From the Desk of Senator Donahue
With just over two weeks remaining before we are scheduled to adjourn, every hour on the floor matters—and every decision carries weight for the people we serve.
This week was mostly debate. The majority of the bills were non-cons. We did, however, get one bill through that will be helpful to Iowa. It’s not as good as we’d like it to be, but it’s one step forward for mental health and subacute beds. As always, I’m focused on making sure your voice is represented and that we are pushing for thoughtful, responsible policies that move our communities forward.
At the same time, we are entering Easter weekend as well as Passover—a time that many Iowans spend with family, reflecting, and recharging. While the legislative calendar doesn’t slow down much, it’s a meaningful reminder of what’s at stake: strong families, healthy communities, and a future we can all believe in.
With the deadline looming, the next couple of weeks will be critical. We’ll continue long days of debate, negotiations for better bills, and careful review of legislation that will shape Iowa for years to come. I remain committed to doing this work with integrity, transparency, and a clear focus on what matters most to you.
There are two good bills sitting in the wings that have not been brought to debate yet in the Senate that we could use your help on. Senate file 2099 is an animal cruelty bill. If you would contact Republican senators to bring that forward, that would be very helpful— as well as a bill for education, House File 2652. This bill is for play based learning for preschool and kindergarten, which is a scientifically based way of learning that is more developmentally appropriate for that age group.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts, concerns, or questions. Your input is essential—especially during these final weeks of session.
Wishing you and your family a peaceful and joyful Holiday weekend. Happy Easter and Chag Sameach.
Event events around the district:
4/8 Supper Club: MIX Sushi & Kitchen
Odd Mama’s Priced to Sell Market
Iowa’s Got Talent: Live and Local
Name That Tune Trivia @ Mulligan’s Pub
We have some BIG birthdays again this week. If you happen to know any of the following folks, make sure to wish them a very happy birthday!
| Sarah | Williams |
| Michael | Mehegan |
| Desiree | Davis |
| Thomas | Stoppleworth |
| Kathryn | Crespo |
| Corrine | Davey |
| Brittany | Cunningham |
| John | Swenson |
| Michele | Francis |
| Kristi | Adams |
| Michael | Miller |
| Jon | Menges |
| Carol | Patterson |
| Miriam | Bravo Zamudio |
| John | Leland |
| Jessica | Carney |
| William | Van De Hey |
| Alison | Taylor |
| Shirley | Shireman |
| Troy | Taylor |
| Heather | Desotel |
| Bryan | Dolezal |
| Jacob | Hahn |
| Anna | Mosakowski |
| Monica | Hamilton |
| Michael | Bisek |
| Hayley | Hartgrave |
| Collette | Benson |
| Jayne | Grundall |
| Brandy | Hammes-Wiedemeier |
| Nancy | Lewis |
| Heidi | Hansel |
| Valerie | Ellison |
| Ethan | Akin |
| Mark | Freed |
| Deborah | Waltz |
| Raynette | Buckman |
| Jason | Logan |
| Kyle | Pospischil |
| Sarah | Dcamp |
| Christopher | Mumby |
| Nancy | Appel |
| Lee | Johnson |
| Yutherong | Yem |
| Justine | Wignall |
| Nalisha | McFadden |
| Nick | Carter |
| Daniel | Levetzow |
Nearing the end of session? Maybe.
We’re through week 12 at the Capitol now, less than 15 days away from the 100th calendar day of the session – our projected stopping point. The question on everyone’s mind is whether we’ll end on schedule, or head into overtime. There are still a few key issues to address, so here’s an update on where things stand as we close in on the end of the session.
The Budget
Setting the budget for the upcoming fiscal year is the last, and arguably most important, item on our to-do list. The process begins with “budget targets.” These are numbers released by the governor and the majority parties in each chamber that show the targeted spending amount for the coming year.
This week, Senate Republicans released a budget target of just over $9.6 billion. This number is a 1.2% increase in spending over our current budget, and about $47.8 million less than the governor’s budget target. We have not seen a target from the House Republicans yet.
The budget will change and reshape as Senate and House Republicans introduce their own bills, amend the governor’s proposals, and negotiate changes between the chambers. We’re still a ways away from a final product that will need to be agreed upon between the governor and the two chambers.
Here’s the headline: like the governor, Senate Republicans are planning to pass another billion-dollar deficit. State revenues are projected at a little over $8.5 billion, but Senate Republicans are looking to spend more than $9.6 billion, draining our reserves and using one-time money to cover ongoing expenses.
Property Taxes
This issue is still a moving target. There are now just two property tax bills up for consideration. The Senate Republican bill differs in some key ways from the House Republican bill, so we don’t know what, if anything, we’ll be voting on yet.
Eminent Domain
We have seen no movement on this issue in weeks. Senate and House Republican leadership are still miles apart. If there is going to be a resolution on this issue before the end of session something will need to change in a hurry.
Continuing Appropriations
The Senate Republican don’t-pass-a-budget bill is still alive and eligible for consideration. If passed, this legislation would allow the majority party to pack up and head home for the year without passing a budget, abdicating one of our key responsibilities.
Remaining Legislation
There are still policy bills, including some good, bipartisan legislation, on the Unfinished Business calendar that are eligible for consideration. These are bills that survived both funnels and are eligible for debate on the Senate floor but have not yet been called up by the majority leader.
We’ve been ready for months to work on legislation that will actually help lower costs and make life more affordable for Iowans. Time will tell if Senate Republicans will join us and do the hard work on Iowans’ behalf.
A decade under privatized Medicaid
This Wednesday marked the 10-year anniversary of Iowa’s privatized Medicaid system. After ten years, it’s time for Republican lawmakers to finally give up on this ineffective, inefficient, and costly decision that has failed Iowans at every turn.
We have a decade’s worth of evidence that shows this idea has never worked to Iowans’ benefit.
- Under the privatized system, the cost of insuring Iowans on Medicaid exploded. Available data shows costs nearly tripled compared to the previous system.
- Illegal denials of service skyrocketed. A state auditor’s report showed a nearly-900% increase in illegal denials or violations.
- Providers – the hospitals and medical professionals we rely on – report that settling claims is now significantly more complicated.
- And families say that the overall quality of care has worsened.
Ten years on, there is just simply no good reason to continue propping up this costly mistake.
Quick Updates
Expanding childcare assistance to more Iowans: HF 2514 passed the Senate 46-0 this week and is on its way to the governor’s desk. This good, bipartisan bill expands eligibility for state childcare assistance to childcare workers who need help affording care for their own children. This bill will help keep childcare centers staffed and help more families cover the cost of childcare.
Avoid scammers: Did you get a text saying you owe money for an unpaid traffic ticket or a toll? State officials are warning Iowans about a scam that appears to come from the Iowa Department of Transportation and tries to collect personal and financial information. The Iowa DOT wants Iowans to know they never send fee collection reminders by text or ask for personal information and advises everyone who receives the notification to not respond and to delete the message.
The Iowa Cancer Plan: The Iowa Cancer Consortium’s Board of Directors invites Iowans to apply for FY27 funding opportunities designed to advance the goals of the Iowa Cancer Plan and reduce the burden of cancer across all 99 counties. There are two unique funding opportunities: the Iowa Cancer Plan Implementation Grants and the Survivorship Grant. Learn more and apply here.
Free sunscreen! The Iowa Cancer Consortium, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and the University of Iowa Health Care Melanoma Program will distribute approximately 90 gallons of SPF30 sunscreen across Iowa this summer. Anyone can apply for sunscreen for their community event, location, or organization, such as childcare centers, city pools, county fairs, day camps, outdoor community events, or stops on the 2026 RAGBRAI course. Apply by April 24 at 2026 Sunscreen Mini-Grant Application
ADA Website Deadline: Governments serving populations of 50,000 or more have until the end of April to ensure their websites comply with a section of federal disability law. The accessibility requirements apply to all state and local government websites and mobile applications, under a Department of Justice rule. The DOJ has released a fact sheet outlining the rule, along with examples of exceptions and other compliance guidance.
Community College Month: April is a great time to shine a spotlight on Iowa’s community colleges. These schools provide affordable, highquality education and training that help students launch careers, strengthen local businesses, and keep our communities thriving. Throughout the month, the Iowa Department of Education will be sharing stories that celebrate student success and community impact—and I encourage you to do the same! The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) has also created a toolkit with ideas and resources to help celebrate all month long.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day: On Saturday, April 25, individuals will have the opportunity to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at locations in communities throughout the country in a safe, convenient, and responsible way. Find a location near you.
This Week around the district and in the Capitol:
