The 2020 Iowa Legislative Session got underway last week, and several lawmakers are ready for the year.

District 24 Senator Jerry Behn talks about the important aspects he sees this session. One is continuing tax reform and having some financial tax break triggers go into effect this year. Another important issue is establishing high-speed internet across the state, and a third issue is tackling mental health in the classroom. Behn believes teachers should not be the ones that should handle mental health issues at school.

“I think the discussion needs to be had is to why are we seeing an increase in issues in the mental health part? Why are we seeing seven-year-olds losing their temper and trying to tear up a room. That simply did not happen to any degree as I was growing up. We had discipline in the schools.”

Behn adds, he wants parental involvement and to discuss how best the state can be involved. As the session continues, Behn serves on the education, ways and means, natural resources and ethics committees in the Senate. You can hear more from Behn today and throughout the legislative session on our Monday Community State Bank in Paton Let’s Talk Greene County program.