Iowa legislature begins its 2017 session

The Iowa legislature convenes for the 2017 on Monday.  It's the 87th Iowa General Assembly.

Republicans hold a 59-40 edge in the State House of Representatives and a 29-20-1 majority in the State Senate.

Among the new legislators on Monday will be Decorah's Mike Bergan, who was elected in November after Republican Darrell Branhagen decided not to seek re-election.  Bergan defeated Democrat Pat Ritter in November.