Under the Golden Dome, Too

Meet Alex
 
     With nicer weather finally here, farmers have gotten out to the fields and started planting for this year. Several legislators are farmers themselves, so they are looking forward to wrapping up session so that they can return home and get back to life on the farm.
     We continued work on the state budget last week and while we may not complete our work by Day 100, I continue to believe that should be our goal and have charted a path to do so.
     Each session, high school students from across the state are given the unique opportunity to work as pages in the Legislature. This once-in-a-lifetime experience gives students the chance to see the inner workings of state government and make connections and friendships that will last a lifetime. This year, my page was Alex Byrnes, of Osage, and in this week’s newsletter she shares her experience:
     “Hello, my name is Alex Byrnes and I am the Speaker’s Page for the 2016 Legislative session. Here is a summary of myself and how I was granted this opportunity to work in this beautiful Capitol.
     “I grew up on an acreage eight miles northwest of Osage, which is located about 20 miles from the Minnesota border. While attending Osage High School, I had the opportunity to participate in cross country, track, student council, 4-H, National Honor Society and Model U.N. I will graduate from Osage on May 22.
     “Living in rural Iowa, the page program is not widely known. However, because my dad is a state representative, he informed me about this opportunity. Having a chance to work in the Capitol was extra-special because my dad is retiring this year and it is also my senior year. 
     “I have always had an interest in politics, so this was something I was really looking forward to. The page application was sent out around August and was due Oct. 9. During this time I completed the necessary requirements, which involved writing a short essay and obtaining several recommendations. After a month of waiting, I was notified that I had gotten an interview with the Iowa House of Representatives Chief Clerk, Carmine Boal. A week after I visited the Capitol for my interview, I was offered a job in the House.
     “At page orientation in November, we had interviews for what are called office page positions, which include page positions in the Chief Clerk, Majority and Minority Leader, and Speaker’s Offices. Later that day after interviewing for several positions, Speaker Linda Upmeyer called me and told me that I would be working in her office for the upcoming session. I was ecstatic!
     “While working as a Speaker’s Page, I have had several day-to-day tasks. Although, some of them aren’t extremely exciting, like getting lunch for the office and writing press releases. Another one of my duties as a Speaker’s Page is to take photos of representatives when their constituents visit Des Moines. When there is a big day on the hill for various groups these can add up quickly.
     “However, other jobs make up for it like being Speaker Upmeyer’s right hand during debate and holding the title “Guardian of the Gavel.” Rep. Kraig Paulsen hand crafted Speaker Upmeyer’s gavel, so it is extremely important that I do not lose it. On one occasion, Rep. Byrnes (my dad) stole the gavel and hid it from me. After that, I never let the gavel out of my sight.
     “My favorite part about working here at the Capitol is the people I’ve met. I have made so many connections that will last a lifetime. I have my foot in the door with many different people and I am humbled to have landed this position. At first, I was petrified and had no idea what to do but I caught on quickly and fell in love with the process. Speaker Upmeyer and the rest of the office staff have made this opportunity wonderful and I am going to miss them all so much next year when I’m at The University of Iowa.
     “My favorite memory this session was when Gov. Terry Branstad gave his Condition of the State address and was chatting in the Speaker’s well with Speaker Upmeyer, Senate President Pam Jochum, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and myself. Being surrounded by women, I looked up at the governor and said “Look who is in the minority now!” I am very blessed to have been granted this opportunity.”
     It’s truly been an honor getting to know Alex and all of the pages that have served the Legislature this year. I’m confident that the future of our state is very bright with these young people leading the way.
     Speaker of the Iowa House Linda Upmeyer represents Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties in District 54. She can be reached at linda.upmeyer@legis.iowa.gov or (515) 281-3521.