Sen. Wally Horn is the longest-serving legislator in the history of Iowa.
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, January 16, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Wally E. Horn has been inducted into Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
The longest-serving legislator in the history of Iowa, Sen. Horn has found much success as a representative of the Democratic Party who went above and beyond for his constituents for over 45 years. Now retired, he excelled as a senator representing the 17th district of Iowa from 2003 to 2019, the 27th district of Iowa between 1993 and 2003 and the 25th district of Iowa from 1983 until 1993, having proudly handled liquor, gambling and smoking bills throughout his acclaimed tenure. During this time, he was elected as the majority leader of the Iowa Senate and chaired the Labor Committee, the State Government Committee, and the Education Appropriations Subcommittee. He also served on the Ethics Committee and chaired that committee, he served on and chaired the Veterans Committee and served on the Transportation Committee. Sen. Horn also served on the Judiciary Committee most years of his career. Prior to these appointments, Sen. Horn flourished as a representative for the 28th district of the Iowa House of Representatives from 1973 to 1983.
In addition to his primary responsibilities, Sen. Horn worked as a high school teacher and a coach of numerous sports, including baseball, football, tennis, track, and golf, for multiple academic institutes in Cedar Rapids, such as Jefferson High School and Cedar Rapids Community School, between 1958 and 1998. He was also active as the head of the teacher's union in Cedar Rapids, a post which directly inspired him to seek public office. Before embarking on his professional path, Sen. Horn completed service in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, during which time he was stationed in Germany and served in the Korean War.
Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Sen. Horn pursued an education at Truman State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1958. He continued his academic efforts with a Master of Arts in Industrial Education at the aforementioned university in 1962. Subsequently, Sen. Horn concluded his studies with postgraduate coursework at Truman State University, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin.
Furthermore, Sen. Horn remains affiliated with various organizations in relation to his areas of expertise. A charter member of the executive committee for the Democrat Legislative Campaign Committee, he has maintained his involvement with the Council of State Governments, the Midwest Legislature's Executive Committee, the Elks and Moose Lodges, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Previously, he was associated with the Community Corrections Board, the Police and Fireman Retirement Board, the Cedar Rapids Kiwanis, and the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce. A past member of the executive board for the National Conference of State Legislators for 15 years, Sen. Horn was a former member of the National Education Association and the Iowa State Education Association as well as a former president for the Cedar Rapids Teachers Association.
In light of his exceptional undertakings, Sen. Horn has accrued several accolades throughout his professional journey. He has been notably recognized as the Herbert Hoover Uncommon Public Service Award, and a Special Award from the State Horticulture Society. He was additionally presented with the Defender of Freedom Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Associated General Contractors of America and an Award from the Iowa State Bar Association, which made him an Honorary member of the Bar Association. He received many other awards from many organizations in the State and appreciates them all. Sen. Horn was selected for induction into the Linn County Democratic Hall of Fame.
An avid supporter of education at all levels, Sen. Horn was greatly influenced by John Culver, a congressman and senator, and his father, Lyle, who was the sheriff of his county. Also inspired by young people, he attributes his success to his passion for working with others and his ability to represent districts that shared his beliefs. Finding the money needed for running for public office to be prohibitive for people who want to change the world, he stresses the importance of being one's real self if they are to seek a career in politics. Beyond his activities within the field, Sen. Horn has been dedicated to his family, including his wife of 30 years, Phyllis; his son, Gregory; his late daughter, Julie, his seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Among the many highlights of his career, Sen. Horn fondly recalls witnessing his students achieve greatness on their own terms in addition to the legislative work he conducted for the betterment of education and his chance to make a difference in the lives of others. Moreover, he found much satisfaction in helping anybody, in traveling around with legislative groups to such countries as Russia, Germany, Japan, Italy, China and Canada to help anybody who had a problem and cannot navigate the proper systems to make changes on their own. Looking toward the future, Sen. Horn hopes to enjoy his well-deserved retirement, complete writing his memoir, devote his spare time to his family and cement his legacy as someone who tried their best to help those in need.
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