Lawmakers open new session with speeches, administrative work

DES MOINES – The 84

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General Assembly officially gaveled in its 2011 session today. Proceedings in both chambers got under way at 10 a.m.

Lawmakers battled light snow and traffic snarls to open what is scheduled to be a 110-day session that holds the prospects for political tension and compromise with the Statehouse returning to an era of divided government following four years of Democratic control of the House, Senate and governor's office.

Much of the first day is devoted to opening speeches by the new leaders, swearing in of new members and divvying up desks, parking spaces and offices given the new legislative configurations in the wake of Republicans advances in last November's general election.

Republicans seized a 60-40 majority in the Iowa House, where Democrats had held a 56-44 edge. The Senate remains in Democratic control with a 26-23 margin pending a special election later this month to fill a seat vacated by former Sen. Larry Noble – incoming Republican Gov. Terry Branstad's choice to be the state's next public safety commissioner.

The newly empowered Republicans held a pre-session breakfast gathering where they hailed their election victories and pledged to reshape and redirect state policies to reflect a smaller, less intrusive government that spends less of taxpayers' dollars that has been the trend in recent years.

“The time for action in Iowa is now. “I'm ready for a bold change. Let's do the right thing and get it done,” said Lt. Gov.-elect Kim Reynolds, who will be sworn in along with Branstad during inauguration ceremonies on Friday.

“It is a new day. Stay tuned, it's going to be a very interesting year,” said Senate GOP Leader Paul McKinley of Chariton, who assured the gathering that Republicans will return to the majority in 2012 – telling the crowd they were “71 votes short of ending Mike Gronstal's monarchy.”

For his part, Gronstal marked the session's opening by remembering the six people who were killed and 14 people who were injured – including a U.S. congresswoman – during a shooting spree outside an Arizona supermarket. He called the incident “troubling” and of concern to every public official in America.

As far as the work ahead, Gronstal urged his colleagues to keep the focus this session on growing the economy and helping small business.

House Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer, R-Garner, said today will be a day of celebration for 22 new members in the Iowa House. “The energy is boundless, the excitement is nearly palpable,” she said.