Iowa Senate Democrats

Fighting for a Better Deal for Iowans.

  • 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.

  • Air quality improving in Iowa

    Good air quality protects the health and the environment of Iowans. Iowa’s air quality has significantly improved since 1990, with sulfur dioxide emissions down by 60 percent and nitrogen oxides decreasing by 43 percent. These positive developments have occurred even though the number of emission sources and industries has increased.

    Forty years ago, 13 Iowa counties contained areas that could not meet national air quality standards. Today, only two counties are in nonattainment status, and they are working with the DNR to control emissions, reduce dust from roads, modify equipment and change operations. As a result, we can expect the downward trend in emissions to continue.

    Find more on Iowa’s air quality trends at www.iowadnr.gov/airmonitoring.

  • Iowa DNR celebrates 30 years

    Senate Minority Leader Rob Hogg with Diane Ford of the DNR's Conservation and Recreation division.
    Senate Minority Leader Rob Hogg with Diane Ford of the DNR’s Conservation and Recreation division.

    This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), established by the Legislature when several state agencies consolidated in 1986. The DNR oversees compliance with water, land and air quality regulations, as well as wildlife, fisheries, forests and state parks.

    To commemorate the 30th anniversary, the DNR is highlighting 30 success stories about our natural resources, including:

    • Iowa’s eagle population, on the brink of extinction in 1986, now has close to 400 nesting pairs in the state.
    • More than 1,200 miles of hiking and biking trails have been developed across Iowa.
    • Iowa’s streams that can support naturally reproducing trout have increased from six to 45.
    • 2.2 million Iowans now participate in curbside recycling in 644 Iowa communities.

    For more information on Iowa’s natural resources accomplishments, go to www.iowadnr.gov/30th.

  • Iowa helping to create “Monarch Highway”

    Iowa, along with Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, is working to improve pollinator habitat along Interstate 35, a key migratory corridor for monarch butterflies. With proper plantings, the I-35 corridor can provide refuge and food for monarch butterflies and other pollinating insects.

     The goal is to ensure that Monarch butterflies and other pollinators are able to thrive, which ultimately benefits our food sources.

     Monarch butterflies born in late summer or early fall migrate south to winter in Mexico. In the spring, the butterflies return to the southern U.S. and lay eggs. Successive generations of Monarchs continue moving north which takes them along the I-35 corridor and into Canada. These Monarchs begin the cycle over again by completing a 2,000 mile trek back to Mexico.

     More on the pollinator strategy is available at www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/05/19/announcing-new-steps-promote-pollinator-health.