“So… what’s next?” – that’s a question I get a lot these days. Truth be told, its also one I ask myself on occasion.
“What’s Rants 3.0 mean?” – ahhh, that’s an easier one. It’s the third stage of my life. Rants 1.0 was the 24 years of life before the legislature; Rants 2.0 was eighteen years engaged in public policy and politics as a legislator and candidate; and now its Rants 3.0, the next stage.
Today I’m actively working as a partner with Rauschenberger Partners out of Chicago & Minneapolis. I’m visiting with other state legislatures on behalf of a coalition of entities both public and private in support of what is known as the Main Street Fairness Act at the congressional level, and called the Streamlined Sales Tax project in state houses. I’ve known Steve Rauschenberger for years, in fact he introduced me to this issue when I was Speaker of the Iowa House. Steve, Corey Miltimore (the Minnesota connection) and I are looking at a couple of different public policy initiatives we can partner on, and I’m excited by the prospect of putting my experience and contacts to work in other states. So instead of a tweet about driving here or there, you are more likely to find one about flying to another capitol.
I’ve also started my own public policy/relations company to do some work a little closer to home -- InSight Communications... While Iowa’s revolving door rules may keep me from lobbying the Iowa legislature for two years, I can still help organizations with grass roots development, campaign guidance, and public policy development.
I’ve also got a concept for a third project called Capitol Back Office – but that needs to percolate for a bit longer…
Most importantly, I’m reconnecting back home. Show choir competitions, gymnastic practices, and providing relief to the family bus driver. Oh, and some golf. Make that a lot of golf… what can I say, its been a very warm April.
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