Essential Estrogen

Rep. Elesha Gayman (HD-84) is one of four of our state's youngest Democratic lawmakers who are touting a bill to set up a state commission on 'brain drain'.

The bill - which was recently voted out of committee - would form a "Generation Iowa Commission" to make recommendations on how best to keep young and educated adults from leaving Iowa. Gayman, the youngest woman in the Iowa House, has made this bill a personal priority.

"You often have focus on our senior citizens or our children," she said. "But there isn't really a voice for young adults. We need to be able to keep our best and brightest here and to do that our state needs to be innovative."

The 15-member commission proposed by the bill would be made up of Iowans between the ages of 18 and 35. They would be appointed by Gov. Chet Culver.

The three additional lawmakers -- all 30 and under -- are Mick Bailey, Andrew Wenthe, and Tyler Olson. We're guessing Ray Zirkelbach would have also signed on as a sponsor of this bill if he were back from active duty in Iraq. (Stay safe, Ray, August will be here soon!)

Rumor has it that members of the State Central Committee look at our five young Democratic legislators as a hidden gold mine. Plans are supposedly in the works to utilize the five to increase the 30 and under activity level for the party.

On the republican side of things, there are three young lawmakers - Pat Grassley (how's that for name recognition?), Steve Lukan and Matt Windschitl. We aren't hearing any word on the street about GOP plans to utilize these young adults.

If you're interested in the nuts and bolts, be sure to read the bill. Thus far, no lobbyists have come out against it.