Iowa State Legislature passes legislation changing collective bargaining rights of public employees

State Senator Michael Breitbach and State Representative Michael Bergan

State Senator Michael Breitbach and State Representative Michael Bergan of Decorah were among the Republican legislators voting in favor of House File 291 on Thursday, a bill that would change the collective bargaining rights of many public employees.

The vote was mostly along party line votes, although six Republican State Representatives joined Democrats in voting against the changes--Andy McKean from Anamosa, Mary Ann Hanusa from Council Bluffs, Dave Heaton from Mount Pleasant, Shannon Lundgren from Peosta, Tom Moore from Atlantic and Clel Baudler from Greenfield.

The new legislation will take effect when Governor Terry Branstad signs the bill.  There's been no word from the Governor's Office ye on when that will happen.

Meanwhile, the Decorah School Board plans to meet at 12:00 noon Friday to approve a new teachers' contract that would not be affected by the new legislation.