A Moment of Unity
The Iowa legislature reconvened 10 days ago, and we’ve already talked here about how contentious things had been–sharp exchanges about how the governor was handling the pandemic, partisan back-and-forth about the proposed budget.
That’s what made last night so unique…and potentially important.
House and Senate, Republicans and Democrats, whites and people of color…they all got together quietly and hammered out a bill on so called racial justice. The same legislation was introduced in both the House and Senate, debated, and passed unanimously…all in a 90-minute period yesterday afternoon and evening.
The bill itself really doesn’t do a lot that wasn’t already being done in most places, but it does make sure…no choke holds by law enforcement unless the officer’s life is threatened, the attorney general can investigate deaths caused by law enforcement officers, officers with past misconduct can’t move on to another job without disclosure, and agencies must provide annual training in de-escalation and bias prevention.
But it was the way in which the matter was handled that proves even the most bitter partisans can come together when it serves the public. No preening or posturing, honest and impassioned floor remarks, and a unanimous vote.
All the while, there was social distancing in the chamber…Black Lives Matter protesters in the gallery…and the governor herself, watching from the back of the Senate chamber where she once served.
Here is a sincere hope that the legislation that was passed will have a positive impact on the myriad of issues that fall under this category. Here is a further hope that the way in which it was handled is a model lawmakers follow during the remaining days of this session, and beyond.
