North Iowans make an impact

May is a time of celebrations and remembering. On Memorial Day, we remember those who sacrificed for our country. Please take time to thank a veteran for your freedoms.
The weeks since the Legislature adjourned have been busy ones for Iowa. Governor Branstad finished signing into law the legislation we passed this year. I joined north Iowans at the Statehouse for some of the bill signing ceremonies and thanked them for their advocacy, which makes Iowa a better place for all of us.
I was also pleased that Governor Branstad vetoed closing the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University. I voted against closing this internationally recognized institution because it has done so much for Iowa’s farmers, ag economy and rural communities over the last 30 years. Though the Leopold Center is now without state funding, I am hopeful that creative solutions will allow the Center to continue its mission.
Sen. Amanda Ragan (D-Mason City) serves Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties in Senate District 27. She can be reached at (515) 281-3371 or (641) 424-0874. Email her at amanda.ragan@legis.iowa.gov.