Iowa Senate Democrats

Fighting for a Better Deal for Iowans.

  • Hogg elected leader of Senate Democrats

    The new Iowa Senate Democratic leadership includes (from left) State Senators Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City (assistant leader), Rita Hart of Wheatland (assistant leader), Bill Dotzler of Waterloo (assistant leader), Liz Mathis of Robins (assistant leader), Amanda Ragan of Mason City (Senate Democratic Whip), Matt McCoy of Des Moines (assistant leader), Herman Quirmbach of Ames (assistant leader) and Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids (Senate Democratic Leader).
    The new Iowa Senate Democratic leadership includes (from left) State Senators Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City (assistant leader), Rita Hart of Wheatland (assistant leader), Bill Dotzler of Waterloo (assistant leader), Liz Mathis of Robins (assistant leader), Amanda Ragan of Mason City (Senate Democratic Whip), Matt McCoy of Des Moines (assistant leader), Herman Quirmbach of Ames (assistant leader) and Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids (Senate Democratic Leader).

    Iowa Senate News Release

    For immediate release: November 19, 2016

    Hogg elected leader of Senate Democrats

    [Des Moines] At a Statehouse meeting Nov. 19, Democratic members of the Iowa Senate unanimously elected State Senator Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids to serve as the Iowa Senate’s Democratic Leader.

    Senator Hogg released the following statement:

     

    “I’m honored my Senate Democratic colleagues selected me as their leader in this difficult time. During the 2017 legislative session, we will stand up for Iowans who need state government to work for all of us. One reason Iowa is such a great state is our dedicated public employees—teachers, corrections officers, state troopers, DOT workers, DHS workers, DNR workers, city and county staff, and many others—who work hard every day to help Iowans.

    “We will stand up for working people who seek higher wages and better benefits, for families who need strong schools and affordable college and job training, for small business owners who need skilled workers and a level playing field, for seniors who need help to stay in their own homes, for veterans who need health care, for city residents and farmers looking for clean water and clean energy solutions, and for vulnerable Iowans who need a safety net to maintain their health and dignity.

    “In contrast to most other states, Iowa’s state budget is in good shape. We want to keep it that way, and will try to prevent Governor Branstad and legislative Republicans from repeating the sort of mistakes that bankrupted Kansas, undermining their schools, health care and economy.”

     

    Senator Hogg is in his third term in the Iowa Senate, after serving two terms in the Iowa House. He currently chairs the Government Oversight Committee, is vice-chair of the Judiciary Committee, and serves on the Appropriations, Education and Ways & Means committees. Following the devastating floods and tornadoes of 2008, Senator Hogg chaired a special Rebuild Iowa Committee focused on helping communities recover.

    A fourth generation Iowan, Rob Hogg is a lawyer in private practice in Cedar Rapids. He and his wife, Kate, have three children and are members of Christ Episcopal Church.

    Senate Democrats also elected Amanda Ragan of Mason City as Senate Democratic Whip, and six assistant leaders: Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City, Bill Dotzler of Waterloo, Rita Hart of Wheatland, Liz Mathis of Robins, Matt McCoy of Des Moines and Herman Quirmbach of Ames.

    In addition, the meeting was the first for newly elected State Senator Nate Boulton of Des Moines.

    The 2017 session of the 87th Iowa General Assembly will convene on Monday, January 9, 2017.

     

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    The new Iowa Senate Democratic leadership includes (from left) State Senators Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City (assistant leader), Rita Hart of Wheatland (assistant leader), Bill Dotzler of Waterloo (assistant leader), Liz Mathis of Robins (assistant leader), Amanda Ragan of Mason City (Senate Democratic Whip), Matt McCoy of Des Moines (assistant leader), Herman Quirmbach of Ames (assistant leader) and Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids (Senate Democratic Leader).
    The new Iowa Senate Democratic leadership includes (from left) State Senators Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City (assistant leader), Rita Hart of Wheatland (assistant leader), Bill Dotzler of Waterloo (assistant leader), Liz Mathis of Robins (assistant leader), Amanda Ragan of Mason City (Senate Democratic Whip), Matt McCoy of Des Moines (assistant leader), Herman Quirmbach of Ames (assistant leader) and Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids (Senate Democratic Leader).

  • Stopping the epidemic of overdose deaths

    Twenty-three Iowans died from prescription opioid overdoses in 2015, according to the Department of Public Health.

    A report from the Trust for America’s Health tells us that prescription drug and heroin overdose deaths are climbing in Iowa, just as they are nationwide. In fact, the number of Iowa drug deaths—a majority related to prescription medications —has more than quadrupled in recent years.

    We’re helping prevent these deaths by allowing Iowans to obtain medications that counteract drug overdoses. Iowans who’ve lost loved ones to a drug overdose—as well as those who’ve seen the life-saving results of Narcan—have fought for wider-spread use of the antidote here in Iowa.

    We responded by making it possible for first responders, emergency medical service providers, police, firefighters and licensed health care professionals to maintain a supply of the opioid antagonist and administer it in cases of an overdose. A person in a position to assist — such as a family member, friend, caregiver or substance abuse facility — can also administer the emergency drug.

    It’s one way we can prevent unnecessary tragedies and the heartache of Iowans who feel powerless to intervene when loved ones are in danger — and it gives individuals the chance to get help for their substance abuse issues.

    In another effort to minimize prescription drug overdoses, the Iowa Pharmacy Board and Office of Drug Control Policy are setting up permanent Take Back kiosks at pharmacies and law enforcement centers in all Iowa counties.

    The Take Back program is important because most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends. Properly disposing of unused medicines can prevent abuse and save lives. To find the closest Take Back site, go to https://odcp.iowa.gov/takebackrx.

    In addition, a Prescription Pain Medications Study Committee will meet later this fall to evaluate the prescription pain medication crisis in Iowa and give us recommendations on how to tackle it. The committee will look at:

    • Trends in t prescription pain medications issued in Iowa
    • Deaths from prescription pain medication and illegal drugs
    • How the medical community is helping reduce drug dependency
    • Available treatment options and pain management programs

  • Protections for victims of domestic violence

    This year, Iowa started a “Safe at Home” program for victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, stalking and human trafficking. Dozens of Iowans are now participating in this address confidentiality program administered by the Secretary of State’s office.

    The office gets a U.S. Post Office box for a victim who has chosen to participate in Safe at Home. The office receives the participant’s mail and forwards it to the P.O. Box. Through this same program, victims can sign up for permanent absentee ballot voting at their confidential address. Victims may also be able to use their confidential address when involved in court proceedings.

    These measures prevent a victim’s physical address from appearing on public records, helping them stay safe from their abuser. You can learn more about Safe at Home in Iowa and other help for victims at https://safeathome.iowa.gov.

    In addition to Safe at Home, we’ve voted to help victims recover from crimes by allowing money from the Victim Compensation Fund to be used for housing assistance and emergency relocation. In addition, more employees at the Victim Assistance Division in the Attorney General’s Office will make sure federal grant money effectively helps crime victims.

    If you or someone you know is a victim, call the Iowa Domestic Violence HelpLine at 1-800-770-1650. The 24/7 statewide crisis and counseling line has trained experts who can offer free and confidential assistance to those seeking to escape an abusive situation. For more information, visit www.survivorshelpline.org.

  • We all can help fight human trafficking

    It’s hard to fathom that human trafficking happens at all, much less that it is a growing problem here in the heartland.

    Human trafficking is the buying and selling of people, who are often forced into sex work or other forms of slavery. Iowa’s interstate highways are prime routes for human traffickers transporting victims, so we must be vigilant.

    Iowa is combating human trafficking through public awareness, training for law enforcement and tougher punishments for those who commit this heinous crime. Coordinated local, state and federal efforts have rescued some victims, but human trafficking still goes mostly unnoticed.

    We’re continuing to update Iowa’s human trafficking law as we learn more about the crime and the unique situation of victims. For example, this year:

    • We created an Office to Combat Human Trafficking to lead and coordinate Iowa’s anti-trafficking efforts and to be the point of contact for federal, state and local law enforcement (SF 2191, HF 2459).
    • We defined sex trafficking of minors as child abuse, and set the expectation that state agencies and our partners in the fight against child abuse and trafficking recognize and respond to the crime (SF 2258).
    • To bring justice to more victims, we extend the statute of limitations for kidnapping and human trafficking of children to the victim’s 28th birthday, or three years after a perpetrator is identified through DNA testing, whichever is later (HF 2278).

     

    You can help fight human trafficking, too. Recognizing the signs is the first step in identifying victims and saving lives. Here are some things to look for:

    • Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends and regular activities?
    • Has a child stopped attending school?
    • Has the person shown a change in behavior?
    • Is the person disoriented or confused?
    • Do they show signs of mental or physical abuse?
    • Is the person fearful, timid or submissive?
    • Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?

    Find more warning signs from the Department of Homeland Security at www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/indicators-human-trafficking. If you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, report a tip at www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/identify-victim.

  • Iowa is tough & smart on crime

    Citizens deserve to live free from worry of undue risks and danger. That’s why improving public safety is such an important job for the Legislature. We must be tough on crime and smart on crime, making the best possible choices with limited resources.

    There are some excellent ways to reduce the number of repeat offenders, keep people out of prison and save taxpayer dollars. Family treatment courts, a better approach to sentencing and helping offenders re-enter society can help.

    Family Treatment Courts

    Family Treatment Courts are an alternative for parents with substance use problems who haven’t properly cared for their children. These courts offer help from a team of professionals, access to treatment and frequent drug testing.

    A recent study shows nearly 1,000 parents and more than 1,600 children have benefited from Iowa’s Family Treatment Courts since 2007. There are now family treatment courts in every Iowa judicial district, an initiative that has saved the state more than $12 million.

    Parents in the Family Treatment Court program are more likely to enter and complete treatment than those who don’t participate. Among the children:

    • 76 percent are able to remain in the custody of their parent or caregiver
    • 77 percent return home within 12 months
    • 96 percent suffer no further maltreatment

    Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Cady says Family Treatment Courts are helping to end the tragic cycle of broken families and broken lives due to substance abuse.

    Better sentencing

    Keeping low-risk offenders in prison eats up state resources and often doesn’t help the offender or make the community safer.

    Locking up certain offenders can be counterproductive, particularly low-risk drug offenders who aren’t a threat to public safety. They’re kept away from their families, unable to help with household expenses, raise their children or contribute to society. In these instances, tax dollars may be better spent on rehabilitation.

    This year, the Legislature voted to use limited resources wisely and ensure prison space for violent, high-risk offenders by allowing the Board of Parole to have low-risk drug offenders supervised in the community. At the time of sentencing, the judge will take into account the person’s criminal record, risk assessment and the negative impact the offense on the victim and others. This change is estimated to save more than $700,000 in FY17 alone.

    Violent crime

    Our work is far from done though. Later this fall, for example, a special legislative committee will study concerns about the increasing violence we’re seeing throughout Iowa.

    The committee will look for better ways to measure violent crime; review Iowa’s criminal code, sentencing guidelines and other trends; and identify causes and effects of crime. Based on what they learn, they’ll make recommendations for a safer Iowa that we’ll consider during the 2017 legislative session.

  • Voting tools for Iowans with disabilities

    Voting at the polls can present unique challenges to Iowans with disabilities, including military veterans.

     Iowa is one of the nation’s leaders in voting accessibility. We want to make sure all Iowans are fully able to exercise their right to vote.

     If you or someone you know needs special assistance to vote, you have the right to an accessible voting location, to accessible voting equipment and to receive assistance in casting your ballot. Get full details from the Iowa Secretary of State at www.sos.iowa.gov/disabilities.

     Those with vision impairment can call 888-SOS-VOTE (888-767-8683) or e-mail support@sos.iowa.gov to receive accessible information and services.

  • Expanding skilled workforce is key to growth

    Iowa’s shortage of skilled workers has been our biggest obstacle to economic growth. Investing in education and job training can change that.

    Good education and worker training lead to better-paying, high-quality jobs, and a skilled, well-educated workforce in turn draws good businesses to Iowa.

    While Iowa has the highest high school graduation rate in the country — with almost 92 percent of students earning their diploma on time– only 27 percent of Iowa adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

    Senator Rich Taylor learning from a student during a STEM Day at the State Capitol. STEM education programs are vital in expanding the skilled workforce in Iowa.
    Senator Rich Taylor learning from a student during a STEM Day at the State Capitol. STEM education programs are vital in expanding the skilled workforce in Iowa.

    By 2025, 68 percent of jobs in Iowa will require some education or training beyond high school, but not a bachelor’s degree. That’s where we’re targeting Iowa’s worker training efforts.

    Over the last several years, we’ve worked to expand Iowa’s skilled workforce by:

    • Investing in apprenticeship training and job retraining at our community colleges.
    • Increasing the number of skilled workers with affordable tuition and other community college investments.
    • Ensuring high-quality workforce training by boosting opportunities for Career Technical Education (CTE) in Iowa high schools.
    • Improving the classroom experience for our K-12 students with a Teacher Leadership initiative. This program allows Iowa’s most effective educators to work with new teachers and to mentor those looking to improve.
    • Ensuring access to initiatives and internships for students studying science, technology, engineering and math.

    A recent evaluation of Iowa’s STEM efforts shows that students in high-quality STEM education programs score higher on Iowa Assessments in mathematics, science and reading, and that 90 percent of Iowans think STEM education should be a priority.

    By making STEM a priority, Iowa now has more students taking Advanced Placement STEM courses, more teachers earning STEM endorsements and more students hoping to earn a STEM degree compared to five years ago.

  • Boosting Iowans’ income & employment

    The Iowa economy is steadily moving in the right direction, and I’m working to ensure that continues. Iowans deserve good jobs and fair pay that reward their hard work.

    It’s also good news that we are making strides toward decreasing economic inequality. When median income outpaces economic growth, we know the gains are benefiting more than just the wealthy few at the top.

    The economic inequality that has grown since the 1970s may finally be turning around. An analysis of census and economic data from Pew Trusts shows a big gain nationwide in median household income last year, which could mean earnings are starting to catch up to overall economic growth.

    When it comes to employment, things also look good. Iowa employment is up 2 percent—that’s 31,200 jobs—over this time last year, and our unemployment rate remains low compared to most other states and to the nation as a whole.

    According to the most recent employment update from Iowa Workforce Development:

    • The number of working Iowans increased by 1,700 between July and August.
    • The number of working Iowans is 3,600 higher than a year ago.
    • For the third consecutive month, Iowa businesses expanded their payrolls, raising the total number of working Iowans.

    If you want to learn more about what jobs are in demand in Iowa, as well as what they pay and the training they require, check out Iowa’s occupational forecast at www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/occupational-projections.

  • Iowa is good for business

    Senate Democrats are working to expand Iowa’s middle class and build a stable economy for all. We’re spurring long-range growth and prosperity across Iowa by:

    • Ensuring Iowans have opportunities for job training
    • Offering incentives to Iowa businesses
    • Boosting quality of life in our communities

    These efforts are producing good results. Iowa is again one of the top 10 states for business, according to CNBC. The latest analysis spotlights Iowa’s low cost of doing business, low cost of living and great quality of life. We also have the best possible credit rating and have shown steady growth.

    Tax credits are given for industries that converting biomass into sustainable energy. Senator Rita Hart is shown above learning about this technology that has helped Iowa achieve economic success.
    Tax credits are given for industries that convert biomass into sustainable energy. Senator Rita Hart is shown above learning about this technology that has helped Iowa achieve economic success.

    A few of the initiatives we’ve championed in recent years that have helped Iowa achieve this success include:

    • Improving Iowa’s roads and bridges to move goods and provide services more efficiently.
    • Phasing in the largest property tax cut in the state history by providing tax relief to owners of commercial and industrial property.
    • Providing a tax cut to thousands of Iowa small businesses and farmers by aligning Iowa’s tax code with many federal tax changes.
    • Offering incentives to businesses that locate and expand in Iowa, particularly when they commit to making a strong contribution to the local economy and creating good jobs for residents.
    • Investing in innovative programs at our state universities that spur economic growth when they work with communities and businesses to improve technology, marketing and entrepreneurship.
    • Establishing tax credits for industries that turn byproducts from biomass feedstock into higher-value chemicals.
    • Exempting from sales tax supplies and replacement parts used in manufacturing, research and development, data processing and recycling. These are known as “consumables.”

    For a complete review of our bipartisan business initiatives over the last couple of years, go to http://wp.me/a6hw7R-5Oy.

  • Resources to help communities redevelop brownfield sites

    Communities can learn about brownfield properties and how to successfully redevelop them—including securing funding and technical assistance from local, state and federal help—through workshops and other resources through the Technical Assistance to Brownfields Program at www.ksutab.org.

     

    Brownfields are properties where reuse or redevelopment is complicated by environmental contamination. These properties are often abandoned, idled or under-used. Putting brownfield sites back into use revitalizes communities creating jobs and spurring economic development.