Capitol Strategies Group, Inc. is continuing to work at the Capitol on behalf of our clients. While I do have my own responsibilities every day, a lot of what I am doing right now is observing, listening, and learning. There is a lot of information to take in with regards to how things are accomplished around the Capitol.

Sometimes I am surprised at how simple it can be to arrange a meeting and get something done. On the other hand, sometimes it can seem like it is way too complicated, and no work will ever get done. I am still very early into the process so I am not trying to get too high or too low as far as reacting to my surroundings.

While I mainly listen when we are having meetings with Legislators, yesterday I got my first real taste of the job, however informal it was. I was able to speak with a House Leader and tell him we had a few bills we wanted moved. When I told him what bill I was specifically referring to, I was met with "No."

Call it what you will, but at worst, he was just sticking to his guns and not giving me any run-a-round, which is a good thing.

CSG will continue to monitor a number of bills and represent our clients in the best way we know how, and the session is only going to get better for us.

Another week of the 2011 Iowa Legislative Session has passed and it was a busy one. We are working hard to meet each and every new legislator, but it takes time because just like me, the legislators are new to the Statehouse, as well. We send in a note to the legislators telling them we would like to talk with them, and the notes are usually unsuccessful for one reason or another. If we get about 1 in 4, then we are doing alright.

One key issue Capitol Strategies Group, Inc. is focusing on is the Graduated Driver's License bill that we are monitoring for the National Safety Council. I sat in on my first subcommittee meeting led by Senator Bowman (D-District 13)and it was an interesting time. The GDL bill was voted on and all three State Senators voted that it should be passed up to the committee with a recommendation for an amendment.

CSG will undoubtedly be present at the committee meeting when that bill is brought up and we are looking forward to getting it moved on.