Iowa Senate Democrats

Fighting for a Better Deal for Iowans.

Senator Claire Celsi’s December 2024 Newsletter

From the Desk of Senator Claire Celsi

My Legislative Priorities

Last month, my Senate colleagues and I distributed a survey to our constituents, seeking input ahead of the 2025 legislative session. We wanted to hear directly from you about your top priorities heading into the new year, and you delivered!

It is certainly no surprise to me that the top three issues identified were public education, reproductive rights, and protecting the environment. Take a look at the graphic below to see a visualization of the top issues you said lawmakers should focus on in the upcoming session.

I will continue focus on these priorities and keep listening to your concerns as the legislative session unfolds.

As your Senator, these are the things I’ve been working on for years. Rest assured that I will continue to advocate for you in the Iowa Senate.

Happy Holidays!

As 2024 comes to a close, I want to wish you all a joyful holiday season! May your days overflow with happiness, rest, and well-deserved relaxation. I hope you have an abundance of quality time with your loved ones, good food, and peace. Thank you for your time, patience, and effort this year.

I’ll see you in 2025!

Quick Updates

  • The Iowa Department of Education released updated Iowa School Performance Profiles for 2023-24. These profiles assess schools on indicators like English, math, and science proficiencies, student growth, and graduation rates. This year, 35 schools were identified for comprehensive support. Parents and educators can use these profiles to understand their school’s strengths and areas for improvement. Learn more atIowa School Performance Profiles.
  • Engaged families make a big difference in student success at school! Here are a few ways parents can help their children over the holiday breaks from school.
    • Daily Reading: Read with your child for 15-20 minutes daily to build literacy skills.
    • Math Practice: Incorporate math into everyday activities like cooking or shopping.
    • Work–based Learning: Find a project around the house and have your student lead the work over school breaks.
  • Iowa State University is ranked #1 in Iowa, #6 in the Midwest, and #14 nationally in the 2025 Top 50 Entrepreneurship Undergraduate rankings by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur. Iowa State offers a major and cross-disciplinary minor in entrepreneurship. Students also have access to the Start Something Network, which provides support and resources for students who want to start their own business, market a new product, or collaborate with other students and faculty on an innovative solution.
  • Regional Teachers of the Year: The Iowa Department of Education announced nine teachers, representing all education regions of the state, as the first-ever Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year. Each teacher represents outstanding achievements in K-12 instruction. Each winner was nominated by their fellow Iowans and is a candidate to be Iowa’s next Teacher of the Year. More information about the Regional Teachers of the Year and the award process is available on the Department’s website.
  • ACA Open Enrollment until Jan. 15: The health insurance marketplace available through the Affordable Care Act is now open for individuals who are seeking to enroll in a plan for the first time or change their current plan. The Iowa Insurance Division published some helpful guidance for individuals considering open enrollment, and Iowa has ACA navigators available to help provide direct non-biased counseling for individuals throughout the open enrollment period.
  • IPERS announces highest investment return in three years: IPERS has announced its investment program earned a 9.07% return in FY2024, exceeding its policy benchmark of 8.80%. At the conclusion of FY2024, the value of the IPERS Trust Fund equaled $43.61 billion, a $2.48 billion increase from the same time in FY2023.
  • State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa introduces competition for grade schools: The State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa is launching the Junior State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering a love for science and technology among younger students in grades 3-5. This innovative program is designed to provide early exposure to scientific inquiry and technological exploration, creating a strong foundation for future STEM leaders. Registration for the Junior State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa is now open, and more information can be found on the SSTFI website.
  • Applications Now Open to Boost Tourism, Attract Visitors, and Workforce: Community applications are now open for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s First Impressions program. The program is a comprehensive tourism and community assessment partnership between Iowa State University and the Iowa Economic Development Authority/Iowa Tourism Office. Communities with a population of 10,000 or fewer are invited to apply, and five Iowa communities will be selected for the 2025 program year. Visit the First Impressions website for program information, a list of community responsibilities, program fees, and the application form.
  • Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program grants awarded: The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is investing more than $5.2 million in 24 Iowa projects and other supply chain improvement initiatives through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program. The intent of RFSI is to build resilience in the middle of the food supply chain by developing and expanding markets for Iowa’s small farms and food businesses. The following are local recipients:
    • HoQ Restaurant, Des Moines: HoQ Restaurant will purchase equipment to increase the production and distribution of processed products. This expansion will include growth into new markets beyond central Iowa. As a result, they will purchase additional ingredients and larger quantities of produce from local and regional producers. They anticipate adding two full-time positions to support this growth.
    • Iowa Food Cooperative, Des Moines: Iowa Food Cooperative will increase their capacity to store, aggregate, and deliver more wholesale orders. They will purchase a commercial cooler, freezer, and delivery van to expand capacity for cross-docking, aggregation, and distribution of wholesale orders to institutions, restaurants, and other local businesses.
  • Manage Winter Home Energy Costs: With rising energy costs, it’s important for homeowners and renters to plan their budget each month to cover their various utility bills. The highest utility cost is typically for heating the home. For more information, contact Iowa Concern at 800-447-1985 and ask for free financial counseling.
  • Check eligibility and request energy assistance: The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program assists households with a portion of the home heating bills, particularly households facing disconnection or who have trouble paying their utility bill. The Iowa Health and Human Services website includes a general overview of LIHEAP, as well as a link to local community action agencies. Individuals may apply for the program at the community action agency in their county.
  • State Law Library receives praise: A recent ranking of American libraries placed the State Law Library of Iowa among the top 20 most stunning in the country. The State Law Library is located at the Iowa State Capitol and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In-person Capitol tours, including the State Law Library, can be scheduled on the Legislature’s website.
  • Heroic Iowans Honored: On Wednesday, Dec. 11, the recipients of the 2024 Sullivan Brothers’ Award of Valor and Governor’s Lifesaving Awards were announced. Recipients include public safety officers and private citizens representing Oelwein, Adel, Cedar Falls, Spirit Lake, and Spencer. Read their stories here, as well as applications to nominate heroes in your community for 2025.

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