The Iowa House of Representatives will be very quiet on Monday without two month old Alma Jones. On the House floor, Alma's mother, Representative Megan Jones announced that Alma was officially retiring from the legislature Thursday.
Alma was born on January 24th and her parents couldn't find an available daycare in February when Jones had to return to work. Babies are portable so Alma ended up at the capitol with her mom for the last few weeks.
Jones thanked fellow representatives, especially Mike Sexton who gave up his office space so Alma could have a place to nap. She says her colleagues held meetings with a baby crying in the background and their sacrifices do not go unnoticed. Jones also noted that it "does take a village" as many colleagues took a turn in helping the new mother out.
Alma officially enters daycare on Monday and Jones says things will be much quieter in the chamber from now on but she will be back to visit.