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Your Capitol Voice: Educational testing, fireworks, medical cannabis saw action
by Bobby Kaufmann, State Representative · Op-Ed · May 04, 2017
I had a wonderful Listening Post in Mechanicsville last Saturday.
A lot of great questions and comments and all opinions were treated with respect. Thanks to the Mechanicsville Library as well as my constituents who took the time to participate. I will have another Listening Post as soon as the Governor makes all of his decisions on the budget.
The 2017 session is officially over. Last week we worked through the night and adjourned on Saturday at 9 AM. I will dedicate my next couple columns to session wrap-ups and the Governor’s potential vetoes, but I wanted this column to update everyone on three issues. I received a lot of comments on these three.
Educational Testing – I received nearly unanimous opposition from teachers, administrators, and Board members about the way the Department of Education handled its recommended switch on testing. Most of you have heard of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The Department recommended a test called “Smarter Balanced” after a “vetting” of other tests. I say “vetting” because many people do not believe the process was fair. “Smarter Balanced” is not Iowa based, is more expensive than the Iowa- based testing, and is arguably not better. The legislation we passed will “reset” the selection process and gives the Department a clear message that things such as quality, cost, and the state the test originates from should be considered in the selection. The bill also stops “Smarter Balanced” from being enacted in the 2017-18 school year for those who haven’t already chosen a path and were worried about being forced. Thanks to the educators in my District for their comments and expertise as I fought this battle.
Fireworks – Fireworks are now going to be legal in Iowa, assuming the Governor signs the bill, but it comes with restrictions. I had a lot of emails and comments from people asking for it to be legal in Iowa. I respect the arguments from those who are concerned about safety, but I remain convinced that people will do stupid things regardless of what a law says. I also want to make it clear: If a community does not want fireworks, they are allowed to vote to opt-out of the law. Here are the limitations: If a community chooses to issues a license to sell fireworks, they may be sold at a permanent building between June 1 and July 8 and between December 10th and January 3rd of each year. They may also be sold at a temporary structure between June 13 and July 8th each year. As far using them, a person shall not explode them on days other than June 1-July 8 and December 10 – January 3rd. Additionally, fireworks are only to be shot off between 9 am and 10 pm except on the 4th of July and New Year’s, when fireworks can be used until 11 PM and 12:30 AM.
Medical Cannabis – I received a lot of emails and calls on Medical Cannabis. Iowa has officially opened its doors to medical cannabis and most importantly we put the medical community in charge. I want to be clear: This is not marijuana for recreational use. This is a medicine on which you cannot get high and can only be used to help certain medical ailments. Persons suffering from the following conditions will have access to medical Cannabidiol(CBD) with less than 3% THC: cancer, multiple sclerosis, seizures, HIV, Crohn’s Disease, ALS, any terminal illness with a life expectancy under one year producing pain, nausea, or wasting, Parkinson’s Disease, and untreatable pain. The new Medical Cannabidiol Advisory Board will determine new conditions to be added to the list and the quantities administered. If the dosage exceeds 3% THC then the Legislature must act. There are a host of other details including licensing. I would be happy to send a copy of the bill to anyone asking for it.
You may contact Rep. Kaufmann at bobby.kaufmann@legis.iowa.gov, 515-281-3221 or 1527 330th St. Wilton, IA, 52778
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