowa had record flooding in certain parts of the state. We had tornadoes that did devastation to communities and took lives. Our biggest challenge this year will be to deal with rebuilding Iowa communities hit by natural disasters.
We are working with the Governor to create a new standing legislative committee: the Rebuild Iowa and Disaster Recovery Committee. I have entrusted Representative Tom Schueller to chair that committee. Tom has a very good background as a city councilman, a person who has worked for a large employer and who also owns a small business and works in construction and knows what real reconstruction is all about. (more…)
The 83rd General Assembly opened the 2009 legislative session at the State Capitol today with a focus on helping Iowans recover from the natural disasters last summer and the difficult economic times.
“Thousands of Iowans are still struggling from last summer’s devastating floods and tornadoes that caused billions of dollars in damages. Our top priority this session is to help Iowans rebuild and recover,” said House Speaker Pat Murphy of Dubuque.
“Of the 46 states currently facing economic hardship, Iowa is in a better position than almost any other state to weather this economic storm. We are one of only a few states that are now net exporters of energy – our investments in ethanol and wind development are beginning to bear fruit and these investments will continue to bring jobs to our state. I believe our future looks bright,” said House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Des Moines. (more…)
Opening remarks from Iowa House Speaker Pat Murphy of Dubuque:
Since I have mentioned this person by name during the past two sessions, and before I welcome you all back today, the first thing I would like to say is welcome back to a member who has served our country abroad for the last two years. Representative Zirkelbach, welcome back. (more…)