A bit of Potluck Housekeeping

How are we doing so far, subscribers? Are you feeling like I'm sending too many emails? Be honest. I didn't start this thinking I'd be writing daily, but that's what's happening. So far.

The nice thing about not having a boss and not having a paid subscription service, this Substack columnist feels unleashed. Woo hoo!

Rep. Marti Anderson has an update to the Atypical Pandemic column:

Four people in or associated with the House Democratic Caucus have tested positive for COVID in the first weeks of the Session. Sunday night, our Caucus leader Todd Prichard told us to stay home if we are vulnerable, have someone in our home who is vulnerable, or don't feel safe coming to the Capitol. He asked our clerks to stay home and that most of our caucus staff will be working at home.

Even though the Senate can attend, participate, and vote in committees on zoom, House Speaker Grassley refuses to consider it. If we attend a meeting by zoom, we are not even counted as present. It is crazy. I am getting many emails from constituents urging me to stay home, and my family is worried about me going to the Capitol. So I will observe every meeting by zoom and answer all of my emails. Republican leadership doesn't believe we will get sick and I don't think they care; this stinks.

Bram (Anderson's husband) and I got our first shots a week ago. Five more weeks to a bit of freedom...

These public service representatives are paid $25,000 a year (plus expense per diem) to put up with this malarky (to use a 2020 term).

If you’d like to thank her: marti.anderson@legis.iowa.gov.