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Senate Update: Ensuring state government works for us
by Bob Dvorsky, State Senator · Op-Ed · February 19, 2015
Do our state agencies need to buy digital cameras from a Massachusetts company?
Why would state government purchase bread and bakery products from Missouri? Why did the state hire a New York company to help market and promote Iowa to tourists?
What if we gave Iowa businesses that employ Iowans, pay local property taxes and produce Iowa products a chance at state bids while still getting the lowest bid for Iowa taxpayers?
Senate File 1, known as the Iowa First initiative, can help by giving Iowa businesses priority in competing for state contracts. The bill will allow Iowa companies seeking to sell products and services to the state the chance to match competing out-of-state bids if the projects are under $500,000 and the Iowa firm is within 5 percent or $10,000 of the lowest bidder.
If you would like to help make our state the best possible place, we are always looking for qualified applicants for Iowa’s statewide boards and commissions. They are responsible for advising the Governor, Legislature and state agencies.
The Governor appoints members to more than 160 boards and commissions as openings become available. If you find a position you are interested in at http://openup.iowa.gov, sign up and fill out an online application for consideration.
State law requires most boards and commissions be balanced according to gender and political affiliation. Geographical location and diversity is also considered. Appointments are made to most boards and commissions annually. All applications are kept on file as public information.
To contact Senator Dvorsky during the week, call the Senate Switchboard at 515-281-3371. Otherwise he can be reached at home at 319-351-0988. E-mail him at bob.dvorsky@legis.iowa.gov.
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