Democrats attempt to set up issues as Legislative session nears

By this time Monday, the Iowa Legislature will have convened in regular session. Republicans hold a majority of seats in both the House and Senate, which means they control the debate agenda. Democrats like House Democrat Leader Dick Myers of Iowa City are pressing for action on what they call economic security issues, and urging republicans to drop social issues like the death penalty. Meyers says they need to work together. He says “it’s time to govern, not campaign.”Senate Democrat Leader Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs says education should be priority one, and controversial topics like abortion should be shelved. He says in the light of September 11th, they need to focus on the issues that unite the state.Democrat legislators and democrat Governor Tom Vilsack suggest a hike in Iowa’s minimum wage which they say is one way to improve the quality of life and economic security of Iowans.