IOWA CITY, IOWA (July 1, 2019) — Legislative advocates for reforming Iowa’s “worst in the nation” medical cannabis program say they will keep fighting for much needed reforms vetoed by Governor Kim Reynolds.
“Representative [John] Forbes and I called on our colleagues to join us in calling for a special session to overturn Governor Reynold misguided veto of modest improvements to Iowa medical cannabis program,” said State Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City. “We are happy to report that every Democratic member of the Iowa Senate and Iowa House signed the call for a special session. Unfortunately, not a single Republican lawmaker acted to defend their votes.”
In April, House File 732 passed the Iowa House by a vote of 96 to 3 and the Iowa Senate by a vote of 40 to 7.
“We gave our Republican colleagues the opportunity to make a wrong by the governor into a right. They ignored us,” said Rep Forbes. “Now it is time to take action to make sure Iowa’s elected officials are advocates for people who are sick and not able to access and afford effective medicines.”
The two legislators said they would immediately press for a legislative interim committee to prepare legislation for passage early in the next session beginning in January, 2020.
“An interim committee would include public meetings and public input,” Sen Bolkcom said. “Secret meetings between the Governor and legislative Republicans failed to get the job done. The Legislature needs to listen to patients and create a better program that meets their needs.”
The Legislative Council Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday, July 11, 2019, 11:30AM, Room 22 at the State Capitol.
“The July 11 meeting will be very important for Iowans who want to have the same access to effective medicines that most other Americans already have,” said Forbes. “The goal now must be seeing the necessary medical cannabis reforms signed into law shortly after the January start of the 2020 session.”
