Banishing a sluR, looking past the funnel, taking a breath: Iowa Capitol Digest, Feb. 15

SPREAD THE WORD: Special Olympics and Best Buddies were at the Capitol on Thursday to promote the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign to end the use of the word 'retard.”

The 'R-word” hurts because it is exclusive, offensive and derogatory, according to Rep. Matt Windschitl. R-Missouri Valley, who introduced representatives of the organization in the Iowa House.

The campaign asks people to pledge to stop saying the R-word as a starting point toward creating more accepting attitudes and communities for all people.

LOOKING AHEAD: Following the first funnel deadline, Iowa House members will be shifting from committee work to floor debate, Republican leaders in the House and Senate said.

'Next week we'll see a ton of floor action and really pick up the pace,” said Senate President Jack Whitver, R-Ankeny

'We've been looking at the bills as they come out of committee, and next week we'll make the shift toward floor debate,” said Majority Leader Chris Hagenow, R-Windsor Heights.

The education equity bill, SF 455, will be on the House agenda Monday, and he expects the House to follow that with legislation addressing opioid abuse and mental health, which 'is one that comes to mind that has been a priority for all of us.

'There will be a lot of activity on the floor next week,” Hagenow said.

Before floor action, bills likely will be discussed by both parties in closed-door meetings without public input.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'It takes a while to get some things through. You know me, I don't like traffic cameras, and we've been battling that for eight years.” - Rep. Walt Rogers, R-Cedar Falls, on killing a school choice bill because of lack of support.