From the Desk of Senator Blake
It’s official! I was sworn in as a State Senator this week, and we’re off to a busy start. The first week is full of tradition and ceremony, but the Governor’s Condition of the State address was a major highlight. In her speech, the Governor touched on areas where we can find common ground, like implementing a hands-free cell phone law, banning cell phone use in schools, and increasing medical residencies to address the physician shortage. However, there were proposals I strongly oppose, such as imposing work requirements for Medicaid. What stood out even more were the issues the Governor didn’t address: no plan to make housing more affordable, no solutions for factories laying off hardworking Iowans, and no commitment to ending the chronic underfunding of Iowa schools. These omissions speak volumes about the priorities being overlooked. My focus here in the Capitol is clear: fighting for Iowans and their future. I’m committed to tackling the challenges that matter most, and I’m ready to get to work.
Staying in Contact in 2025
This week marked the beginning of Iowa’s 2025 legislative session. Over the next few months, my colleagues and I will be hard at work on your behalf at the Capitol and in our home districts. I want to thank you in advance for your passion and engagement on the issues facing Iowans today.
This year, Senate Democrats will focus on providing opportunity to folks who just want a fair shot. We’ll be working on behalf of all Iowans to address wage theft and worker safety, to provide affordable and accessible housing and healthcare options, to properly fund and support public education and our AEAs, and to hold Republicans accountable when they prioritize special interests over Iowa families.
With this weekly newsletter, I’ll be providing consistent updates on what’s happening at the Capitol so you can stay informed and active. Please continue to speak up for the issues you care about and stand up for our shared values. We’re in this fight together.
In addition to this newsletter, you can follow me on social media and our website through the links below.
Thank you for your continued support!
Quick Updates
- Radon Testing: The state Health and Human Services Department, in a partnership with the American Lung Association, is offering free radon testing kits for Iowans to use to measure radon levels in their home. Radon is one of the major causes for lung cancer, and if your home has not been tested recently, you may want to take advantage of the opportunity available through the state for a free test kit.
- Find a place to return your empty beverage containers: Retailers have been allowed to refuse to redeem beverage containers that consumers had purchased at that retail location since changes to the Bottle Bill were passed in 2022. This has made it more difficult for a consumer to know where they can return their containers to collect their nickel deposit and make sure that the containers are recycled. Now Iowans can use a website developed by the Iowa Beverage Association to find sites where they are can redeem their containers. Iowans can go to Empties.org and enter their address to find locations nearby where they can return containers, either at a redemption center or a retail location.
- A Virtual Mobile Clinic (VMC) now serves homeless Veterans in the Des Moines area: The VMC is a mobile medical facility that contains two exam rooms, a laboratory area, and waiting room and can accommodate 12-15 appointments each day, staffed by a registered nurse, two telehealth technicians, and a driver. On Fridays, it will now be stationed at VA’s facility that supports Veterans experiencing homelessness in downtown Des Moines. The VMC offers vaccines, cancer and HIV screening, in addition to primary care. The downtown Veterans facility, the Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC) is located at 1223 Center Street and veterans can use this facility to search for jobs, launder clothes, and receive other basic needs.
- IRS opens Free File for Taxes: The Internal Revenue Service announced the IRS Free File Guided Tax Software has opened for taxpayers ahead of the official start of tax season later this month. Starting Jan. 10, the IRS Free File will begin accepting individual tax returns. Taxpayers can access free tools offered by trusted IRS Free File partners by visiting www.irs.gov/freefile.
- Care for caregivers’ online series: Iowans who want to take better care of themselves as they care for others can enroll in Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a series of classes offered virtually by ISU Extension and Outreach. The next six-week online series begins Feb. 3, 1–2:30 p.m. The $40 fee registration fee also includes a guidebook. Online registration is now open. For more information about Powerful Tools for Caregivers, call 563-886-6157.
- Grants available for tree plantings at Iowa schools: The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), through the USDA Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters 2023 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), received funds for schools to plant trees. A total of $105,000 in funds are available to help increase and diversify tree cover on school grounds, encouraging students to plant trees. Grant funding is up to $5,000 per project. Apply online at www.iowadnr.gov/urbanforestry by March 21.
- Find a summer job in your favorite park or forest: Work alongside conservation and law enforcement professionals in an Iowa state park or forest this summer! Seasonal workers will explore the outdoors by performing hands-on duties in park management, natural resource practices, visitor engagement, and/or law enforcement. Apply at: www.iowadnr.gov/employment
- Winter community trout stocking: The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release rainbow trout in nine locations across Iowa this winter in areas that would not support them during warmer months. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit rules apply. Go to www.iowadnr.gov/trout for more information.
- In the District: Feb. 4, Terra Lake, Johnston
This Week in the Capitol
Sworn in as Senator for District 22 on Monday, surrounded by my family at the Capitol.
Monday, I was at the Des Moines Partnership with Mikki Stier (ChildServe), Samantha Winebrenner (Johnston Chamber), Andrea Hodapp (Big Green Umbrella), and Dr. Teri Wahlig (ChildServe CEO).
On Thursday, I met with Love for Red, a student nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting period poverty and supplying free period products to Iowa schools.
I escorted Major General Stephen Osborn, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, during the Condition of the National Guard on Thursday.