I heard from a number of you regarding the possible expansion of the casinos and a possible moratorium. On Tuesday, State Government committee members were prepared to vote on a moratorium bill, however, it was pulled from the agenda for consideration. Thursday, the Racing and Gaming Commission approved the Cedar Rapids casino request.
Time will tell how this decision impacts the rest of the communities that already have an established casino and their foundations that support so many worthwhile efforts in our communities.
Please continue to contact me as bills move through the process. I appreciate hearing from you.
Save the Date: Upcoming Forums
Second Saturday Forum with Sen. Winckler, Rep. Croken, and Rep. Kurth
February 8, 2025, at 10 AM
Fairmount Library
AAUW Legislative Forum
February 8, 2025, at 10 AM
Belmont Campus – Scott Community College
Scott County Farm Bureau Legislative Forum
February 15, 2025, from 10AM-11:30AM
Rooms 115/116 at the Regional Innovation Center
Addressing Iowa’s Childcare Crisis
This week, in an effort to tackle an ongoing crisis that affects Iowa’s children, families, and workers alike, my colleagues and I are turning our attention toward one of Iowa’s most persistent issues: childcare.
Childcare is one of the single-largest expenses in the monthly budget for any growing family. Full-time care for an infant, for example, can rival annual in-state tuition at one of our Regents universities. A lack of robust childcare options represents a significant barrier for parents looking to re-enter the workforce and for Iowa businesses hoping to recruit and retain the state’s top talent.
At present, there is a roughly 50,000-slot gap between Iowa’s available supply of childcare options and its current demand. And, according to data from the Center for American Progress, nearly a quarter of Iowans live in a childcare desert. For rural families, that number expands to 35%.
Simply put, there are not enough affordable and accessible childcare options in the state to adequately serve Iowa’s families.
In order to tackle Iowa’s childcare crisis, Senate Democrats are introducing a legislative package to address two critical elements of the childcare equation: lowering costs and expanding accessibility.
To start, I have signed on to co-sponsor legislation designed to help Iowans afford childcare by expanding eligibility for state assistance to thousands of working families who do not currently qualify. Raising income eligibility from 160% of the Federal Poverty Level to 200% (and up to 240% for families requiring special needs care) will help more Iowa families access childcare and lower families’ monthly costs.
Another step in expanding eligibility and accessibility involves guaranteeing state childcare assistance as families grow. To that end, I am supporting the following two proposals:
The first ensures that children under 18 who have a child of their own are automatically qualified to receive state childcare assistance, instead of having to rely on their parents’ income to qualify. (SF122)
The second allows siblings to automatically qualify, ensuring parents can continue to access childcare assistance while their family grows.
Finally, in order to address Iowa’s ongoing struggle to grow and maintain childcare capacity, I am supporting a proposal designed to raise wages for childcare workers, allowing childcare centers to maintain staffing levels, improve affordability, and expand capacity. The proposal would double investment in the state’s current Child Care Solutions Fund pilot program. For every private dollar raised from the community, the state will provide two matching dollars. Investing in our childcare workforce is critical to expanding our capacity for care and lowering costs for Iowa families.
Childcare isn’t a partisan issue. It affects folks of every demographic and ideology. Together, we can create a better deal for Iowans, provide greater economic security for Iowa families, and reduce the structural barriers for Iowa’s workers all at the same time by finally adequately addressing Iowa’s childcare crisis.
Quick Updates
Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award Winners: Congratulations to Danika Jacobsen and Ivy Wishman who won the ACLU of Iowa’s Youth Advocacy Award! I imagine we’ll see some extraordinary young people advocating for their rights this year. If you spot them, be sure to nominate them.
Looking to turn your overwhelm into action? Get involved with Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice. Sign up for the newsletter, login to their First Friday updates, and, volunteer for event support – intake, hospitality, even childcare.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Wild-harvested Mushroom Certification Class will return this spring, offering mushroom hunters a valuable opportunity to sharpen their identification skills, learn more about their favorite mushrooms, and connect with other hunters. The class is for those hoping to sell wild-harvested mushrooms, as sellers are legally required to complete a certification workshop to sell eight different varieties of wild-harvested mushrooms. Mandatory in-person workshops will be held March 15, March 29 and April 12, and registration is $60. Visit the Wild-harvested Mushrooms Certification website to register.
The 2025 Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference will be held March 1 at the Grand River Center in Dubuque, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event is co-led by Iowa State University, University of Illinois, and University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Services. The conference is designed specifically for forest landowners in the Midwest, but forestry professionals, consultants, volunteers, Master Naturalists, and students are all encouraged to attend. To register, visit the website or call University of Illinois Extension at 815-858-2273.
This Week in the Capitol
Pictured from left to right: Senator-elect Mike Zimmer and his wife, Tammy Zimmer
I would love to introduce Senator-elect Mike Zimmer and his wife, Tammy, who will be joining him as his clerk. Senator-elect Zimmer was elected to represent the 35th district, which includes parts of Scott County, in the recent special election. I am excited to work with him this legislative session to help represent the interests of southeastern Iowa.
Pictured from left to right: Jillian Aschliman, Steve Imming, Myself
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to speak with Steve Imming, a Trustee of the Davenport Public Library, and Jillian Aschliman, Director of the Bettendorf Public Library. We discussed their legislative priorities for this session, and I reiterated my support for public libraries in our district and in the state.
This week, I met with several wonderful members of AARP Iowa, including Steve Weiss and Jan Hetzel. They were visiting the statehouse to advocate for consumer protections, a caregiver tax credit, and statewide regulation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). ADUs are small homes or living spaces built on the same property as a main house. They can be separate cottages, additions to the main house, converted basements or attics, or remodeled garages. I had the opportunity to visit an ADU last year, when taking a tour with Habitat for Humanity. They are a great way to provide more housing options in different neighborhoods and can meet the needs of aging family members or adults with disabilities to stay close to familial caregivers.
Addressing Iowa’s Childcare Crisis
This week, in an effort to tackle an ongoing crisis that affects Iowa’s children, families, and workers alike, my colleagues and I are turning our attention toward one of Iowa’s most persistent issues: childcare.
Childcare is one of the single-largest expenses in the monthly budget for any growing family. Full-time care for an infant, for example, can rival annual in-state tuition at one of our Regents universities. A lack of robust childcare options represents a significant barrier for parents looking to re-enter the workforce and for Iowa businesses hoping to recruit and retain the state’s top talent.
At present, there is a roughly 50,000-slot gap between Iowa’s available supply of childcare options and its current demand. And, according to data from the Center for American Progress, nearly a quarter of Iowans live in a childcare desert. For rural families, that number expands to 35%.
Simply put, there are not enough affordable and accessible childcare options in the state to adequately serve Iowa’s families.
In order to tackle Iowa’s childcare crisis, Senate Democrats are introducing a legislative package to address two critical elements of the childcare equation: lowering costs and expanding accessibility.
To start, I have signed on to co-sponsor legislation designed to help Iowans afford childcare by expanding eligibility for state assistance to thousands of working families who do not currently qualify. Raising income eligibility from 160% of the Federal Poverty Level to 200% (and up to 240% for families requiring special needs care) will help more Iowa families access childcare and lower families’ monthly costs.
Another step in expanding eligibility and accessibility involves guaranteeing state childcare assistance as families grow. To that end, I am supporting the following two proposals:
The first ensures that children under 18 who have a child of their own are automatically qualified to receive state childcare assistance, instead of having to rely on their parents’ income to qualify. (SF122)
The second allows siblings to automatically qualify, ensuring parents can continue to access childcare assistance while their family grows.
Finally, in order to address Iowa’s ongoing struggle to grow and maintain childcare capacity, I am supporting a proposal designed to raise wages for childcare workers, allowing childcare centers to maintain staffing levels, improve affordability, and expand capacity. The proposal would double investment in the state’s current Child Care Solutions Fund pilot program. For every private dollar raised from the community, the state will provide two matching dollars. Investing in our childcare workforce is critical to expanding our capacity for care and lowering costs for Iowa families.
Childcare isn’t a partisan issue. It affects folks of every demographic and ideology. Together, we can create a better deal for Iowans, provide greater economic security for Iowa families, and reduce the structural barriers for Iowa’s workers all at the same time by finally adequately addressing Iowa’s childcare crisis.
Quick Updates
Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award Winners: Congratulations to Danika Jacobsen and Ivy Wishman who won the ACLU of Iowa’s Youth Advocacy Award! I imagine we’ll see some extraordinary young people advocating for their rights this year. If you spot them, be sure to nominate them.
Looking to turn your overwhelm into action? Get involved with Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice. Sign up for the newsletter, login to their First Friday updates, and, volunteer for event support – intake, hospitality, even childcare.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Wild-harvested Mushroom Certification Class will return this spring, offering mushroom hunters a valuable opportunity to sharpen their identification skills, learn more about their favorite mushrooms, and connect with other hunters. The class is for those hoping to sell wild-harvested mushrooms, as sellers are legally required to complete a certification workshop to sell eight different varieties of wild-harvested mushrooms. Mandatory in-person workshops will be held March 15, March 29 and April 12, and registration is $60. Visit the Wild-harvested Mushrooms Certification website to register.
Become a Bald Eagle Nest Monitor: The Iowa DNR will be holding one training opportunity for people interested in becoming volunteer bald eagle nest monitors. The workshop will be heldvia Zoom on Feb. 9 and seats are limited. Participants are welcomed statewide but be aware that most known nests are in Polk, Johnson, Linn, and Story counties. The commitment for conducting the survey and submitting data is 8 hours from March and July each year, depending on travel time, and will require multiple visits to a nest. Visit VWMP webpage to apply.
The 2025 Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference will be held March 1 at the Grand River Center in Dubuque, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event is co-led by Iowa State University, University of Illinois, and University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Services. The conference is designed specifically for forest landowners in the Midwest, but forestry professionals, consultants, volunteers, Master Naturalists, and students are all encouraged to attend. To register, visit the website or call University of Illinois Extension at 815-858-2273.
This Week in the Capitol
Me meeting with Steve Weiss and Jan Hetzel of the AARP.
Week four proved to be very busy for subcommittees, and one of the big subcommittee concerns had to do with the moratorium on casinos that would directly affect Cedar Rapids. The Senate killed that bill before it came to the floor – but not because it was an unfair way to manage the casino growth, but because the Republicans couldn’t govern and ran out of time. Had the moratorium come through, I would’ve been a No vote, specifically because of the unfair manner in which the GOP brought this bill forward to try to usurp the decision-making process by the appointed commissioners who were tasked to make a decision by February 6. The decision was made by the commission – as it should be – to keep the process a fair one. And it turns out the commission approved them.
I had multiple subcommittees for my Education and Health and Human Services committees this week and a lot of visitors to the Capitol.
Though a few bills have been through committees, none have yet to reach the floor for debate except for ethics resolutions which were voted on Thursday morning.
We have been monitoring what’s happening in D.C. along with the lack of action to protect Iowans from our attorney general and our governor. We will continue to monitor what is happening in D.C. and push back where we can here in the state, by continuing to fight for the people here at home for economic relief.
Stay involved, stay connected, and contact your legislators in D.C. about your concerns. Let them know your feelings about how they are handling the blatant constitutional crisis before them.
Joni Ernst office: PHONE: (202) 224-3254
Chuck Grassley office: PHONE: (202) 224-3744
Ashley Hinson office: PHONE: (202) 225-2911
Events happening around the district this coming weekend and week:
This week, in an effort to tackle an ongoing crisis that affects Iowa’s children, families, and workers alike, my colleagues and I are turning our attention toward one of Iowa’s most persistent issues: childcare.
Childcare is one of the single-largest expenses in the monthly budget for any growing family. Full-time care for an infant, for example, can rival annual in-state tuition at one of our Regents universities. A lack of robust childcare options represents a significant barrier for parents looking to re-enter the workforce and for Iowa businesses hoping to recruit and retain the state’s top talent.
At present, there is a roughly 50,000-slot gap between Iowa’s available supply of childcare options and its current demand. And, according to data from the Center for American Progress, nearly a quarter of Iowans live in a childcare desert. For rural families, that number expands to 35%.
Simply put, there are not enough affordable and accessible childcare options in the state to adequately serve Iowa’s families.
In order to tackle Iowa’s childcare crisis, Senate Democrats are introducing a legislative package to address two critical elements of the childcare equation: lowering costs and expanding accessibility.
To start, I have signed on to co-sponsor legislation designed to help Iowans afford childcare by expanding eligibility for state assistance to thousands of working families who do not currently qualify. Raising income eligibility from 160% of the Federal Poverty Level to 200% (and up to 240% for families requiring special needs care) will help more Iowa families access childcare and lower families’ monthly costs.
Another step in expanding eligibility and accessibility involves guaranteeing state childcare assistance as families grow. To that end, I am supporting the following two proposals:
The first ensures that children under 18 who have a child of their own are automatically qualified to receive state childcare assistance, instead of having to rely on their parents’ income to qualify. (SF122)
The second allows siblings to automatically qualify, ensuring parents can continue to access childcare assistance while their family grows.
Finally, in order to address Iowa’s ongoing struggle to grow and maintain childcare capacity, I am supporting a proposal designed to raise wages for childcare workers, allowing childcare centers to maintain staffing levels, improve affordability, and expand capacity. The proposal would double investment in the state’s current Child Care Solutions Fund pilot program. For every private dollar raised from the community, the state will provide two matching dollars. Investing in our childcare workforce is critical to expanding our capacity for care and lowering costs for Iowa families.
Childcare isn’t a partisan issue. It affects folks of every demographic and ideology. Together, we can create a better deal for Iowans, provide greater economic security for Iowa families, and reduce the structural barriers for Iowa’s workers all at the same time by finally adequately addressing Iowa’s childcare crisis.
Quick Updates
Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award Winners: Congratulations to Danika Jacobsen and Ivy Wishman who won the ACLU of Iowa’s Youth Advocacy Award! I imagine we’ll see some extraordinary young people advocating for their rights this year. If you spot them, be sure to nominate them.
Looking to turn your overwhelm into action? Get involved with Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice. Sign up for the newsletter, login to their First Friday updates, and, volunteer for event support – intake, hospitality, even childcare.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Wild-harvested Mushroom Certification Class will return this spring, offering mushroom hunters a valuable opportunity to sharpen their identification skills, learn more about their favorite mushrooms, and connect with other hunters. The class is for those hoping to sell wild-harvested mushrooms, as sellers are legally required to complete a certification workshop to sell eight different varieties of wild-harvested mushrooms. Mandatory in-person workshops will be held March 15, March 29 and April 12, and registration is $60. Visit the Wild-harvested Mushrooms Certification website to register.
Become a Bald Eagle Nest Monitor: The Iowa DNR will be holding one training opportunity for people interested in becoming volunteer bald eagle nest monitors. The workshop will be heldvia Zoom on Feb. 9 and seats are limited. Participants are welcomed statewide but be aware that most known nests are in Polk, Johnson, Linn, and Story counties. The commitment for conducting the survey and submitting data is 8 hours from March and July each year, depending on travel time, and will require multiple visits to a nest. Visit VWMP webpage to apply.
The 2025 Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference will be held March 1 at the Grand River Center in Dubuque, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event is co-led by Iowa State University, University of Illinois, and University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Services. The conference is designed specifically for forest landowners in the Midwest, but forestry professionals, consultants, volunteers, Master Naturalists, and students are all encouraged to attend. To register, visit the website or call University of Illinois Extension at 815-858-2273.
I read a recent analysis of one of the Trump Administration’s proposed budget freezes for many federal programs that provide critical assistance to Iowa families. The analysis focused on key programs related to health care, childcare, food assistance and nutrition, education, housing, and energy bill assistance. Although his freeze of funding these programs was rescinded shortly after due to public outcry, the programs were thrown into chaos. It is clear, federal support will face further scrutiny, thereby putting more pressure on Iowa to make up the existing critical shortfall in childcare availability in Iowa.
This week, in an effort to tackle this ongoing crisis that affects Iowa’s children, families, and workers alike, my colleagues and I are turning our attention toward one of Iowa’s most persistent issues: childcare.
In order to tackle Iowa’s childcare crisis, Senate Democrats are introducing a legislative package to address two critical elements of the childcare equation: lowering costs and expanding accessibility.
I have signed on to co-sponsor legislation designed to help Iowans afford childcare by expanding eligibility for state assistance to thousands of working families who do not currently qualify. Raising income eligibility from 160% of the Federal Poverty Level to 200% (and up to 240% for families requiring special needs care) will help more Iowa families access childcare and lower families’ monthly costs.
Childcare is one of the single-largest expenses in the monthly budget for any growing family. Full-time care for an infant, for example, can rival annual in-state tuition at one of our Regents universities. A lack of robust childcare options represents a significant barrier for parents looking to re-enter the workforce and for Iowa businesses hoping to recruit and retain the state’s top talent.
At present, there is a roughly 50,000-slot gap between Iowa’s available supply of childcare options and its current demand. And, according to data from the Center for American Progress, nearly a quarter of Iowans live in a childcare desert. For rural families, that number expands to 35%.
Simply put, there are not enough affordable and accessible childcare options in the state to adequately serve Iowa’s families.
Another step in expanding eligibility and accessibility involves guaranteeing state childcare assistance as families grow. To that end, I am supporting the following two proposals:
The first ensures that children under 18 who have a child of their own are automatically qualified to receive state childcare assistance, instead of having to rely on their parents’ income to qualify. (SF122)
The second allows siblings to automatically qualify, ensuring parents can continue to access childcare assistance while their family grows.
Finally, in order to address Iowa’s ongoing struggle to grow and maintain childcare capacity, I am supporting a proposal designed to raise wages for childcare workers, allowing childcare centers to maintain staffing levels, improve affordability, and expand capacity. The proposal would double investment in the state’s current Child Care Solutions Fund pilot program. For every private dollar raised from the community, the state will provide two matching dollars. Investing in our childcare workforce is critical to expanding our capacity for care and lowering costs for Iowa families.
Childcare isn’t a partisan issue. It affects folks of every demographic and ideology. Together, we can create a better deal for Iowans, provide greater economic security for Iowa families, and reduce the structural barriers for Iowa’s workers all at the same time by finally adequately addressing Iowa’s childcare crisis.
Quick Updates
Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award Winners: Congratulations to Danika Jacobsen and Ivy Wishman who won the ACLU of Iowa’s Youth Advocacy Award! I imagine we’ll see some extraordinary young people advocating for their rights this year. If you spot them, be sure to nominate them.
Looking to turn your overwhelm into action? Get involved with Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice. Sign up for the newsletter, login to their First Friday updates, and, volunteer for event support – intake, hospitality, even childcare.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Wild-harvested Mushroom Certification Class will return this spring, offering mushroom hunters a valuable opportunity to sharpen their identification skills, learn more about their favorite mushrooms, and connect with other hunters. The class is for those hoping to sell wild-harvested mushrooms, as sellers are legally required to complete a certification workshop to sell eight different varieties of wild-harvested mushrooms. Mandatory in-person workshops will be held March 15, March 29 and April 12, and registration is $60. Visit the Wild-harvested Mushrooms Certification website to register.
The 2025 Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference will be held March 1 at the Grand River Center in Dubuque, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event is co-led by Iowa State University, University of Illinois, and University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Services. The conference is designed specifically for forest landowners in the Midwest, but forestry professionals, consultants, volunteers, Master Naturalists, and students are all encouraged to attend. To register, visit the website or call University of Illinois Extension at 815-858-2273.
This Week in the Capitol
I met with Vicki Mueller, Executive Director for Pathways Behavioral Services in Waterloo. She spoke to me about the critical need for increased behavioral services.
Thursday was Pharmacist Day at the Capitol, I met with several pharmacists and talked about issues facing the industry. On my left is Wes Pilkington, owner of Evansdale Pharmacy, and Bob Greenwood, owner of Greenwood Pharmacy.
I visited with the Brian Hunemuller family from Waverly, Iowa. We talked about Dyslexia and how it affects families.
Dyslexia Day at the Capitol. Many children and adults were here to discuss the impact of dyslexia on their families. I have struggled with dyslexia as long as I can remember.
I met with Iowa Speedway President Eric Peterson who shared with me some amazing news concerning the viewership on the NASCAR inaugural Cup Race. The race had more people watching than watched the Daytona 500! The track as also generated $I00 million in revenue to the State. I couldn’t be more pleased as I managed the original creation bill though the legislature.
Des Moines — The Iowa Senate Democratic caucus today announced a legislative package aimed at addressing Iowa’s childcare crisis. Senators Janet Petersen and Cindy Winckler released the following statement.
“Young families in Iowa are facing a childcare crisis that’s been exasperated by the Reynolds Administration,” Sen. Janet Petersen (D-Des Moines) said. “New moms and young families need access to childcare help and the governor is sitting on a $92 million surplus in our Child Care Assistance Program. This is money set aside specifically to help expand childcare options for Iowa families and it’s sitting untouched.”
“Senate Democrats believe young Iowa families deserve more child-friendly policies in Iowa, and we are releasing legislation to help hundreds more Iowa families with their childcare bills.”
“Senate Democrats are committed to tackling Iowa’s childcare crisis with a robust package of legislation addressing rising costs and expanding accessibility around the state,” Sen. Cindy Winckler (D-Davenport) said.
The Senate Democratic package includes proposals designed to address the following persistent issues related to childcare:
Helping Iowans afford monthly childcare expenses by expanding eligibility for state assistance to thousands of working families who do not currently qualify;
Raise wages for childcare workers by doubling Iowa’s investment in the state’s successful Child Care Solutions Fund pilot program;
Ensuring child parents (under the age of 18) automatically qualify for state childcare assistance, instead of relying on their parents’ income to qualify;
Extending automatic qualification to siblings to ensure parents can continue to access childcare assistance while their family grows.
“Childcare is the biggest expense hundreds of Iowa families face each month,” Sen. Petersen said. “It even tops the price of college tuition. Our state needs to step up its game in helping young families.”
“This shouldn’t be a partisan issue,” Sen. Winckler said. “We can work together to take meaningful action and positively impact thousands of working families and children in need of care.”
Thank you for your emails, calls, and postcards this past week. It’s refreshing to see this much interaction with the public on a variety of issues impacting Iowans. It is my firm belief that elected officials must be held accountable to the People, which is why I strive to bring sunshine to the process – letting you know my votes on the bills that come before me. (See more about the bill process below.)
It’s unfortunate that I have yet to see a Republican bill moving through the process that addresses the needs of everyday Iowa families. Most Iowans aren’t better off than they were eight years ago. Housing isn’t more affordable, and childcare isn’t more accessible. State revenues continue to decline while the governor has proposed a budget that spends more than we will take in. Relying on one-time relief funds while cutting tax revenues is not a sustainable model for long-term budgeting. We’re passing on an increased fiscal burden to the next generation. This is fiscally irresponsible.
Senate Democrats are for providing economic security for Iowa families – ensuring, safeguarding, and expanding opportunity. We are working to ease the financial burdens on Iowa families by supporting accessible and affordable housing and childcare options and creating more stability and predictability for our workforce. We believe every Iowa child deserves access to a high-quality public education, including pre-school through college. We believe every Iowan should have the right to earn a paycheck that supports their family and respects their work.
After three weeks, it’s time to refocus the legislature’s priorities on the needs of everyday Iowans.
I’m Just a Bill – Staying Involved in the Legislative Process
As we come to the end of our third week at the Statehouse and bills are beginning to make their way through the legislative gauntlet, I thought it would be a good idea to put together a refresher so you all can stay engaged in our work at the Capitol.
Do you remember the old Schoolhouse Rock! song, “I’m Just a Bill”? That little three-minute cartoon taught so many young Americans the fundamentals of the legislative process in Washington, D.C. Here in Iowa, the process isn’t all that different!
If you haven’t tracked legislation before, the whole system can feel a bit complicated. Not to fear! Here’s a quick guide to understanding the process so you can ensure your voice is heard.
And, as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with a question if I can be of more help along the way!
Step 1: Subcommittee
Subcommittees are where we hear from you.
The first step for most bills under consideration in the Senate is a subcommittee. This is where a small panel of lawmakers review a bill and hear public comment. If you want to make your position known on a given bill, this is the place to do it!
Subcommittees take place at the Capitol but are also usually streamed online, with time set aside for public comment.
What to do: If you want to speak on a bill in a subcommittee, you can attend in person or participate online. You can also leave written comments for lawmakers to read and consider.
You can find a schedule of subcommittees here. Click “Agenda” for meeting details and the Zoom link. Click “Comments” to leave a comment.
Step 2: Committee
Committees are where we iron out the details.
If a bill passes out of subcommittee (and many don’t), it’s heard by a full committee of senators. In the Senate, we have 17 standing committees focusing on various policy areas. Each committee has between 6 and 20 members, often with specific expertise in that issue area.
In committee, senators discuss a bill and ask questions of the bill manager.
Senators can also amend the bill in committee – that is, offer changes and additions to it based on what they’ve heard from constituents and experts.
Committees take place in person at the Capitol but are also streamed online.
What to do: Attend in person to show public interest in the issue. Contact senators on the committee to let them know what you think and how you want them to vote. Find committee schedules here. Click here to find senators’ contact information.
Step 3: The Floor
Floor debate is where we make our stand.
A bill that passes committee is eligible for floor debate (although the floor leader decides if and when a bill comes up).
If a bill is brought up for debate, the sponsor introduces it, and then all 50 senators have a chance to speak and offer amendments to change it. At the end of debate, senators vote on whether to pass it.
Floor debate is held in the Senate chamber and streamed online. You can watch debates live by clicking here. If you’d like to see archived debates, click here.
What to do: The Senate chamber galleries are open to the public. Attend in person or watch online. Contact your senator to make your voice heard.
Step 4: What Happens Next
What happens after the Senate passes a bill depends on whether the bill has also been considered by the House.
If the bill started in the Senate, it moves over to the House for further consideration.
If it’s already passed the House, it moves on to the governor. The governor gets the final say on all legislation, choosing whether to sign it into law or veto it.
The next few weeks will be very busy with bills moving through the subcommittee and committee process. If there’s an issue you care about, now is the time to get involved and ensure your voice is heard!
Reasserting Iowa as a National Leader in Public Education
It’s time to talk about school funding.
The governor and Senate Republicans have proposed a 2% increase in school funding for the upcoming school year – less than the funding increase for public schools in both 2023 and 2024. After years of persistent underfunding and school closures around the state, the Republican plan would result in half our school districts getting less funding this year than last. It is just another in a series of gut punches for Iowa’s public schools and the students and families they serve.
The Republican proposal fails to keep pace with rising costs and would leave many school districts strapped for cash and laboring under significant budgetary pressures. Many schools would not be able to provide the resources their students need. More than half of the state’s school districts would be forced to raise property taxes just to keep the lights on in their schools. If that weren’t enough, the governor is also proposing a $32.5 million cut to our AEAs, further depriving Iowa kids, families, and schools of critical resources and services.
My colleagues and I believe that 2% falls well short of fulfilling our commitment to Iowa’s schools.
Senate Democrats are proposing a 5% increase in school funding for the more than 482,000 kids in Iowa’s public schools – this equals the same dollar amount Republicans are proposing to give to the roughly 27,000 kids in the voucher program.
Our proposal allows school districts to adequately address ongoing teacher shortages, invest in modern educational materials, update classroom technology, support special education needs, and expand preschool programs.
Once upon a time, Iowa’s public schools were among the finest in the nation. It’s time to stop prioritizing the few over the many, adequately fund our public schools, and reassert ourselves as a national leader in public education.
Iowa’s Workers Deserve a Better Safety Net
Navigating a job loss is hard. It’s financially complicated and emotionally stressful. We should be streamlining the process and easing the burden so Iowans can get back on their feet and back to work quickly. Instead, Republican lawmakers have created a system that further punishes job loss and adds another stressor for Iowa’s workers.
Back in 2022, Republican lawmakers made a series of changes to Iowa’s unemployment insurance system that slashed benefits and created unnecessarily complicated bureaucratic hurdles in an effort to dissuade Iowans from even applying for unemployment.
At a time when it seems I can hardly go a day without seeing news about another round of layoffs or a plant closing, now, more than ever, we need the safety net that unemployment benefits provide for hardworking Iowans seeking their next opportunity.
This week, I signed on to co-sponsor a bill aimed at addressing one of the changes made to Iowa’s unemployment system in recent years.
SF157 would increase the number of weekly benefits from 16 to 26, bringing Iowa back in line with most of the country (38 states provide at least 26 weeks of benefits).
Iowans want to work. They want to provide for themselves and for their families. We shouldn’t punish them further for losing their jobs. Let’s fix our unemployment system.
Quick Updates
The Iowa Senate Democratic Caucus is extending a warm welcome to our new member, Senator-elect Mike Zimmer! Mike is the president of the Central DeWitt School Board, a longtime professional educator, coach, and small business owner. He will serve Senate District 35 in Eastern Iowa, representing Clinton, Scott, and Jackson counties. We’re excited to bring him on board to help create a better deal for Iowans!
Potential changes to the Iowa Civil Rights Act: Senate Democrats are keeping an eye out for legislation to remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, stripping transgender Iowans of anti-discrimination protections in the areas of housing, education, employment, and more. Senate Democrats believe ALL Iowans should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state. We will continue to provide you with updates as they happen.
Nominations open for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Awards – If you know any young people in your community fighting for civil and voting rights, nominations for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Awards are open through May 31. The awards aim to send the message that age is not a barrier to creating change and every voice matters.
Donating to the Fish/Wildlife Fund (also known as the Chickadee Checkoff), on line 21 of your Iowa state tax form 1040, can help support vulnerable wildlife through research, habitat development, and education.
Volunteers needed to judge science fair: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is seeking judges for the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa. Students in grades 6-12 will participate in the exhibition on March 27-28 at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. The fair is held annually to celebrate the achievements and innovations of students in science and engineering. Organizers will assign judges based on their category preferences, level of education, field of study, and professional experience. To volunteer, please sign up online.
SHIIP-SMP Volunteer Medicare Counselors Needed Across Iowa: The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) are free, confidential, and unbiased services of the State of Iowa Insurance Division. Applications for the 2025 SHIIP-SMP New Volunteer Training will be accepted through April 20, 2025. Live virtual new volunteer trainings will be available. Learn more about the opportunity and apply through the website: www.shiip.iowa.gov/get-involved.
2025 Iowa Travel Guide Now Available: The new 2025 Iowa Travel Guide is now available to inspire travelers looking to plan a trip to Iowa. The free 148-page guide can be ordered online at traveliowa.com or picked up at any of Iowa’s Welcome Centers and DOT rest areas. An online version is also available.
Features in the publication include:
Farm-to-Table Dining: Get a literal taste of Iowa at restaurants using fresh, locally sourced products.
Mountain Biking: Explore scenic trails that challenge and excite cyclists of all skill levels.
Historic Hotels: Step back in time at properties more than a century old.
Cozy Winter Getaways: Discover charming cabins and inviting destinations to embrace the colder months.
Farm Stays: Experience life on various working farms across the state.
The Iowa Tourism Office, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, works closely with community partners, attractions and events, to promote the state’s beautifully vast scenery and unique history. Tourism in Iowa generated $7.3 billion in expenditures in 2023, with more than $1.1 billion supporting state and local governments, while employing a total of 70,954 people statewide. For more information on everything Iowa has to offer tourists, visit traveliowa.com.
The Week in Pictures
First meeting of the week was with Katie Biechler, new Political Organizing Director with Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. The issues Katie mentioned CCI is interested in this Session are also my issues: vouchers opposition, school board elections, no eminent domain for private gain, and water quality.
Zoom meeting with Di Findley, Executive Director of Iowa CareGivers, to discuss solutions for Iowa’s Direct Careworker (DCW) shortages. They are asking the legislature to increase wages, modernize the DCW directory, and establish a family caregivers tax credit.
I have known Di several years now and appreciate her advocacy, intelligence, and compassion. The time is now to enact change, supporting Direct Careworkers.
In Monday’s Natural Resources Committee, we discussed and passed SF 10, relating to landowners’ and tenants’ turkey hunting licenses. It expands the law to allow the special wild turkey hunting license to be used during any open turkey hunting season. It passed and is now eligible for the full Senate to debate.
Served on the subcommittee for SSB 1022 related to operational savings. It allows flexibility and more access to shared social workers, mental health professionals, and school resource officers, especially in rural areas.
I supported the bill; it passed out of sub and can now come before the full Education Committee.
Monday, I also served on the sub for SSB 1033. The bill simply updates IPERS code, eliminating the snail mail requirement for statements. They will still send it via mail if it’s requested.
It’s a cost-saving and efficiency measure saving IPERS an estimated $200,000 annually.
We passed this out of sub and it is now eligible for debate in the full Senate State Government Committee.
The main reason I chose to run for office again was a passion for ensuring future successes for our youngest Iowans.
It’s all about the kids.
United Way of Central Iowa has the same vision and launched a Coalition to Advance Mental Health in Iowa for Kids program (CAMHI4Kids). It represents statewide experts and organizations dedicated to advancing a coordinated approach to address our children’s mental health crisis.
And it IS a crisis – suicide is the second-leading cause of death among Iowans 15-24. [Iowa Dept of Health and Human Services].
But there IS hope if we act now, 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14 and 75% by age 24 (NAMI).
Thank you to CAMHI4Kids and all advocates for a stronger and more comprehensive children’s mental health system in Iowa!
With United Way’s Dave Stone and Diana Echeverria; Blank Children’s Hospital, Chaney Carr Yeast; lobbyist Cyndi Pederson and Senator Molly Donahue
Speaking of Iowa’s youth, Linn-Mar High School teachers brought some of their students to the capitol to discuss their Venture Academics program. Venture is a learning module using coursework in project/community involvement. This is another great example of connecting with local businesses and professionals for the purpose of students gaining exposure to individuals and careers in our community.
With educators Chelsea Dill, Elyssa McDowell, and Kathleen Wilson Kelley and students Katelyn Castor, MacLynn Hannan, Kyra Bassett, Emma Larson, Reina Gilbertson, and Lucas Digmann.
Tuesday’s Technology Committee passed SF49 which prohibits use of bots for ticket purchase/resale. It’s a consumer protection bill that passed out of Committee.
Cedar Rapids Community School District representatives are at the statehouse to discuss the benefits of full-time pre-school and public-school funding.
With School board president, Cindy Garlock, members David Tominsky, Marcia Roundtree, Truman Early Learning Center Principal Monica Frey, Superintendent Dr. Tawana Grover, Senator Molly Donahue, and State Rep. Aime Wichtendahl.
Linn-Mar Community School District Superintendent Amy Kortemeyer, Board member Brittania Morey, Midhat Mansoor, and Communications Director Renee Nielson spoke with Senator Molly Donahue and me about their legislative priorities, including increased access to mental health professionals, local accountability, full day preschool, and adequate public school funding.
Mental health seems to be a theme today as I also had the opportunity to visit with Erin Liz, Director of Linn County’s Mental Health Access Center. Along with Annie Emerson Battien, Clinical Supervisor at Mercy Sedlacek Treatment Center, and Carissa Brown, Dubuque County Public Health Project Coordinator, we discussed substance use services and treatments. The group is concerned that recovery and peer-support is not prominent in the new reorganization. They are also asking for distribution of the opioid settlement funds – still not addressed by either the Iowa House or Senate.
Glad we have such strong advocates for Iowa’s addiction treatments and mental health services!
Served on the sub for SF 16 dealing with school district dissolutions and realignments which basically fixes a timing issue of effective dates. It moved out of sub and goes to the full Senate Education Committee.
Eric Evans is the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services Bureau Chief and a great guy! VR does a stellar job helping those with disabilities enter the workforce. They need to continue to secure state matches to pull down federal dollars.
As great as it is to pack up my bags every Sunday and head to Des Moines to do good things for Iowans, it’s perhaps even better to open the door of our condo at the end of the week and announce, “I’m home!”
Bet you understand that feeling also. I know the new owners of Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity homes certainly get it. I spoke with some of them as I went door-to-door this summer and the pride of homeownership was evident.
So, it was great to meet with Brittany Scanlon, CV Habitat’s Executive Director. Brittany had a few legislative requests:
Transfer on death deeds, to help mitigate costs of going through probate
Increase supply and preservation of decent housing
Help make housing affordable for all Iowans through property tax relief measures and down payment assistance programs
“The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.”
― Wendy Wunder, The Probability of Miracles
Good discussion with Des Moines University students about some of the healthcare concerns we’re facing in Iowa. Jordan Samuel, Mallory Britz, and Jessica Duffy shared the college’s legislative priorities which include:
Support fully funding Rural Loan Repayment Program
Support funding for psychiatric education
Support funding and additional in-state graduate medical education opportunities
Wouldn’t it be awesome if these students stayed in Iowa after graduating, to begin their careers in OB/GYN and psychiatry?
Served on the sub for SF108 which gives a life jacket exemption when a personal watercraft (jet ski) is traveling 10 mph or less in a no wake zone. So many reasons this could be dangerous and life-threatening for a jet ski rider. No wake zones can be considered high-risk areas due to the nature of navigating at low speeds and in proximity to other vehicles or obstacles. Common causes of accidents include operator inexperience, improper maneuvering, submerged objects, distractions, and sudden changes in direction. Public Safety is the issue.
This is Sen. Dickey’s bill who was cited by the DNR for not wearing a life jacket on a jet ski moving at a low speed.
I was a NO vote, but it passed 2-1 out of sub-committee.
In Wednesday’s State Government Committee, we passed two bills. One was SSB 1033, the IPERS clean-up bill I mentioned earlier, and the other was SSB 1034, from the Secretary of State. The bill adds language to chapter 524 (banking code) that the filer of any document submitted under the code chapter may request extra filing service and the Secretary of State shall provide the service upon the assessment of a surcharge.
Both bills passed out of committee unanimously and are eligible to come before the full Senate for debate/passage.
Quick visit with Joe Lock, CEO of Eastern Iowa Health Center, about the harmful impacts of the Trump Administration’s federal spending freeze. The freeze would likely result in many Iowans not receiving healthcare.
Friend and constituent Garret Frey and Jennifer Jenn Wolff are in Des Moines for Iowa DD Council advocacy day. Spoke with several attendees and the topic was focused on employment. Those with a disability on Medicaid who are working have grave concerns over eligibility (losing benefits) if they exceed income limits. One person’s comment, “We always make too much for benefits but not enough to survive.” Another said, “I WANT to pay taxes, live in a bigger home, and buy a car….no way I can with the income limits.”
This has got to be remedied.
Speaking with Matt Herman of the Iowa Soybean Association about their legislative priorities including:
Modernizing the Grain Indemnity Fund
Limiting civil lawsuits against manufacturers of glyphosate
Support research funding at ISU
Iowa’s forest and fruit tree tax exemptions reforms
I do not agree with all these positions but it’s important to listen and understand all sides of the issues impacting Iowans.
Dollars 2 Donuts, the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency’s quick run-through of various budget issues. Thursday’s topic was school aid presented by Ron Robinson.
Passed several bills out of the Senate Education Committee, including three I’d served as Ranking Member on the subcommittee:
SSB 1028 – Pro-life advocacy required sex ed curriculum: SSB 1028 requires the Human Growth and Development curriculum provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic, and charter schools in grades 1-12, to include instruction depicting pregnancy and human development inside the womb. This is the same language as last year’s bill that required the “Meet Baby Olivia” video or a comparable video. This version does not specifically name the video but describes the same requirements.
SSB 1028 also changes the current law/definition of “research based” for human growth and development classes. The bill strikes from the Iowa Code the references to medical professionals/organizations in determining “complete and unbiased information.” The bill strikes the requirements that this information be free of racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender biases.
SSB 1053 Sets public school funding (State Supplementary Assistance) at 2%. This is a $149 million dollar state expenditure compared to the $135 million increased cost for vouchers. So public schools with over 482,000 students will get $14 million additional funds than the voucher program with around 27,000 students.
I was strongly opposed to both bills and voted NO.
Always great to hear success stories, like Cedar Rapids AMP Coordinator Laticia Aossey’s. Latisha joined an Achieving Maximum Potential Council when she was a teen and is now helping other foster youth build life and leadership skills. I was impressed with students Daishon and Brittany as they spoke about how AMP helps them personally.
This is the third week of the legislative session, and subcommittees have picked up. Committees are now putting those bills on the full committee agenda. Below is an explanation of the process and you can find subcommittee assignments and schedules, committee agendas, and bills that have been sent to committees all on the legislative website.
I appreciate hearing from you and do my very best to reflect your messages as bills move through the process. Please continue to contact me.
Save the Date: Upcoming Forums
Second Saturday Forum with Sen. Winckler, Rep. Croken, and Rep. Kurth
February 8 at 10:00 a.m.
Fairmount Library
AAUW Legislative Forum
February 8 at 10:00 a.m.
Belmont Campus – Scott Community College
Scott County Farm Bureau Legislative Forum
February 15 from 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Rooms 115/116 at the Regional Innovation Center
I’m Just a Bill – Staying Involved in the Legislative Process
As we come to the end of our third week at the Statehouse and bills are beginning to make their way through the legislative gauntlet, I thought it would be a good idea to put together a refresher so you all can stay engaged in our work at the Capitol.
Do you remember the old Schoolhouse Rock! song, “I’m Just a Bill”? That little three-minute cartoon taught so many young Americans the fundamentals of the legislative process in Washington, D.C. Here in Iowa, the process isn’t all that different!
If you haven’t tracked legislation before, the whole system can feel a bit complicated. Not to fear! Here’s a quick guide to understanding the process so you can ensure your voice is heard.
And, as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with a question if I can be of more help along the way!
Step 1: Subcommittee
Subcommittees are where we hear from you.
The first step for most bills under consideration in the Senate is a subcommittee. This is where a small panel of lawmakers review a bill and hear public comment. If you want to make your position known on a given bill, this is the place to do it!
Subcommittees take place at the Capitol but are also usually streamed online, with time set aside for public comment.
What to do: If you want to speak on a bill in a subcommittee, you can attend in person or participate online. You can also leave written comments for lawmakers to read and consider.
You can find a schedule of subcommittees here. Click “Agenda” for meeting details and the Zoom link. Click “Comments” to leave a comment.
Step 2: Committee
Committees are where we iron out the details.
If a bill passes out of subcommittee (and many don’t), it’s heard by a full committee of senators. In the Senate, we have 17 standing committees focusing on various policy areas. Each committee has between 6 and 20 members, often with specific expertise in that issue area.
In committee, senators discuss a bill and ask questions of the bill manager.
Senators can also amend the bill in committee – that is, offer changes and additions to it based on what they’ve heard from constituents and experts.
Committees take place in person at the Capitol but are also streamed online.
What to do: Attend in person to show public interest in the issue. Contact senators on the committee to let them know what you think and how you want them to vote. Find committee schedules here. Click here to find senators’ contact information.
Step 3: The Floor
Floor debate is where we make our stand.
A bill that passes committee is eligible for floor debate (although the floor leader decides if and when a bill comes up).
If a bill is brought up for debate, the sponsor introduces it, and then all 50 senators have a chance to speak and offer amendments to change it. At the end of debate, senators vote on whether to pass it.
Floor debate is held in the Senate chamber and streamed online. You can watch debates live by clicking here. If you’d like to see archived debates, click here.
What to do: The Senate chamber galleries are open to the public. Attend in person or watch online. Contact your senator to make your voice heard.
Step 4: What Happens Next
What happens after the Senate passes a bill depends on whether the bill has also been considered by the House.
If the bill started in the Senate, it moves over to the House for further consideration.
If it’s already passed the House, it moves on to the governor. The governor gets the final say on all legislation, choosing whether to sign it into law or veto it.
The next few weeks will be very busy with bills moving through the subcommittee and committee process. If there’s an issue you care about, now is the time to get involved and ensure your voice is heard!
Reasserting Iowa as a National Leader in Public Education
It’s time to talk about school funding.
The governor and Senate Republicans have proposed a 2% increase in school funding for the upcoming school year – less than the funding increase for public schools in both 2023 and 2024. After years of persistent underfunding and school closures around the state, the Republican plan would result in half our school districts getting less funding this year than last. It is just another in a series of gut punches for Iowa’s public schools and the students and families they serve.
The Republican proposal fails to keep pace with rising costs and would leave many school districts strapped for cash and laboring under significant budgetary pressures. Many schools would not be able to provide the resources their students need. More than half of the state’s school districts would be forced to raise property taxes just to keep the lights on in their schools. If that weren’t enough, the governor is also proposing a $32.5 million cut to our AEAs, further depriving Iowa kids, families, and schools of critical resources and services.
My colleagues and I believe that 2% falls well short of fulfilling our commitment to Iowa’s schools.
Senate Democrats are proposing a 5% increase in school funding for the more than 482,000 kids in Iowa’s public schools – this equals the same dollar amount Republicans are proposing to give to the roughly 27,000 kids in the voucher program.
Our proposal allows school districts to adequately address ongoing teacher shortages, invest in modern educational materials, update classroom technology, support special education needs, and expand preschool programs.
Once upon a time, Iowa’s public schools were among the finest in the nation. It’s time to stop prioritizing the few over the many, adequately fund our public schools, and reassert ourselves as a national leader in public education.
Iowa’s Workers Deserve a Better Safety Net
Navigating a job loss is hard. It’s financially complicated and emotionally stressful. We should be streamlining the process and easing the burden so Iowans can get back on their feet and back to work quickly. Instead, Republican lawmakers have created a system that further punishes job loss and adds another stressor for Iowa’s workers.
Back in 2022, Republican lawmakers made a series of changes to Iowa’s unemployment insurance system that slashed benefits and created unnecessarily complicated bureaucratic hurdles in an effort to dissuade Iowans from even applying for unemployment.
At a time when it seems I can hardly go a day without seeing news about another round of layoffs or a plant closing, now, more than ever, we need the safety net that unemployment benefits provide for hardworking Iowans seeking their next opportunity.
This week, I signed on to co-sponsor a bill aimed at addressing one of the changes made to Iowa’s unemployment system in recent years.
SF157 would increase the number of weekly benefits from 16 to 26, bringing Iowa back in line with most of the country (38 states provide at least 26 weeks of benefits).
Iowans want to work. They want to provide for themselves and for their families. We shouldn’t punish them further for losing their jobs. Let’s fix our unemployment system.
Quick Updates
The Iowa Senate Democratic Caucus is extending a warm welcome to our new member, Senator-elect Mike Zimmer! Mike is the president of the Central DeWitt School Board, a longtime professional educator, coach, and small business owner. He will serve Senate District 35 in Eastern Iowa, representing Clinton, Scott, and Jackson counties. We’re excited to bring him on board to help create a better deal for Iowans!
Potential changes to the Iowa Civil Rights Act: Senate Democrats are keeping an eye out for legislation to remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, stripping transgender Iowans of anti-discrimination protections in the areas of housing, education, employment, and more. Senate Democrats believe ALL Iowans should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state. We will continue to provide you with updates as they happen.
Nominations open for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Awards – If you know any young people in your community fighting for civil and voting rights, nominations for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Awards are open through May 31. The awards aim to send the message that age is not a barrier to creating change and every voice matters.
Donating to the Fish/Wildlife Fund (also known as the Chickadee Checkoff), on line 21 of your Iowa state tax form 1040, can help support vulnerable wildlife through research, habitat development, and education.
Volunteers needed to judge science fair: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is seeking judges for the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa. Students in grades 6-12 will participate in the exhibition on March 27-28 at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. The fair is held annually to celebrate the achievements and innovations of students in science and engineering. Organizers will assign judges based on their category preferences, level of education, field of study, and professional experience. To volunteer, please sign up online.
SHIIP-SMP Volunteer Medicare Counselors Needed Across Iowa: The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) are free, confidential, and unbiased services of the State of Iowa Insurance Division. Applications for the 2025 SHIIP-SMP New Volunteer Training will be accepted through April 20, 2025. Live virtual new volunteer trainings will be available. Learn more about the opportunity and apply through the website: www.shiip.iowa.gov/get-involved.
2025 Iowa Travel Guide Now Available: The new 2025 Iowa Travel Guide is now available to inspire travelers looking to plan a trip to Iowa. The free 148-page guide can be ordered online at traveliowa.com or picked up at any of Iowa’s Welcome Centers and DOT rest areas. An online version is also available.
Features in the publication include:
Farm-to-Table Dining: Get a literal taste of Iowa at restaurants using fresh, locally sourced products.
Mountain Biking: Explore scenic trails that challenge and excite cyclists of all skill levels.
Historic Hotels: Step back in time at properties more than a century old.
Cozy Winter Getaways: Discover charming cabins and inviting destinations to embrace the colder months.
Farm Stays: Experience life on various working farms across the state.
The Iowa Tourism Office, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, works closely with community partners, attractions and events, to promote the state’s beautifully vast scenery and unique history. Tourism in Iowa generated $7.3 billion in expenditures in 2023, with more than $1.1 billion supporting state and local governments, while employing a total of 70,954 people statewide. For more information on everything Iowa has to offer tourists, visit traveliowa.com.
This Week in the Capitol
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to speak with several members of the Davenport Community Schools system during their visit to the Capitol. We spoke at length about the needs of students in our area schools and discussed how the legislature can help support the educators, administrators, and board members who help our schools provide the best quality of education.
Above, from left to right: Sarah Ott (Communications Director), TJ Schneckloth (Superintendent), Karen Kline-Jerome (School Board President), Kent Paustian (School Board Vice President), Kent Barnds (School Board Member), Myself
Above, from left to right: Myself, Diane Campbell (Executive Director of Learning and Results), Lisa Hawker (Exceptional Education Specialist), Mandi Bollman (Principal), and Jen Saxon (PK-5 ELA Curriculum Specialist).
Late last week, members of the North Scott FFA chapter visited the capitol for the FFA Legislative Symposium. I had the privilege to speak with some of the students and it was exciting to see their dedication and commitment to excellence in agriculture.
Reasserting Iowa as a National Leader in Public Education
It’s time to talk about school funding.
The governor and Senate Republicans have proposed a 2% increase in school funding for the upcoming school year – less than the funding increase for public schools in both 2023 and 2024. After years of persistent underfunding and school closures around the state, the Republican plan would result in half our school districts getting less funding this year than last. It is just another in a series of gut punches for Iowa’s public schools and the students and families they serve.
The Republican proposal fails to keep pace with rising inflationary costs and would leave many school districts strapped for cash and laboring under significant budgetary pressures. Many schools would not be able to provide the resources their students need. More than half of the state’s school districts would be forced to raise property taxes just to keep the lights on in their schools. If that weren’t enough, the governor is also proposing a $32.5 million cut to our AEAs, further depriving Iowa kids, families, and schools of critical resources and services.
My colleagues and I believe that 2% falls well short of fulfilling our commitment to Iowa’s schools.
Senate Democrats are proposing a 5% increase in school funding for the more than 482,000 kids in Iowa’s public schools – this equals the same dollar amount Republicans are proposing to give to the roughly 27,000 kids in the voucher program.
Our proposal allows school districts to adequately address ongoing teacher shortages, invest in modern educational materials, update classroom technology, support special education needs, and expand preschool programs.
Iowa’s Workers Deserve a Better Safety Net
Navigating a job loss is hard. It’s financially complicated and emotionally stressful. We should be streamlining the process and easing the burden so Iowans can get back on their feet and back to work quickly. Instead, Republican lawmakers have created a system that further punishes job loss and adds another stressor for Iowa’s workers.
Back in 2022, Republican lawmakers made a series of changes to Iowa’s unemployment insurance system that slashed benefits and created unnecessarily complicated bureaucratic hurdles in an effort to dissuade Iowans from even applying for unemployment.
At a time when it seems I can hardly go a day without seeing news about another round of layoffs or a plant closing, now, more than ever, we need the safety net that unemployment benefits provide for hardworking Iowans seeking their next opportunity.
This week, I introduced a bill aimed at addressing one of the changes made to Iowa’s unemployment system in recent years.
SF157 would return the number of weekly benefits from to 26, bringing Iowa back in line with most of the country (38 states provide at least 26 weeks of benefits).
Iowans want to work. They want to provide for themselves and for their families. With John Deere laying-off over one thousand workers in Waterloo alone the job market has become very tight. We shouldn’t punish folks further for losing their jobs. Let’s fix our unemployment system.
Quick Updates
The Iowa Senate Democratic Caucus is extending a warm welcome to our new member, Senator-elect Mike Zimmer! Mike is the president of the Central DeWitt School Board, a longtime professional educator, coach, and small business owner. He will serve Senate District 35 in Eastern Iowa, representing Clinton, Scott, and Jackson counties. We’re excited to bring him on board to help create a better deal for Iowans!
Potential changes to the Iowa Civil Rights Act: Senate Democrats are keeping an eye out for legislation to remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, stripping transgender Iowans of anti-discrimination protections in the areas of housing, education, employment, and more. Senate Democrats believe ALL Iowans should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state. We will continue to provide you with updates as they happen.
Nominations open for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Awards – If you know any young people in your community fighting for civil and voting rights, nominations for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Awards are open through May 31. The awards aim to send the message that age is not a barrier to creating change and every voice matters.
Donating to the Fish/Wildlife Fund (also known as the Chickadee Checkoff), on line 21 of your Iowa state tax form 1040, can help support vulnerable wildlife through research, habitat development, and education.
Volunteers needed to judge science fair: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is seeking judges for the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa. Students in grades 6-12 will participate in the exhibition on March 27-28 at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. The fair is held annually to celebrate the achievements and innovations of students in science and engineering. Organizers will assign judges based on their category preferences, level of education, field of study, and professional experience. To volunteer, please sign up online.
SHIIP-SMP Volunteer Medicare Counselors Needed Across Iowa: The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) are free, confidential, and unbiased services of the State of Iowa Insurance Division. Applications for the 2025 SHIIP-SMP New Volunteer Training will be accepted through April 20, 2025. Live virtual new volunteer training will be available. Learn more about the opportunity and apply through the website: www.shiip.iowa.gov/get-involved.
2025 Iowa Travel Guide Now Available: The new 2025 Iowa Travel Guide is now available to inspire travelers looking to plan a trip to Iowa. The free 148-page guide can be ordered online at traveliowa.com or picked up at any of Iowa’s Welcome Centers and DOT rest areas. An online version is also available.
Features in the publication include:
Farm-to-Table Dining: Get a literal taste of Iowa at restaurants using fresh, locally sourced products.
Mountain Biking: Explore scenic trails that challenge and excite cyclists of all skill levels.
Historic Hotels: Step back in time at properties more than a century old.
Cozy Winter Getaways: Discover charming cabins and inviting destinations to embrace the colder months.
Farm Stays: Experience life on various working farms across the state.
The Iowa Tourism Office, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, works closely with community partners, attractions and events, to promote the state’s beautifully vast scenery and unique history. Tourism in Iowa generated $7.3 billion in expenditures in 2023, with more than $1.1 billion supporting state and local governments, while employing a total of 70,954 people statewide. For more information on everything Iowa has to offer tourists, visit traveliowa.com.
I’m Just a Bill – Staying Involved in the Legislative Process
As we come to the end of our third week at the Statehouse and bills are beginning to make their way through the legislative gauntlet, we thought it would be a good idea to put together a refresher so you all can stay engaged in our work at the Capitol.
Do you remember the old Schoolhouse Rock! song, “I’m Just a Bill”? That little three-minute cartoon taught so many young Americans the fundamentals of the legislative process in Washington, D.C. Here in Iowa, the process isn’t all that different!
If you haven’t tracked legislation before, the whole system can feel a bit complicated. Not to fear! Here’s a quick guide to understanding the process so you can ensure your voice is heard.
And, as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with a question if I can be of more help along the way!
Step 1: Subcommittee
Subcommittees are where we hear from you.
The first step for most bills under consideration in the Senate is a subcommittee. This is where a small panel of lawmakers review a bill and hear public comment. If you want to make your position known on a given bill, this is the place to do it!
Subcommittees take place at the Capitol but are also usually streamed online, with time set aside for public comment.
What to do: If you want to speak on a bill in a subcommittee, you can attend in person or participate online. You can also leave written comments for lawmakers to read and consider.
You can find a schedule of subcommittees here. Click “Agenda” for meeting details and the Zoom link. Click “Comments” to leave a comment.
Step 2: Committee
Committees are where we iron out the details.
If a bill passes out of subcommittee (and many don’t), it’s heard by a full committee of senators. In the Senate, we have 17 standing committees focusing on various policy areas. Each committee has between 6 and 20 members, often with specific expertise in that issue area.
In committee, senators discuss a bill and ask questions of the bill manager.
Senators can also amend the bill in committee – that is, offer changes and additions to it based on what they’ve heard from constituents and experts.
Committees take place in person at the Capitol but are also streamed online.
What to do: Attend in person to show public interest in the issue. Contact senators on the committee to let them know what you think and how you want them to vote. Find committee schedules here. Click here to find senators’ contact information.
Step 3: The Floor
Floor debate is where we make our stand.
A bill that passes committee is eligible for floor debate (although the floor leader decides if and when a bill comes up).
If a bill is brought up for debate, the sponsor introduces it, and then all 50 senators have a chance to speak and offer amendments to change it. At the end of debate, senators vote on whether to pass it.
Floor debate is held in the Senate chamber and streamed online. You can watch debates live by clicking here. If you’d like to see archived debates, click here.
What to do: The Senate chamber galleries are open to the public. Attend in person or watch online. Contact your senator to make your voice heard.
Step 4: What Happens Next
What happens after the Senate passes a bill depends on whether the bill has also been considered by the House.
If the bill started in the Senate, it moves over to the House for further consideration.
If it’s already passed the House, it moves on to the governor. The governor gets the final say on all legislation, choosing whether to sign it into law or veto it.
The next few weeks will be very busy with bills moving through the subcommittee and committee process. If there’s an issue you care about, now is the time to get involved and ensure your voice is heard!
This Week in the Capitol
I met with students from East High School: Brynn Culpepper, Delphi Dixon and Say Say Paw. They are taking classes at Waterloo Career Center with a focus on Agriculture.
I had a conversation with Roger Carr, a retired Waterloo firefighter. We talked about the need and support for more professional and volunteer firefighters across the state of Iowa.
I met with my friend and fellow RAGBRAI rider, Tim Dwight of Iowa Hawkeye and NFL fame. Tim was at the Capitol to promote the solar industry in Iowa
I’m Just a Bill – Staying Involved in the Legislative Process
As we come to the end of our third week at the Statehouse and bills are beginning to make their way through the legislative gauntlet, I thought it would be a good idea to put together a refresher so you all can stay engaged in our work at the Capitol.
Do you remember the old Schoolhouse Rock! song, “I’m Just a Bill”? That little three-minute cartoon taught so many young Americans the fundamentals of the legislative process in Washington, D.C. Here in Iowa, the process isn’t all that different!
If you haven’t tracked legislation before, the whole system can feel a bit complicated. Not to fear! Here’s a quick guide to understanding the process so you can ensure your voice is heard.
And, as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with a question if I can be of more help along the way!
Step 1: Subcommittee
Subcommittees are where we hear from you.
The first step for most bills under consideration in the Senate is a subcommittee. This is where a small panel of lawmakers review a bill and hear public comment. If you want to make your position known on a given bill, this is the place to do it!
Subcommittees take place at the Capitol but are also usually streamed online, with time set aside for public comment.
What to do: If you want to speak on a bill in a subcommittee, you can attend in person or participate online. You can also leave written comments for lawmakers to read and consider.
You can find a schedule of subcommittees here. Click “Agenda” for meeting details and the Zoom link. Click “Comments” to leave a comment.
Step 2: Committee
Committees are where we iron out the details.
If a bill passes out of subcommittee (and many don’t), it’s heard by a full committee of senators. In the Senate, we have 17 standing committees focusing on various policy areas. Each committee has between 6 and 20 members, often with specific expertise in that issue area.
In committee, senators discuss a bill and ask questions of the bill manager.
Senators can also amend the bill in committee – that is, offer changes and additions to it based on what they’ve heard from constituents and experts.
Committees take place in person at the Capitol but are also streamed online.
What to do: Attend in person to show public interest in the issue. Contact senators on the committee to let them know what you think and how you want them to vote. Find committee schedules here. Click here to find senators’ contact information.
Step 3: The Floor
Floor debate is where we make our stand.
A bill that passes committee is eligible for floor debate (although the floor leader decides if and when a bill comes up).
If a bill is brought up for debate, the sponsor introduces it, and then all 50 senators have a chance to speak and offer amendments to change it. At the end of debate, senators vote on whether to pass it.
Floor debate is held in the Senate chamber and streamed online. You can watch debates live by clicking here. If you’d like to see archived debates, click here.
What to do: The Senate chamber galleries are open to the public. Attend in person or watch online. Contact your senator to make your voice heard.
Step 4: What Happens Next
What happens after the Senate passes a bill depends on whether the bill has also been considered by the House.
If the bill started in the Senate, it moves over to the House for further consideration.
If it’s already passed the House, it moves on to the governor. The governor gets the final say on all legislation, choosing whether to sign it into law or veto it.
The next few weeks will be very busy with bills moving through the subcommittee and committee process. If there’s an issue you care about, now is the time to get involved and ensure your voice is heard!
Reasserting Iowa as a National Leader in Public Education
It’s time to talk about school funding.
The governor and Senate Republicans have proposed a 2% increase in school funding for the upcoming school year – less than the funding increase for public schools in both 2023 and 2024. After years of persistent underfunding and school closures around the state, the Republican plan would result in half our school districts getting less funding this year than last. It is just another in a series of gut punches for Iowa’s public schools and the students and families they serve.
The Republican proposal fails to keep pace with rising costs and would leave many school districts strapped for cash and laboring under significant budgetary pressures. Many schools would not be able to provide the resources their students need. More than half of the state’s school districts would be forced to raise property taxes just to keep the lights on in their schools. If that weren’t enough, the governor is also proposing a $32.5 million cut to our AEAs, further depriving Iowa kids, families, and schools of critical resources and services.
My colleagues and I believe that 2% falls well short of fulfilling our commitment to Iowa’s schools.
Senate Democrats are proposing a 5% increase in school funding for the more than 482,000 kids in Iowa’s public schools – this equals the same dollar amount Republicans are proposing to give to the roughly 27,000 kids in the voucher program.
Our proposal allows school districts to adequately address ongoing teacher shortages, invest in modern educational materials, update classroom technology, support special education needs, and expand preschool programs.
Once upon a time, Iowa’s public schools were among the finest in the nation. It’s time to stop prioritizing the few over the many, adequately fund our public schools, and reassert ourselves as a national leader in public education.
Iowa’s Workers Deserve a Better Safety Net
Navigating a job loss is hard. It’s financially complicated and emotionally stressful. We should be streamlining the process and easing the burden so Iowans can get back on their feet and back to work quickly. Instead, Republican lawmakers have created a system that further punishes job loss and adds another stressor for Iowa’s workers.
Back in 2022, Republican lawmakers made a series of changes to Iowa’s unemployment insurance system that slashed benefits and created unnecessarily complicated bureaucratic hurdles in an effort to dissuade Iowans from even applying for unemployment.
At a time when it seems I can hardly go a day without seeing news about another round of layoffs or a plant closing, now, more than ever, we need the safety net that unemployment benefits provide for hardworking Iowans seeking their next opportunity.
This week, I signed on to co-sponsor a bill aimed at addressing one of the changes made to Iowa’s unemployment system in recent years.
SF157 would increase the number of weekly benefits from 16 to 26, bringing Iowa back in line with most of the country (38 states provide at least 26 weeks of benefits).
Iowans want to work. They want to provide for themselves and for their families. We shouldn’t punish them further for losing their jobs. Let’s fix our unemployment system.
Quick Updates
The Iowa Senate Democratic Caucus is extending a warm welcome to our new member, Senator-elect Mike Zimmer! Mike is the president of the Central DeWitt School Board, a longtime professional educator, coach, and small business owner. He will serve Senate District 35 in Eastern Iowa, representing Clinton, Scott, and Jackson counties. We’re excited to bring him on board to help create a better deal for Iowans!
Potential changes to the Iowa Civil Rights Act: Senate Democrats are keeping an eye out for legislation to remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, stripping transgender Iowans of anti-discrimination protections in the areas of housing, education, employment, and more. Senate Democrats believe ALL Iowans should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state. We will continue to provide you with updates as they happen.
Nominations open for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Awards – If you know any young people in your community fighting for civil and voting rights, nominations for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Awards are open through May 31. The awards aim to send the message that age is not a barrier to creating change and every voice matters.
Donating to the Fish/Wildlife Fund (also known as the Chickadee Checkoff), on line 21 of your Iowa state tax form 1040, can help support vulnerable wildlife through research, habitat development, and education.
Volunteers needed to judge science fair: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is seeking judges for the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa. Students in grades 6-12 will participate in the exhibition on March 27-28 at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. The fair is held annually to celebrate the achievements and innovations of students in science and engineering. Organizers will assign judges based on their category preferences, level of education, field of study, and professional experience. To volunteer, please sign up online.
SHIIP-SMP Volunteer Medicare Counselors Needed Across Iowa: The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) are free, confidential, and unbiased services of the State of Iowa Insurance Division. Applications for the 2025 SHIIP-SMP New Volunteer Training will be accepted through April 20, 2025. Live virtual new volunteer trainings will be available. Learn more about the opportunity and apply through the website: www.shiip.iowa.gov/get-involved.
Walnut Woods campground needs hosts: Campground hosts work alongside Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) staff to help maintain and beautify the park, ensure reservations are up-to-date and accurate, and assist visitors in a welcoming and helpful manner. In this volunteer position, hosts are provided a free campsite and live in the park for one to five months during the summer season. Hosts volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per week, often including weekends and holidays, while living on site in their own camper. Apply at www.iowadnr.gov/volunteer.
2025 Iowa Travel Guide Now Available: The new 2025 Iowa Travel Guide is now available to inspire travelers looking to plan a trip to Iowa. The free 148-page guide can be ordered online at traveliowa.com or picked up at any of Iowa’s Welcome Centers and DOT rest areas. An online version is also available.
Features in the publication include:
Farm-to-Table Dining: Get a literal taste of Iowa at restaurants using fresh, locally sourced products.
Mountain Biking: Explore scenic trails that challenge and excite cyclists of all skill levels.
Historic Hotels: Step back in time at properties more than a century old.
Cozy Winter Getaways: Discover charming cabins and inviting destinations to embrace the colder months.
Farm Stays: Experience life on various working farms across the state.
The Iowa Tourism Office, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, works closely with community partners, attractions and events, to promote the state’s beautifully vast scenery and unique history. Tourism in Iowa generated $7.3 billion in expenditures in 2023, with more than $1.1 billion supporting state and local governments, while employing a total of 70,954 people statewide. For more information on everything Iowa has to offer tourists, visit traveliowa.com.
This Week in the Capitol
Earlier this week I had an opportunity to catch up with my constituent, Ryan Crane. Ryan is the executive director of the NAMI Iowa. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and their work is critical in addressing ongoing mental health concerns in the state.
The Coalition to Advance Mental Health in Iowa for Kids (CAMHI4Kids) was also at the Capitol Tuesday to talk about its priorities. The Coalition’s statewide members include Crittendon Center, Easterseals Iowa, Iowa ACEs360, Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association, Orchard Place, United Way of Central Iowa, and UnityPoint.
I’m Just a Bill – Staying Involved in the Legislative Process
It has been a very busy third week. We have had subcommittees at breakneck speed. Some of these bills will make it to the floor for debate – and we will agree on many of them. Others will be strenuous debates due to differing beliefs and constituent needs. As we come to the end of our third week at the Statehouse and bills are beginning to make their way through the legislative gauntlet, I thought it would be a good idea to put together a refresher so you all can stay engaged in our work at the Capitol.
Do you remember the old Schoolhouse Rock! song, “I’m Just a Bill”? That little three-minute cartoon taught so many young Americans the fundamentals of the legislative process in Washington, D.C. Here in Iowa, the process isn’t all that different!
If you haven’t tracked legislation before, the whole system can feel a bit complicated. Not to fear! Here’s a quick guide to understanding the process so you can ensure your voice is heard.
And, as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with a question if I can be of more help along the way!
Step 1: Subcommittee
Subcommittees are where we hear from you.
The first step for most bills under consideration in the Senate is a subcommittee. This is where a small panel of lawmakers review a bill and hear public comment. If you want to make your position known on a given bill, this is the place to do it!
Subcommittees take place at the Capitol but are also usually streamed online, with time set aside for public comment.
What to do: If you want to speak on a bill in a subcommittee, you can attend in person or participate online. You can also leave written comments for lawmakers to read and consider.
You can find a schedule of subcommittees here. Click “Agenda” for meeting details and the Zoom link. Click “Comments” to leave a comment.
Step 2: Committee
Committees are where we iron out the details.
If a bill passes out of subcommittee (and many don’t), it’s heard by a full committee of senators. In the Senate, we have 17 standing committees focusing on various policy areas. Each committee has between 6 and 20 members, often with specific expertise in that issue area.
In committee, senators discuss a bill and ask questions of the bill manager.
Senators can also amend the bill in committee – that is, offer changes and additions to it based on what they’ve heard from constituents and experts.
Committees take place in person at the Capitol but are also streamed online.
What to do: Attend in person to show public interest in the issue. Contact senators on the committee to let them know what you think and how you want them to vote. Find committee schedules here. Click here to find senators’ contact information.
Step 3: The Floor
Floor debate is where we make our stand.
A bill that passes committee is eligible for floor debate (although the floor leader decides if and when a bill comes up).
If a bill is brought up for debate, the sponsor introduces it, and then all 50 senators have a chance to speak and offer amendments to change it. At the end of debate, senators vote on whether to pass it.
Floor debate is held in the Senate chamber and streamed online. You can watch debates live by clicking here. If you’d like to see archived debates, click here.
What to do: The Senate chamber galleries are open to the public. Attend in person or watch online. Contact your senator to make your voice heard.
Step 4: What Happens Next
What happens after the Senate passes a bill depends on whether the bill has also been considered by the House.
If the bill started in the Senate, it moves over to the House for further consideration.
If it’s already passed the House, it moves on to the governor. The governor gets the final say on all legislation, choosing whether to sign it into law or veto it.
The next few weeks will be very busy with bills moving through the subcommittee and committee process. If there’s an issue you care about, now is the time to get involved and ensure your voice is heard!
Thank you to everyone who has sent emails thus far about your thoughts on different topics and bills going through. And a huge thank you to those who have just sent nice notes to let me know how much you support what I do – and how I do it every week. Those mean a lot to me, and I’m sure my colleagues when they receive them as well – because it can get tough working at the Capitol.
Reasserting Iowa as a National Leader in Public Education
It’s time to talk about school funding.
The governor and Senate Republicans have proposed a 2% increase in school funding for the upcoming school year – less than the funding increase for public schools in both 2023 and 2024. After years of persistent underfunding and school closures around the state, the Republican plan would result in half our school districts getting less funding this year than last. It is just another in a series of gut punches for Iowa’s public schools and the students and families they serve.
The Republican proposal fails to keep pace with rising costs and would leave many school districts strapped for cash and laboring under significant budgetary pressures. Many schools would not be able to provide the resources their students need. More than half of the state’s school districts would be forced to raise property taxes just to keep the lights on in their schools. If that weren’t enough, the governor is also proposing a $32.5 million cut to our AEAs, further depriving Iowa kids, families, and schools of critical resources and services.
My colleagues and I believe that 2% falls well short of fulfilling our commitment to Iowa’s schools.
Senate Democrats are proposing a 5% increase in school funding for the more than 482,000 kids in Iowa’s public schools – this equals the same dollar amount Republicans are proposing to give to the roughly 27,000 kids in the voucher program.
Our proposal allows school districts to adequately address ongoing teacher shortages, invest in modern educational materials, update classroom technology, support special education needs, and expand preschool programs.
Once upon a time, Iowa’s public schools were among the finest in the nation. It’s time to stop prioritizing the few over the many, adequately fund our public schools, and reassert ourselves as a national leader in public education.
Iowa’s Workers Deserve a Better Safety Net
Navigating a job loss is hard. It’s financially complicated and emotionally stressful. We should be streamlining the process and easing the burden so Iowans can get back on their feet and back to work quickly. Instead, Republican lawmakers have created a system that further punishes job loss and adds another stressor for Iowa’s workers.
Back in 2022, Republican lawmakers made a series of changes to Iowa’s unemployment insurance system that slashed benefits and created unnecessarily complicated bureaucratic hurdles in an effort to dissuade Iowans from even applying for unemployment.
At a time when it seems I can hardly go a day without seeing news about another round of layoffs or a plant closing, now, more than ever, we need the safety net that unemployment benefits provide for hardworking Iowans seeking their next opportunity.
This week, I signed on to co-sponsor a bill aimed at addressing one of the changes made to Iowa’s unemployment system in recent years.
SF157 would increase the number of weekly benefits from 16 to 26, bringing Iowa back in line with most of the country (38 states provide at least 26 weeks of benefits).
Iowans want to work. They want to provide for themselves and for their families. We shouldn’t punish them further for losing their jobs. Let’s fix our unemployment system.
Quick Updates
The Iowa Senate Democratic Caucus is extending a warm welcome to our new member, Senator-elect Mike Zimmer! Mike is the president of the Central DeWitt School Board, a longtime professional educator, coach, and small business owner. He will serve Senate District 35 in Eastern Iowa, representing Clinton, Scott, and Jackson counties. We’re excited to bring him on board to help create a better deal for Iowans!
Potential changes to the Iowa Civil Rights Act: Senate Democrats are keeping an eye out for legislation to remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, stripping transgender Iowans of anti-discrimination protections in the areas of housing, education, employment, and more. Senate Democrats believe ALL Iowans should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state. We will continue to provide you with updates as they happen.
Nominations open for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Awards – If you know any young people in your community fighting for civil and voting rights, nominations for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Awards are open through May 31. The awards aim to send the message that age is not a barrier to creating change and every voice matters.
Donating to the Fish/Wildlife Fund (also known as the Chickadee Checkoff), on line 21 of your Iowa state tax form 1040, can help support vulnerable wildlife through research, habitat development, and education.
Volunteers needed to judge science fair: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is seeking judges for the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa. Students in grades 6-12 will participate in the exhibition on March 27-28 at Hilton Coliseum in Ames. The fair is held annually to celebrate the achievements and innovations of students in science and engineering. Organizers will assign judges based on their category preferences, level of education, field of study, and professional experience. To volunteer, please sign up online.
SHIIP-SMP Volunteer Medicare Counselors Needed Across Iowa: The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) are free, confidential, and unbiased services of the State of Iowa Insurance Division. Applications for the 2025 SHIIP-SMP New Volunteer Training will be accepted through April 20, 2025. Live virtual new volunteer trainings will be available. Learn more about the opportunity and apply through the website: www.shiip.iowa.gov/get-involved.
2025 Iowa Travel Guide Now Available: The new 2025 Iowa Travel Guide is now available to inspire travelers looking to plan a trip to Iowa. The free 148-page guide can be ordered online at traveliowa.com or picked up at any of Iowa’s Welcome Centers and DOT rest areas. An online version is also available.
Features in the publication include:
Farm-to-Table Dining: Get a literal taste of Iowa at restaurants using fresh, locally sourced products.
Mountain Biking: Explore scenic trails that challenge and excite cyclists of all skill levels.
Historic Hotels: Step back in time at properties more than a century old.
Cozy Winter Getaways: Discover charming cabins and inviting destinations to embrace the colder months.
Farm Stays: Experience life on various working farms across the state.
The Iowa Tourism Office, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, works closely with community partners, attractions and events, to promote the state’s beautifully vast scenery and unique history. Tourism in Iowa generated $7.3 billion in expenditures in 2023, with more than $1.1 billion supporting state and local governments, while employing a total of 70,954 people statewide. For more information on everything Iowa has to offer tourists, visit traveliowa.com.
