Iowa legislature returns to session Monday

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Iowa lawmakers return to session Monday. Issues the General Assembly is likely to deal with this year include transportation, education and prisons. State Representative Jack Drake of Pottawattamie County says his top priorities this legislative session are a balanced budget and maintaining Iowa's right-to-work status. Drake says a balanced budget should be a high priority for all Iowa lawmakers. A recent report by the Iowa Department of Transportation shows more than $67 billion of transportation improvements are needed over the next 20 years, and suggests options to pay for road projects. Drake says he hasn't made a decision on that report yet and wants constituent input.