One Iowa lawmaker has called it “quits” and will not seek re-election to the Iowa House. However, he looks back over this year’s legislative session.

State Representative Chip Baltimore says along with tax reform for the state, they were also able to put together next fiscal year’s budget. Baltimore points out some of the key aspects of the budget include: public education funding, a substantial increase to funding for the judicial branch, and some changes to the privatization of Medicaid. Overall, Baltimore believes in the end, the budget is tough but fair.

“I think it’s prudent. It’s kind of set up with reasonable estimations of economic growth. We didn’t come in here and anticipate that we’re going to have four or five percent growth. So we’re hopeful that the economy is going to continue to click along at a reasonable pace.”

The Republican from Boone is not seeking re-election after serving eight years in the Iowa House. He talks about his time as a lawmaker.

“I think the thing that I enjoyed the most was simply talking to the people in the district and meeting the people in the district. (And) Seeing what state government does (and) how that impacts their lives both positively and negatively. I’m hopeful that through my work as their state representative, I was able to take their goals and their desires to the capitol and represent them well in that.”

There are three Republican candidates running for the June primary Republican ticket for the District 47 seat. Those candidates include: Phil Thompson of Jefferson, Victoria Sinclair of Boone and Donald Batt of Boone.