Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after Sen. Tom Harkin announced he would not seek reelection in 2014.

"Senator Harkin's tireless work has improved the well-being of Iowans for more than a generation. Senator Harkin has had a direct impact on the everyday lives of people all across the nation and the globe, not just in Iowa.  From his advocacy to improving the lives of people with disabilities, to rewriting the way farmers conserve and protect their land to standing up for human rights, he has been a true leader and statesman.  He has truly given a voice to those who are often not heard, rather than serving as a mouthpiece for the powerful and connected.

"His knowledge, compassion and fight cannot be replaced.  He has long been my political hero and I have been honored to serve with him these past six years.  Terry and I wish Tom and Ruth health, happiness and success in all their future endeavors."

CUMMING, Iowa - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement on his plans for the future, including his decision not to seek reelection for his U.S. Senate term expiring in 2014.  In doing so, he thanked Iowans for their dedication over the course of his career in public service and outlined his agenda for the HELP Committee over the next two years:

"I have been thinking hard about the decision whether to run for a sixth term in the United States Senate for a number of months - even more these last few weeks.  I've reached a decision, and what I've decided really boils down to two things," said Harkin. "First, I'm going to fulfill a promise that I made to my wife Ruth, and that I also made to myself.  It's a promise that we're going to do certain things together - and that we're going to live together in a way we've often talked about - before it gets too late.  That's a decision I believe many Iowans can relate to, either because of their own circumstances, or perhaps those of their parents.  I have the privilege to be able to make this decision on my own terms, which not everyone can, and I'm deeply grateful to the people of Iowa that I do have that opportunity.  I've been extremely fortunate. I was born here in Cumming in modest circumstances. My father was a coal-miner with just an 8th-grade education. My mother arrived to this country as an immigrant with virtually no earthly possessions. This state and this country have allowed me to enjoy a life and career beyond anything I imagined as a boy or young man.

"Second, I'm 73 years old right now.  At the end of this term I'll be 75.  When the current Congress is over, I will have served in the United States House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate for a total of 40 years.  After 40 years, I just feel it's somebody else's turn.  I can't put into words what an honor it is to serve Iowa.  And I don't by any means plan to retire completely from public life at the end of this Congress.  But I am going to make way for someone new in this Senate seat.  I think that is right not just for me, but for Iowa, as well."

In announcing his plans, Harkin said that over the next two years in Congress, he would continue to advance a policy agenda that benefits Iowa.  Among his priorities:

• Moving forward with bills to ensure that all Americans are able to achieve the promise of a quality education - beginning in early childhood, continuing through elementary and high school, and culminating with higher education. 
• Working to significantly increase the employment of individuals with disabilities, in order to continue to fulfill the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Advancing his proposal of a new type of pension plan, the USA Retirement Fund, to provide Americans with a secure source of retirement income for life. 
• Ensuring the successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

As an appropriator and as chair of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds health, education, and labor, Harkin would ensure these initiatives have the funding necessary for implementation.  So too would he continue to advance farm policy that improves, and strengthens a number of initiatives that we included in previous farm bills to assist and promote opportunities for farmers and good nutrition for consumers through farmers markets and increased local production and marketing of food.

"More than 40 years ago, I came to Washington with a simple goal: help people.  It was that goal that has inspired me throughout my career and one that will continue to inspire my work.  Iowans entrusted me with a great responsibility when they first elected me to public office in 1974.  It is a responsibility I have never forgotten as I represented them in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate," Harkin concluded.

Tom Harkin has represented Iowa in Congress for 38 years.  First winning election to the U.S. House in 1974, he represented Iowa's Fifth Congressional District until 1984, when he challenged an incumbent Senator and won.  Iowans returned him to the Senate in 1990, 1996, 2002 and 2008.  He is the first Iowa Democrat to win as many consecutives terms in the U.S. Senate.

Harkin has a lengthy record of achievements, among the highlights of his career:

• Advancing the Rights of Individuals with Disabilities;
• Strengthening the Middle Class through Health, Education, and Retirement Security Policies and Investments;
• Promoting a Strong Agriculture Economy, Sound Conservation, and Renewable Energy;
• Protecting Human Rights and Combatting the Worst Forms of Child Labor;
• Providing Funding to Maintain Modern Schools & Access to Healthier Communities;
• Ensuring Iowans have access to Disaster Relief and Flood Prevention and Mitigation;
• In Iowa, his office holds a record of strong constituent services, having logged its 100,000th constituent case earlier this year.

###

SPRINGFIELD - Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) began his first term as the 71st District's State Representative on Wednesday.  Smiddy will serve as a full time legislator for the district that includes portions of Carroll, Henry, Rock Island and Whiteside counties.

Raised in a working class family in the 71st District, Smiddy knows the value of a dollar.  He places economic development and creating good-paying jobs at the top of his legislative agenda, knowing that bolstering economic opportunities for working families is the key to solving the state's dire financial crisis.

"People should not have to worry about whether or not their full time job will pay enough to raise their families," Smiddy said. "We have to work together to strengthen our education system, invest in effective job training programs, and build a solid infrastructure that will support an economy that fosters the kind of job creation that gives families a fair chance at financial security."

Smiddy has spent his time since the November election traveling the 71st District and meeting with residents, business owners, and community leaders.  He plans to continue his commitment to accessibility by hosting events, town hall meetings, and satellite office hours throughout the district.

"It is crucial that residents and business owners are able to access state government easily and hassle-free," Smiddy said.  "It is an honor to represent the 71st District, and it will remain my top priority to make state government accessible and keep residents engaged in the legislative process."

For more information, contact Smiddy's off at RepSmiddy@gmail.com

###

By Senator Tom Harkin

Our country is preparing for a historic event: the 57th Presidential Inauguration on Monday, January 21, 2013.  Iowans will mark this occasion in various ways.  Some may travel to Washington to take part in the festivities, while others may kick off the events by participating in the National Day of Service.  Below, please find some helpful hints for taking part in the inaugural weekend.

The weekend begins with a National Day of Service on Saturday, January 19th.   This is a nationwide event, with events held in each state so that Americans can volunteer in their communities and give back as a nation. For opportunities to participate in your area, please visit: http://www.2013pic.org/service/serve

Inauguration Day itself is an exciting time in Washington, full of events - from the ceremony, to the parade, to the inaugural balls. It will also be a busy time in the City.  For Iowans traveling to Washington please be aware that crowds will be plentiful.  I advise Iowans to get to Capitol Hill early to go through security, and also make sure all visitors have their ticket and a photo ID handy at all times.

Following the ceremony, the inaugural parade will travel along Pennsylvania Avenue from Capitol Hill to the White House. You do not need tickets to attend - just a good spot along the National Mall - but will need tickets for bleacher seats.  The parade will include performers from all fifty states - including the Isiserettes Drill & Drum Corps from Des Moines, who will represent   our state in the 1.5 mile march.

The best way to get to the inaugural events is to walk or use public transportation. Officials are expecting large crowds over the three-day weekend, with limited parking and lots of street blockades.  Comfortable shoes are a must, and purchasing your Metro fare in advance will save time (and headache) at subway stations.  Be sure to visit the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority inauguration page for the latest information on public transportation: http://www.wmata.com/getting_around/metro_events/inauguration.cfm?nocache

Packing light is also advised for any of the day's activities as strollers, signs, coolers, backpacks and large bags, and weapons of any kind are among the items prohibited from the ticketed sections of the ceremony.  Learn more about the ceremony and events at the official 2013 Inauguration site: http://www.2013pic.org/?nosplash=true

While in D.C., be sure to visit some of the other sites as well, including the National Archives, which contains the permanent exhibit of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence; the American History Museum, which features a collection of First Ladies' inaugural ball gowns, or the Air and Space Museum, which houses the original Wright brothers plane.  All of the Smithsonian museums are kid friendly and free of charge.  Although the Capitol building will be closed on Inauguration Day, my office offers congressional tours of the complex every day of the week. Visit my website: http://www.harkin.senate.gov/services/visitdc/ for more information on booking tours through my office.

Once again, I welcome all Iowans who will be traveling to D.C. for this historic inauguration.  For those who cannot make the trip, I hope you can take part by participating in the National Day of Service.

A PDF version of this article is available by clicking here.

###