From the Desk of Senator Donahue

It has been an incredibly busy couple of weeks meeting with community leaders, school leaders, and working on the AEA task force meeting preparation – which I attended on Monday, the 9th of December.

It resulted in some great conversations that needed to happen to clarify many of the questions people have. We will meet again during session in February, after the data requested by the community members has been collected and analyzed by all, to decide what the next step is.

In the meantime, I’ve had great conversations with city leaders, as well as school leaders, about their priorities for the upcoming session. There are still many more meetings on the calendar over the next two weeks to gather more information prior to session beginning. We have our work cut out for us. But we’re up for the fight.

Wishing you and yours a great holiday season filled with time to relax and to enjoy your family and friends.

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Your Legislative Priorities

Last month, my Senate colleagues and I distributed a survey to our respective 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!

As you can see, the three issues receiving the greatest share of votes in the survey 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.

And thank you, as always, for your participation in the survey. Our responsibility is to govern on your behalf, so I will always appreciate and value your input.

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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.
• Tori Paga, a senior at Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School is one of only two high school students who have been chosen to represent Iowa at the 63rd annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) in Washington, D.C., in March. Tori will serve as an Iowa delegate and will join over 100 other student leaders for a week-long government and leadership experience in the nation’s capital. Congratulations, Tori!
• 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.
  • Susie Stark, Cedar Rapids Community School District: Stark, a veteran elementary teacher at Viola Gibson Elementary School in Cedar Rapids, has been inspiring young minds for 24 years as a fifth and second grade teacher. She holds a teaching degree and master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Iowa. She also leads after school clubs and community service projects, doing whatever is needed to contribute to student success.

• 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:
  • NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids: RFSI Infrastructure Grant: $458,767.90; Matching Funding: $783,533.90. NewBo City Market will renovate its building in Cedar Rapids to add a second-floor processing kitchen and aggregation storage. This will increase the quantity of Iowa agricultural products stored, processed and sold. Through programmatic business development services and trainings, NewBo will also cultivate purchasing agreements between farmers and small businesses creating new value-added markets.
• 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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Around the District

Here are some things that have been happening around the district the last couple of weeks:

• Please join us in honoring and thanking Battalion Chief Jim O’Brien for his years of service as a member of the Marion Fire Department.
• May your days be Marion Bright!
• All were merry and bright today at Nature’s Noel!
• Linn County Operation Santa Party hosted by Four Oaks and Foster SQUAD
• AEA Task Force meeting update
• Meeting with school boards and superintendents

Here are the events that are coming up:

• Ugly Christmas Sweater Party for Dog Lovers!
• 7th Annual Cedar Rapids Christmas Craft Show
• Eat for a Cause
• Christmas Pastry Tasting by French Pastry by Sandrine
• Critter Crusaders Annual Double Banger Holiday Bake Sale
• The Living Story Live Nativity
• Celebrate the Holidays at Cedar Memorial

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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

• Small Business Saturday in Marion
• Puddle Jumpers Pop-Up Event During the Peppermint Walk
• Bookmobile Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Marion
• Marion Winter Market
• A Brucemore Christmas
• Made in Iowa Winter Market
• Nature’s Noel – Indian Creek Nature Center
• LGBTQ+ Youth Center Wreath Auction & Luncheon
• Weave a Willow Tower Trellis
• Full Moon Night Hike        

From the Desk of Senator Donahue

It has been a very busy fall! Only a week and half left until the election. I hope you have a plan to vote. If you need more information about who is running and what they’re running for, here is the Linn County voter guide of ALL candidates:

Candidate Profiles | The Gazette 2024 Voter Guide

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Make a Plan to Vote!

While many of you have already taken advantage of Iowa’s early in-person voting and mail-in absentee ballot options, I want to provide a few resources and options for folks who haven’t voted or returned their ballots yet.

If you plan to wait and vote in person, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. The polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. CT. You can find your local polling place here. Please keep in mind that polls close an hour earlier than they have in the past, so be sure to leave yourself enough time!

Absentee ballots were mailed out on Oct. 16. We recommend that you return your ballot as quickly as possible. Your auditor must receive your ballot by 8 p.m. on Election Day. In order to make sure it arrives on time we are suggesting that you get your completed ballot in the mail by Oct. 25. If it is after Oct. 25, you can deliver your completed absentee ballot to your County Auditor in person or bring it with you to your polling place on Election Day (you will surrender that ballot and vote on a regular ballot from the poll workers). You can track your ballot online anytime at bit.ly/trackmyiowaballot. When filling out your absentee ballot, be sure to complete and sign the affidavit. Your vote will not be counted if you skip this step.

Iowa voters can also vote early in person before Election Day at their County Auditor’s office. You can find your County Auditor’s contact information and location here. Some counties also provide additional, satellite locations for early in-person voting. You can find hours and locations at iwillvote.com. County Auditors are a great source of voting information in general, so if you have any questions or concerns, I encourage you to reach out to them.

You can check your voter registration status at the Iowa Secretary of State’s website or by visiting iwillvote.com. If you are not registered, you can register on Election Day.

To register on Election Day, you must bring both a proof of residence and a valid form of ID with an expiration date to your polling place. Acceptable forms of proof of residence include a residential lease, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, other government document, or a property tax statement.

Iowa now requires voters to provide identification in order to vote, so be sure to have one of the valid forms of ID with you when you go to the polls. Valid forms of ID include:

• Iowa Driver’s License (not expired more than 90 days)
• Iowa Non-Operator ID (not expired more than 90 days)
• U.S. Passport (not expired)
• U.S. Military ID or Veteran ID (not expired)
• Iowa Voter Identification Card (must be signed)
• Tribal ID Card/Document (must be signed, with photo, not expired)

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Senate Democrats Committed to Fighting for Workers Year Round

This month, Senate Democrats joined AFSCME Council 61 in demanding action to address the escalating safety crisis in Iowa’s correctional facilities following a recent assault on correctional officers at the Iowa State Penitentiary.

October also saw Cargill employees in Cedar Rapids begin to strike for fair wages. Several members of the Senate Democrats joined Teamsters Local 238 on the picket line in support.

We believe all working Iowans have the right to fair pay and safe working conditions, and we will always stand in solidarity with the men and women who fight for those rights.

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Reynolds Administration Leaves Money on the Table

Earlier this month, we brought to Iowans’ attention the Reynolds Administration’s repeated failure to apply for federal funding opportunities aimed at helping Iowa families.

In total, the missed funding opportunities could have provided up to $67 million to improve maternal health care, expand early childhood education, and help families participate in the USDA’s summer food program.

Iowa’s maternal mortality and infant mortality rates are on the rise, our public education funding lags behind our neighbors, and one in six Iowa children are facing hunger. And yet, the Reynolds administration has repeatedly failed to apply for federal funding designed to support Iowa families. Iowans deserve answers.

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Quick Updates

• Iowa’s Revenues are Declining. The Iowa Revenue Estimating Panel met on Oct. 17 and estimated that Iowa’s revenues will decline this current fiscal year and the next fiscal year. This is very concerning because, despite declining revenues, Gov. Reynolds’ and Statehouse Republicans’ private school voucher program is set to remove its income eligibility cap next year. Iowans will see even more money siphoned away from our public schools with virtually no accountability or transparency on how those dollars are being spent. Their private school voucher scheme is growing, and the state’s revenues are declining. That’s not a winning combination.
• October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. These four resources can help you become more informed about dyslexia, the most common learning disability. Efforts like the Iowa Dyslexia Task Force brought together educators, parents, and experts to assess the needs of students with dyslexia and made recommendations to improve support, including better screening and teacher training.
• October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying affects kids everywhere and can lead to long-lasting, negative effects.  While kids are usually the first to see bullying happen and can have the power to stand up against bullying and model acceptable behavior to their peers, parents and adults play an important role as well. To prevent and stop bullying, kids should know what to do when bullying happens and can get involved in a bullying prevention program at their school. Bullying won’t stop overnight but working together we can make positive changes and work to stop bullying!
• Federal Funding for Broadband Expansion. The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Iowa’s initial proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. NTIA allocated the State of Iowa over $415 million to fund buildout of broadband infrastructure to all unserved and underserved locations throughout Iowa. This approval enables Iowa to request access to the funding and begin implementation of its BEAD program. For more information and to see a detailed view of the State’s BEAD program, visit the Department of Management’s website here: https://dom.iowa.gov/broadband/bead-program
• Congratulations to Cedar Rapids Public Schools for expanding opportunities for their students. Cedar Rapids Public Schools were awarded nearly $15 million in federal grant funds to enhance college and career readiness programs. The district is one of only 12 nationwide, and the sole recipient in Iowa, to receive this funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Magnet Schools Assistance Program. Approximately $6.5 million of the total will be available immediately, enabling the launch of the Future Ready College & Career Academies at Washington and Jefferson High Schools next fall. The Cedar Rapids district already has several magnet programs at the elementary and middle school levels, focusing on themes like sustainability, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), and leadership.
• Medicare Open Enrollment. From Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, Medicare enrollees have the ability to consider different plans for Medicare coverage. There are several changes coming to Medicare coverage following federal action, including a cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000/member. Check out these tips from the AARP on open enrollment, and consider contacting our Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for free counseling on available plans at 1-800-351-4664.
• Check with your doctors on measles vaccination. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has issued guidance to Iowa providers after dozens of cases of measles have been confirmed in Minnesota. There have been no confirmed cases in Iowa, but the best way to prevent cases is to ensure proper vaccination.
• Autumnal activities! Start planning your autumn excursions today with these great resources:
  • Travel Iowa haslists of apple orchards, pumpkin patches, must-visit fall attractions, fall festivals, scenic drives, and more.
  • MyCountyParks.com: Attend a fun fall program for the whole family at a local county park.
  • Iowa State Park Passport: Discover your new favorite parks, check in to track your outdoor adventures and earn prizes.

• Fall Foliage alert!Sign up to get fall color reports emailed to you weekly. Get details on where to see the best fall colors in Iowa.
• Stay safe this harvest season. As fall harvest continues across Iowa, the risk of wildfires in crop fields increases. Iowa is seeing dry conditions for this fall with potential for wildfires in the fields. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages farmers and others to get reacquainted with fire prevention practices.

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This Week Around the District

For more about what’s been going on in the district, see the social media posts below:

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Upcoming Events:

• Falliday Vendor Market
• Center Point Fire Department Pancake Breakfast
• Coggon Harvest Home Fall Bazaar
• AmVets Light Fright Haunted House
• Hiawatha Fire Department Chili Supper
• Marion Winter Market December 2024
• Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale Presents: Veterans, We Salute You
• Lisbon Halloweentown 2024