Thank You, Linn County constituents

The upcoming legislative session will start with the strike of the gavel on Jan. 9 and for the first time in 10 years I will watch floor speeches and debates online, as a constituent.

With redistricting, I chose to run for U.S. Congress instead of re-election to the state Senate. I gave my retirement speech last April, along with four other Senate Democrat colleagues.

It has been an absolute honor to represent so many Linn County residents. Over the years I have received thousands of emails from constituents asking for help; seeking unemployment support, needing health care or asking me to solve a family or community issue. I have attended events, gone to countless meetings and joined rallies.

With each contact, I learned how to be a better legislator. In this upcoming session, it’s imperative that legislators listen to their constituents and do what’s right for Iowa children and the most vulnerable among us.

A legislator’s success can be measured by how many of their bills are passed at the State Capitol, but many times it is the leadership work legislators do at home that is most impacting.

It has been gratifying to see a child receive needed surgery, a derecho victim get help or a disabled adult obtain services because I intervened as their representative and fought for their human and civil rights.

Unfortunately, we have become politically divisive in so many ways and that has led to disagreement and no effort to compromise. In the end, it is the constituent who loses.

Don’t be afraid to contact your state elected officials when you have a problem or concern. You can view a list of your representatives, follow legislation and watch live debate at: legis.iowa.gov

Thank you, Linn County for allowing me to speak for you and the opportunity to serve you.

State Sen. Liz Mathis lives in Hiawatha.