Blog | Iowa Senate Democrats

2021 Second Funnel Update

3 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Official

Last week, the Legislature passed a key deadline, the “second funnel.” The funnel helps narrow legislators narrow our focus to what has a real chance of becoming law this year. Fortunately, some bad ideas have died, and many good opportunities still have the chance to make it to the Governor’s desk.

Statement on tragic deaths at the Anamosa State Penitentiary

3 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Fiscal responsibility, Issues, News releases, Official, Safer communities

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, neighbors and co-workers. In addition to ensuring that justice is served, we must also ensure that state leaders address chronic understaffing and other systemic problems at our prisons before we have more deaths.”
–Sen. Todd Taylor, Ranking Member, Justice System Budget

Fight to Keep Background Checks for Gun Purchases

3 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Issues, News releases, Official, Post includes video, Safer communities

HF 756 is bad for Iowans’ safety. If signed into law, people without any type of firearms training will be allowed to carry in public. So, a person can purchase a firearm from a private seller without a background check and then carry it anywhere in public without any firearms training or proficiency if this bill is adopted.

Statement on the latest REC estimates

3 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Fiscal responsibility, Issues, News releases, Official

Governor Reynolds and the Republican-controlled Legislature have taken a hands-off approach to boosting economic opportunities to Iowans during the pandemic. Fortunately, the American Rescue Plan will bring much needed relief to Iowa businesses, workers, schools, local governments and other sectors of the economy.

Bipartisan bill cracks down on fertility fraud

3 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Health care, Issues, News releases, Official, Safer communities, Transparency & accountability

SF 529 addresses cases where those seeking fertility assistance are instead victims of fraud, specifically cases where the physician misrepresents the sperm donor’s identity. Through popular DNA testing, individuals in states across the nation have been shocked and horrified to discover that the physician is actually their father.

2021 First Funnel Update

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Official

Last week, the Legislature passed a key deadline, the “first funnel.” The funnel helps narrow legislators narrow our focus to what has a real chance of becoming law this year. Fortunately, many bad ideas have died, and lots of good opportunities still have the chance to make it to the Governor’s desk.

Let’s work together to make Iowa public schools great again

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Education, Issues, News releases, Official, Opinion

For generations, Iowans could count on a great public education from Iowa schools to set them up for success in life. Today, however, many Iowans are watching with dismay as a decade of underinvestment from Republican leadership has resulted in Iowa dropping to the middle of the pack in national rankings.

DeJear appointed to redistricting panel

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Issues, News releases, Official, Transparency & accountability, Voting Rights

Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls today appointed small business owner and community leader Deidre DeJear of Des Moines to the Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission. The Commission is responsible for conducting hearings to gather input from Iowans about new maps that will be drawn for legislative and Congressional districts.

GOP education plan fails our kids and our communities

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Education, Issues, News releases, Official

Last week Republicans took money from our kids’ public schools to fund private school vouchers for the privileged few. They’re now launching a puny school funding plan that fails to make up for four years of neglect. Our kids and schools need much more help to overcome the learning challenges of the COVID19 pandemic.

Bipartisan bill would compensate college athletes

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Issues, News releases, Official, Transparency & accountability

A new bill would allow student athletes in Iowa to profit from promotional use of their names, images, and likenesses as early as July. SF 245 would allow student athletes to financially gain from marketing opportunities. Six states have enacted similar legislation.

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