Greetings from under the golden dome in Des Moines.

One bill per week.

That’s the average pace of debate in the Iowa Senate after five weeks of session.

As we get ever closer to the halfway point of the 2011 session, the Iowa Senate is becoming known more for what it has not done- than what it has done this session.

After five weeks, the Iowa Senate has debated just five bills.

Two of those bills dealt with the ethical conduct of senators and lobbyists. Another bill dealt with the internal rules of the body. A fourth bill has passed overwhelmingly on numerous occasions in previous sessions and the last bill was a small technical fix to a piece of legislation passed by a previous General Assembly.

While we wait for the majority leader to bring us proposed legislation, we have committee meetings and respond to constituent questions and input.

One issue that has surfaced is the one dealing with traffic cameras. While I understand people’s concern over being watched by “Big Brother”, I also know from first-hand experience that safety has been significantly improved at least on those infamous S curves on interstate 380 through downtown Cedar Rapids.

I now feel comfortable traveling that stretch of road. I do think, however, that net proceeds from traffic cams should have to go back into the repair and maintenance of the local streets and highways. I have requested a Bill Draft to that effect.

See you out and about the district.

Senator Tim Kapucian

Tama, Grundy, Benton and Iowa counites

These are upcoming forums you may attend:

Feb. 19

10-11:30 a.m. – Vinton – Vinton City Hall 110 West Third Street

1:30-3 p.m. – Norway – Norway Public Library 108 Railroad Street

March 5

1:30-3 p.m. – Keystone – Schroeder Public Library 93 Main Street

March 19

10-11:30 a.m.- Marengo – Marengo Public Library 1020 Marengo Avenue

1:30-3 p.m.- Shellsburg – Ray and Virginia Boyer American Legion Post, 114 Main Street SW

April 2

10-11:30 a.m. – Blairstown – Blairstown Community Center 305 Locust Street NW

1:30-3 p.m. – Mount Auburn – Emil H. Dutler American Legion 200 Second Street