I haven’t written in a while but feel the need to communicate with all of you. It is hard to believe, but we are looking at Thanksgiving 2014! This year has flown by with a series of major occurrences: elections, major problems in the Middle East, economic changes and administrative adjustments. Foreign affairs have been tumultuous and the world seems a much scarier place. So, I ask each of you to set aside the many worries of the world and think about the blessings we as a society and family have received. We are able to feed, house, clothe and educate our children without fear. Our agricultural community is able to produce food and fiber to provide the necessities of life. Our law enforcement officers allow us to feel safe in our homes and communities. Employment in our nation and state is an improving statistic. We should be thankful for all these blessings. The basics of life are available to all of us. Farmers have had a challenging harvest season. Late maturity of crops and a wet season have delayed the corn and soybean harvest. Yields, however, have been very good, but prices, not so much. The commodity prices are far below those of the last two years but farmers are always happier if they have good yields. So, blessings are a little contradicted, but blessings just the same. The legislative session is before us. Voters gave the Republicans greater super majorities in both the House and Senate, 71-29 in the House and 40-10 in the Senate. Voters also elected a Republican Governor, Mike Pence, two years ago. That means that the responsibility for governance is all upon the Republican majorities. As a member of leadership, I accept the weighty responsibility to be reasonable and accept that the minority party also is representing their constituents. The majority party must recognize the opinions of the minority. Alexis de Tocqueville first spoke of the “tyranny of the majority.” The Republican majority wants to avoid that charge. The only objective of this long session is to produce a state budget for the next two years. Many other bills will be filed, as many as 1,500 between the two chambers. The Republican Caucus has publicly stated that the budget, ethics, education and public safety are the priorities for this session. I gave a commencement address on Nov. 8 to the fall graduates of Harrison College. It is very enjoyable to see the graduates and their families and give them some words of encouragement. Speaker Brian Bosma has appointed me to be Speaker Pro Tempore for this assembly. I am honored and appreciate the role. It means that I will fill in for the Speaker when he is absent or being challenged on a ruling by the chair. I will do my best to fulfill that role. Thanks for your support and communication. I do appreciate your participation in the process. Happy Thanksgiving to you all! More later, Bill Friend |
