Iowa Senate Democrats

Senator Donahue’s Nov. 22 Newsletter

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From the Desk of Senator Donahue

Greetings,

I hope that everyone will have a pleasant and safe Thanksgiving with your loved ones, whether that be family or friends.

During this time of year especially, I try to reflect daily about what I am grateful for. I have much to be grateful for in my life, and I do not want to take that for granted.

It has been a busy few weeks with wrapping up the elections and preparing for the upcoming legislative session.

There will be many meetings with leaders in the community over the next few weeks prior to session beginning, but one of the most important things that I will participate in, is being on the task force for the AEAs. I look forward to the gathering of information from teachers, students, parents, administrators, as well as the AEA staff, and leaders as to how the first strike at the AEA is affecting students learning in the schools, and the opportunities available to them.

What is Important to You for 2025?

The 2025 legislative session is less than two months away. It is important to hear from my constituents on what you would like the Iowa General Assembly to address. Please take a moment to fill out our brief survey to let me know your top priorities for the next year.

We have a lot of work ahead of us. Your input helps shape that work and helps me to more effectively respond to the needs of our shared community.

Quick Updates

  • Iowa Student Design License Plate: The Iowa Department of Education is hosting a statewide contest for students in kindergarten through 12th grade to design the next Iowa education license plate. The contest aims to recognize the artistic talents of Iowa students while celebrating education and providing an opportunity to reimagine the state’s license plate design. To participate, art teachers across Iowa can submit up to 10 student plate designs for consideration. See the Department of Education’s website for details.
  • Iowa Ranks in Top 10 States for Computer Science Education: For the second consecutive year, Iowa has earned a place among the top 10 states nationwide for providing students with access to high-quality computer science education. This recognition comes from the 2024 State of Computer Science Education report. The report highlights that, during the 2023-24 school year, 84 percent of Iowa’s public high schools offered foundational computer science courses, reinforcing Iowa’s strong commitment to preparing students for the digital future. Over the past seven years, the state has invested $4M in computer science education.
  • Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds everyone about the simple, effective ways to keep yourself safe online, how to protect your personal data, and ultimately help secure our world. The Iowa Communications Network (ICN) urges Iowans to focuses on the top four ways to stay safe online:
    • Use strong passwords and a password manager
    • Turn on multi-factor authentication
    • Update your software
    • Recognize and report phishing
  • Congratulations to the Cedar Rapids Community School District for receiving $1.5 million dollars last month from UnitedHealth Group to help pay for an online telehealth portal that students can use to access mental health counseling.
  • Grants available for community tree plantings: Through the USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received funds for tree planting grants for Iowa communities. The Iowa Tree Planting Grant provides reimbursable grants to purchase trees, mulch, tree staking/protection, and supplemental watering by contractor or city staff. The grant is a two-year program allowing for planting to take place in the spring and fall of 2025 and 2026. To apply, go to the Iowa DNR Urban Forestry website. Iowa Tree Planting applications are due on Mon., Dec. 30, 2024.
  • State Park campgrounds are ready for winter: State parks have been winterizing their facilities by shutting off water in the campgrounds and closing shower houses. Campers can check the status of water availability at iowadnr.gov/parkclosures. RV campers are reminded that dump stations are closed during the winter. While Iowa’s interstate rest areas no longer offer dump stations, the DOT does provide a list of dump station alternatives on their website. While water may be shut off at State Parks, visitors are encouraged to continue camping and enjoying park amenities at lower, off-season rates. To learn more and to make reservations, visit: https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/welcome.do.
  • Health Data Reports for Decision Makers Offer Updates on Substance Abuse, Child Food Insecurity, Asthma, COVID: Community leaders and policymakers can now access updated data to enhance their understanding of public health issues in Iowa. The latest Health Data for Decision Makers reports, released by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provide insights into community challenges such as substance abuse and food insecurity, emergency room visits for asthma, and lasting impacts of the COVID pandemic.Visit the ISU Extension and Outreach Indicators Program website, where you can also find the newly revised Health Data for Decision Makers User’s Guide for assistance in using the reports.
  • Beware of IPERS scams! IPERS is the ONLY source that can provide confidential details about your retirement account. Third parties may contact you by phone or email seeking an appointment to discuss your IPERS benefits or asking for personal details about your retirement account. Often, these people represent legitimate, private financial planning businesses. Occasionally, however, these are imposters, falsely claiming to represent IPERS. Be aware of official-looking scam emails that attempt to obtain your personal information by directing you to click to a fraudulent website. Visit IPERS’ Fraud Prevention page for additional information about how to ensure the security of your personal information. If you believe you have received communication from a fraudulent sender or caller, report your experience immediately using IPERS’ form for reporting suspicious activity or call 800-622-3849.
  • State Launches Updated Educator Apprenticeship Grant Program: On Nov. 1, the state announced the launch of the Teacher & Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Program (TPRA) 2.0, a grant program aimed at addressing teacher shortages and launching careers for aspiring educators. TPRA was first unveiled in Iowa in 2022; since its inception, the program has supported more than 1,000 apprentices and 124 school districts across the state of Iowa. Applications for funding are due Dec. 2, 2024. Click here for more information about program requirements, deadlines, and to apply.

Around the District

Here’s what is happening around the district this coming week and beyond.

Keep an eye on my socials – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, LinkedIn, and Bluesky – for coffee conversations that are upcoming, as well as future Senate District 37 forums to cover what’s happening at the Capitol during session.

Upcoming events:

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