Lawmakers should continue online access

During the height of the pandemic, Iowans learned new ways to conduct business and communicate. The Iowa Legislature made subcommittee meetings accessible online, and the Senate allowed Iowans to comment via Zoom. The change was necessary to keep lawmakers and Iowans safe, and allow those who were unable to travel to Des Moines the ability to comment and participate.

Hybrid (in-person and electronic or online) participation is important for government and lawmakers to be open and transparent, and to encourage Iowans from all over the state to participate in their government. This method of open participation is so valuable in the hyperpartisan times that we live in because it will give Iowans access to your opinions and allow lawmakers to see and hear Iowans and value our views.

Too often, travel to Des Moines is challenging weather-wise, as well as, difficult to take a day to travel to the capital to offer lawmakers a better understanding that bills have on our lives.

Hybrid participation will give all lawmakers more opportunities to learn and receive more feedback about proposed laws. Lawmakers will become more informed about the impact of proposed legislation. I encourage lawmakers to maintain the (hybrid participation) practice going forward.

Linda Schreiber

Iowa City