West Branch Middle School pupils got a lesson in state politics when they watched House members debate one of their Science Club teams’ bills on the floor.


Advisor Dr. Hector Ibarra said that, while there presenting their projects in the Iowa Capitol rotunda, state Rep. Nate Willems (D-Mount Vernon) called them into the House balcony to hear debate over House File 785, a bill that encouraged the use of alternatives to lead wheel weights on state-owned vehicles.

The bill is a pared-down version of one crafted by the WBMS DeadWeight team.

Team member Justin Roth had presented arguments before the Environmental Protection committee on Feb. 1, and it passed 16-4.

Ibarra said some representatives on Feb. 18 questioned why the bill passed “funnel week” when they felt there were more pressing matters.

“Basically they were being disrespectful to the kids, that this was a waste of their time, that the environment doesn’t concern them, and that who cares what these kids are stating,” Ibarra said.

However, the bill passed 58-38, with all Democrats and six Republicans, including state Rep. Jeff Kaufmann (D-Wilton) voting in favor.

Kaufmann said the floor fight shows there are tempers on both sides, and the lead wheel weight bill was used as “a conduit for frustration.”

“It was actually a good learning experience for the kids as long as they knew that the comments were not about them or their projects,” the state legislator added.