Cownie Statehouse Report: Why Would Suburban Lawmaker Want Ag Committee Appointment?

By Rep. Peter Cownie

Considering the fact that I represent District 42 in Polk and Warren Counties, when I asked the Speaker of the House to appoint me to the House Agriculture Committee this General Assembly it was a unique request.

District 42 is primarily an urban and suburban district. The Agriculture Committee is generally comprised of legislators who represent rural areas with farming backgrounds.

Upon informing the Speaker of my interest late last year, he was, of course, surprised due to the area I represent, and then informed me that the Agriculture Committee would be the most highly desired committee in the Iowa House.

Of 53 Republicans in the Iowa House, 39 asked to be on the Agriculture Committee where there would be only 13 positions available to members. I was not dissuaded. The Speaker told me he would take it under advisement. This was understandable as committee appointments are very important and difficult to make. 

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Many individuals have asked me why I wanted to be on the Agriculture Committee. My answer to them is a simple one:

Agriculture made Iowa the strong state it is today, and I want to do everything I can to ensure this important aspect of our economy continues to thrive. Agriculture is our backbone. One need only look at the data to understand.

Iowa is the No. 1 producer of corn, soybeans, eggs and pork in America. Iowa is the No. 6 ranking state in cattle production and  No. 13 in dairy production. Furthermore, Iowa is the No. 1 producer of ethanol and biodiesel, and No. 3 in wind production in America.

In short, agriculture is the primary reason why Iowa’s economy is doing so well today while other states struggle. The bounties of our rich farmland feed the world. It is a fact all Iowans should be proud of. I know that I am.

I hope to be able to lend a new perspective to the Agriculture Committee. I have greatly enjoyed being a member of this important team during the first four weeks of this session and have learned a great deal.

A legislator represents his or her own constituents, as well as all Iowans; and issues dealing with agriculture are important to our state’s citizens no matter where they live or how they choose to make a living.

When rural Iowa is successful, all of Iowa is successful.