Iowa State Senate
9 February 2022
Written by Jason Benell (311 words) Read by State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott

Today we gather to fulfill our duty to the state of Iowa as elected representatives, charged with handling the business of our constituents from communities large and small, rural and urban and everything in between. As we begin today, we celebrate that this body represents a diverse group of ethnicities, backgrounds, lifestyles, and beliefs. There are many traditions and practices that are observed across this state and this is the fundamental fabric that makes our state great, from former Governor Ray welcoming refugees to Iowa to Iowa’s leading role in recognizing marriage equality.

The common thread from river to river is our shared humanity and value that we place on our fellow Iowans. The humanity and well-being of our neighbor is and ought to be of paramount importance to us all as we take on the august task of considering legislation and honoring our responsibilities to the people of Iowa. This common humanity is what binds us all together, even as we find differences between our beliefs, who we love, or even our political affiliation. We are called by the state Constitution to provide for the “protection, security, and benefit of the people”, not only the people we worship with or live with or vote with.

It is our shared humanity that binds us together.

Recognizing that the duties and actions in this chamber are sure to echo far into the future, it is my hope that consideration of our common humanity is at the forefront of our actions and discussion. Only with clear eyes based on science and reason can we achieve a better world for our children and our grandchildren. May we be led by reason and science and empathy for our fellow Iowans as we consider our work today towards a better future where all Iowans, both for us today and for those who are yet to come.