Iowa Senate Democrats

Fighting for a Better Deal for Iowans.

  • Coronavirus comes to Iowa

    This post was last updated on March 17, 2020.
    For our latest COVID-19 updates, information and resources, go to wp.me/p8aBRy-7oW.

    Iowa news on coronavirus

    Legislators are receiving regular updates from state officials on coronavirus within Iowa.

    It is normal to be concerned, especially with reports of illness and death, so we want to keep you posted on cases of COVID-19 and the state’s response.

    At this time, 29 presumptive cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the following countied: Adair, Allamakee, Black Hawk, Carroll, Dallas, Harrison Johnson, Polk and Pottawatomie. The initial cases were people who had traveled to affected areas, but community spread is happening within Iowa.

    How is the state responding?

    The Governor has proclaimed a disaster emergency.

    Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and their health care partners are doing what they are trained to do to protect the patients, themselves and the community. That includes:

    ** Upon discovery of the existence of substantial community spread of COVID-19 in the state, Gov. Reynolds is recommending that Iowa schools close for four weeks.

    ** The State Hygienic Laboratory is equipped to test for cases of 2019 novel coronavirus in Iowa residents.

    ** The State Emergency Operations Center is collaborating with state agencies to respond.

    ** The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is prepared to step up response efforts as needed.

    ** The University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa have dedicated web pages with their updates and are moving to virtual instruction.

    ** The Long-Term Care Ombudsman notes that many facilities are limiting visitation, but communication with loved ones will be available via phone, Facetime, Skype, etc. Concerns may be directed to the Ombudsman’s office at 866-236-1430.

    According to IDPH, relevant information is being provided to schools, child cares, businesses, health providers, long-term care providers, emergency medical personnel, law enforcement and local public health partners.

    ** The Department of Corrections is not allowing visitors at its prisons. Find all of the DOC’s updates related to this pandemic at doc.iowa.gov/COVID19 . 

    There is a mandatory disease reporting order in place for COVID-19. This means all providers must report positive results to IDPH for public health surveillance and monitoring. Case numbers are updated regularly and IDPH releases those details to the public.

    What is COVID-19?

    Coronavirus is a respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, appearing two to 14 days after exposure. There is no current specific treatment for COVID-19, but efforts are underway to evaluate potential therapeutics and vaccines.

    How it can spread

    ** Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People are likely most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).

    ** By touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

    ** Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting a potential animal-to-person spread. But chances are slim that pets or livestock could contract coronavirus.

    How to prevent spread

    ** Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

    ** Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

    ** Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

    ** Stay home when you are sick.

    ** Cover your mouth with your upper arm or tissue when coughing or sneezing.

    ** Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

    What precautions should you take?

    ** Go about your normal routine, but plan what you will do if you or a loved one gets sick. What would you do if you could not go to work or school because of illness? What if your daycare provider was ill? How would you get groceries if you were ill?

    ** Travelers returning from a country where COVID-19 is spreading—currently China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea—are encouraged to voluntarily self-isolate for 14 days following their return. If you need to seek medical care, call ahead to your doctor’s office.

    ** Call 911 if you need immediate medical attention.

    Further information

    COVID-19 Fact Sheet

    2019 Novel Coronavirus FAQ

    Talking to Children about COVID-19

    Latest from the CDC: Coronavirus.Gov

    Latest from the Iowa Public Dept of Public Health on Coronavirus

    Do you still have questions?

    ** Call the 211 Helpline. It’s available 24/7. Anyone can call with questions.

    ** Call your county public health office. Find their contact info.

    ** Call 911 if you need immediate medical attention.

    Upon discovery of the existence of substantial community spread of COVID-19 in the state, Gov. Reynolds is recommending that Iowa schools close for four weeks. 



  • The Best Offense is a Strong Defense

    Experts train State Senators on Cyber Security as
    Russia and Other Foreign Actors Ramp Up Interference in 2020 Elections

    As foreign countries ramp up their cyber operations to disrupt the 2020 elections, Iowa State Senators are responding by bolstering their defenses.

    Senator Zach Wahls, Senate District 37, organized a training for State Senators on the issue. It was provided by Foresight2020, a non-partisan group that provides free cyber security defense and preparedness trainings for political candidates, office holders, and their staff.

    “Over the past few years, we have seen the devastating effect that mistakes in the realm of cyber security can have on individual campaigns, as well as on the political system more broadly,” said Senator Wahls. “No one wants to make front page news by having their systems compromised.”

    U.S. intelligence officials have confirmed that Russia is once again meddling in the 2020 elections. Cybersecurity professionals have noticed additional activity that has been largely attributed to Iran, China, and North Korea. Some methods are similar to those employed during the 2016 election cycle, such as phishing attacks designed to provide access to valuable campaign data.

    Alex Bores and Amy Larsen of Foresight2020.

    The training was led by Amy Larsen and Alex Bores, the founders of Foresight2020 (https://foresightpartners.us/).  They have trained Congressional candidates and their staff on cyber defense and preparedness.

    “The goal of Foresight2020 is to help campaigns realize what makes them targets and vulnerable to particular kinds of attacks. For better or worse, 95% of breaches involve human error. When viewed as an opportunity, this means you can essentially eliminate nearly 95% of risk by changing behavior and implementing basic safeguards,” says Larsen, a lawyer who has worked in national politics. “The point is to use this foresight to avoid having serious security-related regrets in hindsight.”

    “Lawmakers are realizing that they are actively targeted. That creates unique cyber security challenges that don’t apply to the average citizen,” said Bores. “For example, Sarah Palin was once hacked because the answers to all of her security questions were on her Wikipedia page. “Lawmakers need specifically crafted guidance on how to protect themselves.”

    Key Takeaways:

    For more information:

    Zach.Wahls@legis.iowa.gov

    Foresight2020: foresightpartners.us

    1. Amy Larsen: 914.479.4783
    2. Alex Bores: 917.697.4759

  • Enhancing communities through land banks

    By State Sen. Pam Jochum, Dubuque (Senate District 50)

    Iowa communities may soon have a new tool to spur affordable housing, local investment and economic growth.

    Bipartisan legislation (SF 2369) establishing “land banks” has passed the Senate Local Government Committee. Land banks are public-private partnerships to rehabilitate rundown, vacant and tax-delinquent properties for productive use.

    This has been a priority for many in Dubuque. I appreciate the local advocacy and all who have traveled to the Statehouse to speak up for land bank legislation.

    The Local Government Committee made great progress to ensure this program can improve housing in blighted areas. Members listened to the input of organizations like Habitat for Humanity, local governments, and legal and financial experts to make sure this initiative will work well for all concerned.

    Vacant and abandoned properties signal a community is in decline. They can be magnets for crime, pose health and safety risks, and lower property values throughout the neighborhood.

    For communities and local governments committed to redevelopment and reuse, SF 2369 addresses some of the challenges they’ve faced.

    Under the legislation, local governments can create a public agency to purchase abandoned or blighted properties at a special tax sale and contract with private organizations to rehabilitate the sites. The land bank may rent or sell the renovated properties, and the money they make will go back into the pot to continue buying and fixing up additional properties.

    Renovated properties may be sold as homes, rented as apartments, turned into restaurants, offices or stores—and much more. It’s great for the local economy because it takes problem properties and turns them into assets.

  • Oversight meeting needed on state use of cloud-based software

  • Better tracking of rape kits

    By State Sen. Rich Taylor, Mt Pleasant (Senate District 42)

    New tracking system will offer victims greater transparency and accountability

    Victims of sexual assault will have more complete and timely information about their cases under a bill that has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee.

    Under SF 2376, the Attorney General’s Crime Victim Assistance Division will develop an automated tracking system for sexual assault evidence kits. The system will allow victims, county attorneys and certain others to track the location and status of a kit.

    Here’s how the system works:

    The crime lab enters information on new, unused kits, and documents when a kit is sent to a health care provider. Within 48 hours of receiving a kit, the health care provider will log its receipt in the system. When victims of sexual assault consent to a forensic medical exam and to having the evidence preserved, the health care provider will contact law enforcement, who will collect and store the kit.

    The location of the kit will be updated each step of the way, including when a kit is sent to the lab for testing and when results are complete. Victims will have decision-making ability throughout the process.

    Iowa’s Victim Compensation Fund will pay for any health-care related costs for the exams and for the lab fee.

  • Limiting disruptions in the the classroom

    By State Sen. Zach Wahls, Coralville (Senate District 37)

    The Senate has approved SF 2360, which is a step toward fixing what has become an overwhelming concern for our schools.

    Classroom safety and disruptive classroom behavior received a lot of attention during the interim. There has been a lot of media attention on this topic, including the use of classroom measures like “seclusion rooms” and “classroom clears.” Fundamentally, issues of classroom safety are about resources and staffing levels—classrooms are much more difficult to manage as class sizes grow and we have fewer teachers per student.

    As I worked on this bill in the Education Committee, I asked all of the school districts in my Senate district to weigh in with their feedback. I am grateful they were able to provide input as the Senate considered this proposal.

    Responding to those concerns, the Iowa Senate adopted SF 2360, which will give teachers and schools more tools for addressing disruptive student behavior. This legislation is not perfect, but because of good Democratic work in the Education Committee, on which I serve, it has improved significantly from where it started.

    The legislation does the following:

    • Sets up a competitive grant program that will help schools create therapeutic classrooms to provide intensive help for students who need it. Therapeutic classrooms are designed to be short-term breaks for students to “reset” and develop new coping strategies before returning to their regular classroom. Schools may collaborate or partner with local nonprofits and mental health agencies to establish a regional therapeutic classroom.
    • Provides funding to train educators on how to manage classroom disruptions and address student behavior. 
    • Increases job and whistleblower protections for teachers who report violence and personal attacks to school administrators and the police.

    New information and data will be collected from schools so that we can see how often incidents of disruption and classroom clears occur. This will help us continue to make improvements that ensure safe and productive learning environments for all Iowa students.   

    I still have significant concerns about this legislation, especially how little funding was appropriate to deal with what is rightly recognized as a significant statewide challenge. I supported doubling the funding for the first year of implementation. Republicans in the Senate voted against this proposal even though the bill’s manager agreed that more funding was need. That doesn’t make sense.

    I supported this bill, but I’m disappointed in the decisions the majority party continues to make with the resources people give us to improve this state. We must make sure that this first step is only the beginning and not the end.

  • Child protections cannot wait

    If we want to protect Iowa kids from abuse, neglect and potential death, it’s time to provide adequate funding for the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS). That is the #1 takeaway from a heartbreaking report released by the State Ombudsman this week.

    It’s clear many mistakes were made in how DHS handled child-abuse reports about Natalie Finn, a West Des Moines teen who died in October 2016 following years of abuse and neglect.

    In “A Tragedy of Errors: An Investigation of the Death of Natalie Finn,” the Ombudsman makes several recommendations—some of which DHS has already implemented—including:

    • Thoroughly review DHS’s child-abuse intake operations.
    • Keep records of child-abuse reports and assessments for longer periods so that patterns can be identified.
    • Require intake workers to read their notes back to callers reporting abuse over the phone to ensure accuracy.
    • Train field workers on legal tools available to them when faced with resistance from parents.
    • Provide resources to help child-abuse workers cope with their job-related stresses.

    Increasing funding is a must if we’re going to give these workers the support, resources and numbers they need in the critical task of protecting our most vulnerable children. The number of child-abuse intake workers at DHS has not increased since 2011, but reports of abuse have.

    The death of Natalie and other children in our foster system has prompted many Iowans to be more vigilant. According to the Ombudsman’s report, child-abuse call volumes and accepted intakes have increased significantly. Already over-taxed field workers saw their caseloads go up 36 percent between 2016 and 2018, and the centralized child-abuse intake unit is strained.

    As we begin hammering out the state budget, we will be fighting for these workers and kids. Ensuring protections for vulnerable Iowans will always be a top priority.

  • Tax-hike proposal violates Iowans’ trust

    Iowans made clear their support for our natural resources and recreational opportunities at the ballot box, but Governor Reynolds is now threatening to shortchange them (SSB 3116/HSB 657).

    In 2010, voters approved a Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund to be filled with a portion of state sales tax if the sales tax was increased. Governor Reynolds now wants to raise the sales tax, but is reneging on the agreed-to amount for natural resources and recreation.

    Iowans intended for at least $200 million a year in new money to go to natural resources and recreation, but the Governor’s sleight of hand will provide only $82 million in new funding, according to the Iowa Fiscal Partnership.

    Prior to the 2010 election, state legislators established how money would be generated and distributed so that Iowans knew in advance exactly what they were committing to when they voted for a constitutional amendment creating the trust fund.

    Although the idea was to beef up spending with new funding where it was sorely needed, the Governor’s plan ignores voters’ intent, and instead moves around money in existing programs. The result? Our land and water will get only about two-fifths of what was promised from the sales-tax increase.

    We will continue to listen to Iowans and push for changes to the Governor’s proposal as it makes its way through the legislative process.

    Learn more about what voters approved at iowaswaterandlandlegacy.org.

    Read the Iowa Fiscal Partnership’s analysis at iowafiscal.org/breaking-trust-with-the-trust.

  • Bipartisan bills alive after first funnel

    February 21 was the “first funnel” at the Iowa Capitol. That means policy bills (that don’t concern taxes or the budget) must have been passed by a committee to be considered during the remainder of the session.

    Our focus is on legislation that solves real problems and helps Iowans, while doing no harm. Here are some good bipartisan bills that made it through the first funnel.

    • Expanding hands free driving law to save lives (HF 2375/SF 2248)
    • Adult changing stations at rest areas (HF 2097)
    • Lifetime commercial driver’s license ban for individuals convicted of human trafficking (HF 2235/SF 2089)
    • Holding pharmacy benefit managers accountable (HSB 685)
    • Ending “cliff” effect for child care assistance program (HF 2424)
    • Capping insulin costs for Iowans at $100 per month (HF 2138)
    • Expanding access to tele-health care in rural areas (HF 2192)
    • Allowing more seniors to stay in their homes (HF 2269/SF 2345)
    • Increasing Child Care Assistance rates (HF 2270)
    • Expanding primary health care practice areas to more rural areas (HF 2197)
    • Creating new child care workforce matching grants (HF 2171)
    • Protecting the confidential information of veterans (HF 2382)
    • Removing fees for veterans trying to claim benefits (HF 2236)
    • Transportation equity funding (SF 2164)
    • Adding help line for drugs/alcohol/suicide on student ID cards (SF 2081)
    • Raising minimum age for tobacco and vaping (SF 2268)
    • Treating adoptive parents the same as birth parents for employment leave benefits (SF 2165/HF 2417)
    • Protecting workers by prohibiting unnecessary noncompete agreements (SF 2332)
    • Protecting pensions of law enforcement (HSB 551)
    • Making emergency medical services essential in rural areas (HF 2434)
    • Disaster recovery assistance for homeowners (HF 2406/SF 2314)
    • Protecting veterinarians who report animal abuse (HF 2374)
    • Extending renewable energy tax credits (HF 2279/SF 628)
    • Providing tourism opportunities by extending hotel/motel tax (HF 2281/SF 2085)
    • Expanding firefighter/EMT/reserve police officer volunteer tax credit (HF 2280)
    • Protecting freedom of speech with Anti-SLAPP lawsuits (HF 2339)
    • Ensuring more diverse juries  (HF 662/SF 375)
    • Improving literacy development for kids who are deaf and hearing impaired (HSB 680)
    • Expanding Medicaid coverage for breast pumps (SF 2319/HF 2215)
    • Helping more foster kids transition to adulthood (SF 2311/HF 2220)
    • Preventing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (HF 2458)
    • Raising the fine for killing a Bald Eagle to $2,500 (HF 326)
    • Modernizing Iowa’s bottle bill (HSB 507)
    • Restoring felon voting rights & improving security of elections  (HSB 545)
    • Expanding rights for student athletes (SF2058/SF2330)
    • Helping children of divorce deal with higher education expenses (SF2059/SF2183)
    • Helping children suffering from a serious pediatric health condition the care they need (SF2084/SF2301)

  • Iowa Sister States seeks help for China with life-saving aid

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 20, 2020
    CONTACT: Iowa Sister States, Monty Freeman: 515.348.6265 | Monty.Freeman@IowaSisterStates.org

    Des Moines – The Iowa Legislature’s International Relations Committee met to address the deadly spread of coronavirus in Iowa’s sister cities in China. The Legislature is partnering with sister-cities’ local leaders in Dubuque, Davenport, Muscatine, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, along with industry and business across Iowa, to ship relief supplies to communities in China under siege from coronavirus – and they are asking for the help of every Iowan.

    “Friendship is more than a trade partnership; Iowa has a strong tradition of helping our sister-cities and fellow citizens of the world in need. Our friends are asking to help save lives and we are asking Iowans to assist in any way they are able,” said Senator Zach Nunn (R-Bondurant), Chair of the Joint Senate-House International Relations Committee. Legislative efforts are being support by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds and US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad.

    “This is a multi-partner approach, across parties and across Iowa to help our long-term friends in China and aim to reduce tensions on a people to people level,” stated Sen. William Dotzler (D-Waterloo) ranking member of the committee.

    High school legislative pages have taken to social media to raise awareness and help Iowa Sister States facilitate donations, to include reaching back to their hometowns to ask for medical masks from local doctors, and safety goggles from construction sites. “Hearing first-hand how a doctor in Iowa’s sister-city attempted to help fight the virus, became infected, and she and her entire family died inspired several of us to get involved and help in every way possible,” said Erica Nasstrom, of Osage High School, Osage. “We’ve set up alerts on social media and are passing along Iowan’s notes of compassion to folks in China to let them know we support them,” commented Kanyon Huntington, of East Union High School, Afton.

    The Health Impact to Iowa’s Sister-Cities

    As of Wednesday, over 75,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus outbreak had taken hold, with the death toll quickly surpassing 2,000 individuals, making it one of the worst outbreaks globally. “The number of confirmed cases in Iowa’s sister-state Hebei province has exploded,” said Dr William Zhang, who briefed legislators. Infections rose quickly this week to 265, with Tangshan, the sister-city of Cedar Rapids having 35 infected; Handan, sister-city of Dubuque having 31; Langfang, the sister-city of Davenport having 29; and Shijiazhuang, sister-city of Des Moines & Muscatine, having 27 cases. The outbreak is expected to continue into the long-term.

    Plea for Assistance

    Iowa Sister States (ISS) is coordinating a relief effort for quarantined citizens in sister-cities with essential donations. “What is critical at this time is medical supplies and sanitary items,” said ISS Executive  Director Monty Freeman.

    Iowa is asking for help and donations for these critical need items:

    1. One-time use protection gowns
    2. Medical masks (n95)
    3. One-time use surgical masks
    4. One-time use medical masks
    5. One-time use medical gloves
    6. Protective eye glasses
    7. Thermometers
    8. Hand-sanitizer
    9. Tissues
    10. Donations for shipping

    The Iowa Sister States’ Hebei Committee is leading a donation campaign. If Iowa businesses, medical facilities or communities have an ability to donate any of the supplies listed, it can be sent c/o Luca Berrone at SACMI USA, 3434 106th Cir., Urbandale, IA 50322. Donations may also be dropped with Iowa Sister States at c/o Monty Freeman at ISS, 1963 Bell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309.

    Many Iowans are ready to take action and assist the people, families, and friends in China impacted by the large-scale coronavirus outbreak during this difficult time. Donations to  Iowa Sister States will be shipped immediately to Hebei Province.

    Updates can be monitored at Iowa Sister States: https://www.facebook.com/IowaSisterStates/

    Monetary donations are tax-deductible and can be offered at the link on the Iowa Sister States website: https://www.iowasisterstates.org

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