From the Desk of Senator Dotzler
We just completed week eight, which represents nearly the halfway point of this year’s 100-day session. During the last two weeks we passed nearly 70 bills in the senate although most were non-controversial, not one dealt with or worked to alleviate Iowa’s $1.26 billion structural deficit. It’s comparable to whistling past the graveyard with eyes closed. It’s unfortunate that the Republican-controlled Legislature refuses to acknowledge their past-enacted polices have sent our state into an economic tailspin. Unfortunately, some recent bills added costs to the operation of state government.
I have served on the Legislature’s economic budget subcommittee that oversees both the Departments of Economic Development and Workforce Development, representing the two key areas of our state’s economy, for every year of my 30 years. This is the first year that we haven’t met because Chairmen Gruenhagen has refused to hold even a single meeting.
I have repeatedly spoken to the chamber’s Republicans about the importance of holding budget subcommittees. I also personally asked the majority leader to hold them, so we could fulfill our responsibility as legislators to ensure that our constituents’ tax dollars are spent wisely and have value to their investments, but they refuse.
A $1.26 billion deficit will not go away by burying their heads in the sand.
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 having the opportunity to speak with visitors and hear all about the issues and policies important to you. Here are a few tips for anyone planning a trip to your Capitol.
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 hapy 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.
Students from Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo were at the Capitol on Tuesday. They are earning their degrees and building skills for careers of the future.
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
Pam Wright, Government Relations Liaison and Jay Nardini, Trustee, were here from Hawkeye Community College. We spoke about the many careers that are available to the students.