From the Desk of Senator Donahue
This week at the Iowa Capitol marked an important transition point in the legislative session. With funnel week behind us, the Senate has moved into extended debate on the bills that survived and has begun shifting attention toward the state budget and appropriations. While this stage of the session is where some of the most consequential decisions are made, it has also highlighted the stark contrast between what Democrats are fighting for and the direction the current majority continues to push.
Throughout the week, I spoke out strongly about the need for responsible governance and transparency in the budget process. The legislature has one fundamental job this time of year: pass a budget that reflects the needs of Iowans. Avoiding that responsibility or attempting to sidestep the process undermines the work we were elected to do on behalf of our constituents.
I also continued advocating for strong public schools across Iowa. School districts in Cedar Rapids, Marion, Linn-Mar, College Community, and many of our rural districts are already facing difficult decisions due to inadequate state funding. When state funding fails to keep up with inflation and rising costs, the burden falls directly on classrooms, teachers, and students. I will continue pushing for investments that ensure every child in Iowa has access to a high-quality public education.
In addition to legislative debate, it was a week filled with meaningful conversations with organizations and advocates who traveled to the Capitol. Groups working on mental health, brain injury support, LGBTQ rights, labor protections, and environmental issues shared the real impacts of policy decisions on their communities. Hearing directly from these advocates reinforces why thoughtful policymaking matters and why it is critical that we keep people—not politics—at the center of our decisions.
Back home in our district, the work continues as well. I remain deeply honored to represent Cedar Rapids and Marion and to bring the voices of our communities to the Capitol. My priorities remain focused on affordability for families, good-paying jobs, strong public schools, accessible childcare, and healthy communities.
As we head further into the second half of the session, debates will intensify, and the budget process should be well underway. I will continue fighting for policies that strengthen our communities and hold the legislature accountable to the people of Iowa.
As always, thank you for the privilege of serving you. Please continue to reach out with your thoughts, concerns, and ideas.
Events around the community:
51st Annual SaPaDaPaSo St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Here are some BIG birthdays in the district this week. If you happen to know any of these folks, make sure to wish them a very happy birthday!
| Terri | Watkinson |
| Iantha | Lafler |
| Denise | Jones |
| Sharlene | Tomash |
| Roger | Carlson |
| Donald | Glueck |
| Janey | Piersall |
| Vivian | Baier |
| Mary | Martin |
| Elfrida | Tillander |
| William | Werden |
| Ruth | Noth |
| Michael | Strief |
| Julie | Ottaway |
| William | Lyman |
| Martha | Hernandez |
| Michelle | Ellerhoff |
| Janellen | Akers |
Stop by the Capitol for a visit!
Between January and May I have the pleasure of coming to work every day at our gorgeous state Capitol. It’s an incredible living museum, filled with history and stories. During the legislative session, the building is packed to the brim with Iowans from every corner of our state – from advocates and activists to schoolchildren and tourists, and everyone in between.
I love getting the opportunity to chat with visitors and hear all about the issues and policies important to you. Here are a few tips for anyone planning a trip to Iowa’s Golden Dome.
When to come: The Capitol is open year-round between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The Senate and House are usually in session Monday through Thursday from January through late April or early May, so if you’re looking to meet me or another legislator, or see the Senate in action, this would be a great time.
Watch debate: The Senate gallery is open to the public during debate, so you can sit in, watch the discussion, and see us cast votes in person from a seat overlooking the chamber.
Meet me in the rotunda: I’m always thrilled to meet with my constituents, so please come say hi! Outside the Senate chamber, on the second floor, there is a pad of “pink slips” where you can write a message and provide your contact information. Hand the slip to a Senate employee near the chamber door and they’ll deliver it to me on the floor. When there’s a break in the action, I’ll come out to say hello, talk to you about an issue or policy, and take a photo, if you’d like!
Take a tour: The Capitol is truly a sight to behold, and it’s staffed by highly knowledgeable guides who lead tours throughout the day and can give an in-depth history behind the building and its unique characteristics. If a self-guided tour is more your speed, those are available as well. For groups of 10 or more, be sure to click here to send in a request in advance.
Let’s make a plan: If you know you’re going to be visiting the Capitol – especially with a group – please reach out in advance and we’ll be happy to assist you. If I know you’re coming, I’ll be sure to set aside some time to meet and even formally introduce and recognize you on the Senate floor!
Quick Updates
Honoring SGT Declan Coady: On March 1, Declan Coady, a Drake University student and U.S. Army Reservist serving overseas was killed in action. Declan was a graduate of Valley High School in West Des Moines and a member of the ROTC at Drake. He was tragically killed, along with three of his fellow soldiers, in a drone strike on a command center in Kuwait. Please keep the Coady family in your thoughts as they grieve this terrible loss, and for all U.S. troops deployed in the Middle East right now.
Iowa’s budget mess gets messier: A bill introduced this week, SSB 3182, has two key provisions that will impact the state budget. The first increases the state tax on health insurance companies — which will be passed along to Iowans through higher insurance costs. The second increases the amount of money the state can transfer from the Taxpayer Relief Fund to cover future budget deficits. When put together, these elements are an acknowledgement from the majority party that we have not seen the revenue growth they promised, and that they plan to run budget deficits for the foreseeable future. It’s a clear sign that they do not know how to get us out of the budget mess they created.
Healthy Hometowns: The state of Iowa’s Rural Health Transformation Plan, called Healthy Hometowns, has made three new funding opportunities available through the Department of Health and Human Services. You can find more details about the funding opportunities, including timelines and funding amounts, here.
As tax time approaches, a reminder that recent changes at the federal level says mail might not receive a postmark on the same day your local post office receives it. Plan ahead when filing your 2025 tax return. Click to view the USPS rule that took effect on Dec. 24, 2025.
Chickadee tax check-off: The Fish and Wildlife Fund, commonly known as the “Chickadee Check-off,” is a mechanism the Iowa Legislature created in the 1980s for Iowans to donate to wildlife conservation on the Iowa state income tax form. Funding helps to improve wildlife habitat, restore native wildlife, provide opportunities for citizens to learn about Iowa’s natural resources, and much more.Donating is easy: simply write the amount to donate next to Fish/Wildlife, which is line 21 on Form 1040, and the sum is either automatically deducted from the refund or added to the amount owed.
Community Colleges visit Des Moines: I had the opportunity to visit with community college representatives during Community College Day on the Hill on Tuesday, March 3. Each of Iowa’s 15 community colleges hosted a table showcasing successful programs, student achievements, and business partnerships that strengthen local communities. This year’s theme, “60 Years of Impact,” celebrated the 60th anniversary of Iowa’s community college network – a milestone that highlights decades of legislative work expanding access to affordable, high-quality higher education for Iowans. Students, educators, and business partners were on hand to share stories about how community colleges continue to drive opportunity and workforce success across the state.
Iowa Board of Regents February Meeting Highlights: The Iowa Board of Regents met February 25–26. The Board held a first reading of the 2026–27 tuition and fee proposals, which include a 3% increase in resident undergraduate tuition at all three universities. Final decisions on tuition costs are planned for the April meeting in Ames. The Regents also reported record-high student outcomes, with 60% of students graduating within four years and 74% within six years.
Economic impact of Iowa’s universities: The Board of Regents received an economic impact update report showing Iowa’s public universities contributed $18 billion to the state economy in FY 2023–2024 – up from $14.9 billion in 2021–2022. The study also notes that the total of university activity supports more than 214,000 jobs, which is one out of 10 jobs in Iowa, and returns more than two dollars for every taxpayer dollar spent.
This Week in the Capitol and around the district:
