Iowa Senate Democrats

Fighting for a Better Deal for Iowans.

  • Third bipartisan “Ag Day” for Iowa legislators

    Iowa Senate News Release
    For Immediate Release:  August 20, 2019

     

    Third bipartisan “Ag Day” with Iowa legislators to take place on Monday, August 26 in Sigourney

    The 3rd bipartisan “Ag Day” will take place on Monday, August 26, in Sigourney.  All members of the Iowa House and Senate have been invited.  As of August 19, 24 have indicated they will attend.  Members of the news media are welcome to attend.

    “The focus of this event is helping legislators to learn more about precision farming and good conservation practices,” said State Senator Kevin Kinney of Oxford, a farmer and former Johnson County Deputy Sheriff.  In past years, Senator Kinney has organized similar bipartisan Ag Days on Iowa agricultural issues.

    This year’s event will focus on new conservation technologies.  Topics will include terraces, waterways, improvements, tiling and the benefits of cover crops.  At the event, John Deere will provide hands-on demonstrations.  In addition, Ryan Vogel, the owner of a local earth moving and tiling business, will discuss the impact of recent legislation on cost sharing.

    The event runs from 10 AM to 2 PM.  Participants will meet at 10 AM at Sinclair Tractor, 1407 200th Ave in Sigourney.  Sponsors of the event include Sinclair Tractor and the Keokuk Farm Bureau.  Sinclair Tractor is providing a lunch.

    If you have questions or would like to know more, contact kevin.kinney@legis.iowa.gov or call (319) 631- 4667.

    -end-

  • Future Caucus tours renewable energy facilities


    IA SEN NEWS
    August 14, 2019

    Iowa Future Caucus leads tour of Iowa renewable energy industries

    Four state lawmakers who created the Iowa Future Caucus this year toured renewable energy operations on Wednesday, August 14.  Founded in 2019, the Iowa Future Caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral group of young lawmakers dedicated to finding bipartisan solutions in the Iowa Legislature.

    “Protecting the quality of life for our kids and our grandchildren means we have to take seriously air and water quality, the development of clean and renewable sources of energy, and pursue policies that build environmentally friendly infrastructure for our cities and towns,” said Representative Lindsay James.  

    “Solar, wind, biodiesel and ethanol are all components of progressing towards cleaner energy in our state and the energy of our future.  I’m excited to learn more about clean energy in our state and figure out ways to continue to support it.  As Iowa has been the leader in Wind Energy let’s continue to do that with other clean energy options.” – Representative Joe Mitchell 

    “Iowa’s renewable energy industries create jobs, support rural communities, and provide alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. Renewables will continue to be an important part of our state’s future for many decades to come, and it’s terrific to have this tour so we can learn more about what’s in store for these Iowa companies.” – Senator Zach Wahls

    “Renewable energy isn’t a partisan issue– it’s the best possible Public-Private investment in Iowa’s future.  The return on cultivating renewables helps our communities, our businesses, and our state attract long-term economic partners and retain our best workforce.” Senator Zach Nunn

    A bipartisan group of Iowa legislators spent the day learning about Iowa renewable energy production sites in Mason City, Colo and North Liberty. This photo was taken at the Biodiesel Plant in Mason City operated by Renewable Energy Group. The group above includes workers from the plant and State Representative Lindsay James of Dubuque,  Senator Amanda Ragan of Mason City, Representative Sharon Steckman of Mason City, Representative Joe Mitchell of Mount Pleasant, and Senator Zach Wahls of Coralville. 

    A bipartisan group of Iowa legislators spent the day learning about Iowa renewable energy production sites in Mason City, Colo, and North Liberty. Chris Hoffman of Moxie Solar in North Liberty (right) explains how the company has expanded to include offices in Davenport, Cedar Rapids, Chicago and Austin, Texas. From left to right: State Legislator Lindsay James of Dubuque, State Senator Zach Wahls of Coralville and Hoffman.   

    The renewable energy tour on Wednesday included an ethanol plant, a biodiesel plant, a wind farm, and a solar energy facility. The full itinerary is below.

    Ethanol Plant Tour – Golden Grain Energy in Mason City: Golden Grain Energy is a privately-held company dedicated to adding value to northern Iowa’s corn production by turning locally-grown corn into clean-burning ethanol.

    Renewable Energy Group in Mason City: Renewable Energy Group is a global producer and supplier of renewable fuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel, renewable chemicals and other products.

    Wind Farm Tour – NextEra Wind Farm in Colo: NextEra Energy Resources is a leading wholesale power generator, operating power plants and offering a diverse fuel mix to utilities, retail electricity providers, power cooperatives, municipal electric providers and large industrial companies.

    Solar Installer Tour – MOXIE Solar in North Liberty: MOXIE was founded in 2008 out of a desire to bring new energy options to Iowa. With over 500 successfully completed projects and predominantly 5 star customer reviews, we’re proud of our role in creating a more sustainable future for our clients and our world.

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  • Iowa needs better medical cannabis program that meets patient needs

    Statement by Senator Joe Bolkcom
    Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Board Meeting
    August 2, 2019

    Members of Iowa Medical Cannabidiol Board, with all due respect.  It’s time to face facts.

    Between the misguided actions of the Governor, the Republican controlled legislature and this Board, you have created the nation’s worst medical cannabis program.

    Residents of 32 other states — the majority of all Americans — have much better access to affordable, effective medicines made from cannabis.

    In Iowa, the medicine is too expensive and not potent enough to help most people. Getting approved as a patient is cumbersome and bureaucratic. There are only five dispensaries, none located in rural Iowa.

    After five long years, only 3,300 sick Iowans have been able to cut through the red tape to legally obtain medical cannabis. More than 70 percent of these patients suffer from intractable, severe and chronic pain.

    Patients want the choice of medical cannabis when they are faced with serious, life threatening medical conditions.

    Sadly, a few short months ago this board derailed very modest improvements supported by 137 Iowa legislators that would have helped these patients suffering from intractable pain.

    Meanwhile, Iowa remains awash in powerful, highly addictive narcotic pain pills.  It’s astonishing that in the first six months of 2019, Iowa doctors wrote 850 thousand narcotic prescriptions for 307 thousand Iowans. More than half were prescribed addictive opioids like fentanyl.

    So follow this. There are more than 300 thousand sick Iowans taking narcotic pain pills while only 3,300 patients have been able to access safer, medicines made from cannabis.

    When are we going to start protecting Iowans from deadly, drug company opioids?

    The board’s misplaced obsession with THC has clouded your ability to actually help people. THC is medicine and Iowa patients are capable of managing it.

    This is NOT about having a party, it’s about helping people that are dying and sick.

    Earlier this year Illinois ended marijuana prohibition.

    On January 1, adults 21 years of age and older will be able to legally buy products made with marijuana.

    The good news is that Iowa medical cannabis patients will have much easier access (albeit illegally) to less expensive, far more effective medicines closer than Colorado.

    The bad news is that this could put Iowa medical cannabis companies out of business.

    These companies that have invested millions are all losing money now and they will lose much more as their patients take their business to Illinois.

    Like it or not, without thoughtful and immediate improvements to Iowa law, Illinois businesses will become major suppliers of medicine to Iowa patients.

    This mess is Governor Reynolds, the Republican legislature’s and yours to fix.

    It won’t happen until you start listening to patients and put their needs first.

    Thank you.

  • Oversight Committee should investigate DHS chief allegations, resignation

    Iowa Senate News release
    July 22, 2019

     

    Key Senators: Oversight Committee needs to investigate Foxhoven allegations, resignation

    DES MOINES — Democratic Senators Tony Bisignano and Claire Celsi, members of the Senate Government Oversight Committee, are calling for an interim public meeting of the five-member committee to discuss the departure of Jerry Foxhoven, former Director of the Iowa Department of Human Services.

    “Governor Reynolds has said that she wanted her Administration to be one of the most honest and transparent in history,” said Sen. Tony Bisignano, Ranking Member of the Senate Oversight Committee. “We are calling on her to be transparent, release all relevant information, and to clear up the real reasons for Jerry Foxhoven’s resignation.”

    A 2017 state law requires that the reason for firing (or demanding the resignation of an employee) is made public. Reynolds has declined to explain why Foxhoven was asked to resign and claimed that there has been a group working towards “a new direction” for the Department. When asked to produce documents proving that the group had been meeting, or to produce documents related to Foxhoven’s termination, Reynolds claims that none exists.

    “The need for a public meeting is more important because of recent allegations by Foxhoven that he was asked by Governor Reynolds to do something illegal and he declined,” said Sen. Claire Celsi. “Iowans deserve to know what is going on and we want to get to the bottom of it. We’re asking Senate Republican leaders Charles Schneider and Jack Whitver to authorize Senator Amy Sinclair, chair of the Senate Oversight committee, to convene a meeting so we can question those involved and get some answers.”

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  • Statement on latest privatized Medicaid contracts

    Iowa Senate News Release
    For Immediate Release:  July 10, 2019

     

    Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen on outrageous new contracts for privatized Medicaid 

    “The outrageous contracts with two out-of-state corporations are more evidence that privatized Medicaid in Iowa is unsustainable, unaffordable and unpredictable.

    “Governor Reynolds has once again agreed to give the MCOs the largest dollar increases for Medicaid in the last decade. The publicly managed Medicaid system grew at an average of 5% each year over a 10-year period before privatization. Last year, the increase was 8.4%. The increase announced today is a whopping 8.6%!

    “Just imagine how much better off Iowans would be if K12 public schools, job training programs and family planning services received that kind of increased state support!

    “The big cheerleaders for privatized Medicaid – Governor Reynolds and Republican legislators –cannot back up their claims that privatizing would save money and make people healthier. That’s because it hasn’t happened.

    “Privatized Medicaid continues to be a bad, bad deal for Iowa Medicaid recipients, health care providers and taxpayers.”

    • end –

  • Legislative leaders to decide on medical cannabis special committee

    For Immediate Release: July 9, 2019

    Special committee would provide path for bipartisan agreement on medical cannabis

    —

    Decision to be made by legislative leaders this Thursday, July 11, at Iowa Statehouse

    This Thursday, the leaders of the Iowa Legislature will be asked to create an interim committee to hammer out reforms of Iowa’s “worst in the nation” medical cannabis program.  

    After several years without progress, a comprehensive bill was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support during the 2019 session.  A month later, Governor Reynolds vetoed the bill. An effort to override that veto fell short last month.

    A study committee on medical cannabis reform offers the surest chance of success because it would allow input from advocates, medical experts and other interested Iowans, according to Sen. Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City and Rep. John Forbes of Urbandale.

    “Year after year, Iowa families have traveled to the Statehouse pleading for help,” Bolkcom said.  “After listening to Iowans, we should hammer out a fix that is ready to go the day the 2020 session begins in January.” 

    “All we need to do is focus on helping suffering families.  That’s it,” said Representative John Forbes, an Urbandale pharmacist.  “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. All Iowa has to do is approve what’s working in other states and get the heck out of the way.”

    The Legislative Council’s Studies Committee is scheduled to meet at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, July 11, 2019, in Room 22 of the Iowa State Capitol.

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    [pdf-embedder url=”http://www.senate.iowa.gov/democrats/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Interim-committee-request-letter_FINAL-1.pdf” title=”Interim committee request letter_FINAL”]

    Contact the legislative council and encourage them to support an interim committee: http://bit.ly/Iowa-Leg-Council-7-2019

    Breckenridge, Wes [LEGIS] <Wes.Breckenridge@legis.iowa.gov>; Deyoe, Dave [LEGIS] <Dave.Deyoe@legis.iowa.gov>; Grassley, Pat [LEGIS] <Pat.Grassley@legis.iowa.gov>; Hagenow, Chris [LEGIS] <Chris.Hagenow@legis.iowa.gov>; Hall, Chris [LEGIS] <Chris.Hall@legis.iowa.gov>; Hein, Lee [LEGIS] <Lee.Hein@legis.iowa.gov>; Oldson, Jo [LEGIS] <Jo.Oldson@legis.iowa.gov>; Prichard, Todd [LEGIS] <Todd.Prichard@legis.iowa.gov>; Steckman, Sharon [LEGIS] <Sharon.Steckman@legis.iowa.gov>; Upmeyer, Linda [LEGIS] <Linda.Upmeyer@legis.iowa.gov>; Wills, John [LEGIS] <John.Wills@legis.iowa.gov>; Windschitl, Matt [LEGIS] <Matt.Windschitl@legis.iowa.gov>; Behn, Jerry [LEGIS] <Jerry.Behn@legis.iowa.gov>; Bolkcom, Joe [LEGIS] <Joe.Bolkcom@legis.iowa.gov>; Chapman, Jake [LEGIS] <Jake.Chapman@legis.iowa.gov>; Feenstra, Randy [LEGIS] <Randy.Feenstra@legis.iowa.gov>; Jochum, Pam [LEGIS] <Pam.Jochum@legis.iowa.gov>; Lykam, Jim [LEGIS] <Jim.Lykam@legis.iowa.gov>; Petersen, Janet [LEGIS] <Janet.Petersen@legis.iowa.gov>; Ragan, Amanda [LEGIS] <Amanda.Ragan@legis.iowa.gov>; Schneider, Charles [LEGIS] <Charles.Schneider@legis.iowa.gov>; Sinclair, Amy [LEGIS] <Amy.Sinclair@legis.iowa.gov>; Whitver, Jack [LEGIS] <Jack.Whitver@legis.iowa.gov>; Zumbach, Dan [LEGIS] <Dan.Zumbach@legis.iowa.gov>

  • Fight for medical cannabis reforms continues

    For Immediate Release: July 1, 2019

    Legislative leaders announce next steps in the fight for Iowa medical cannabis reforms

    News Conf Video: https://youtu.be/3LZjZNil7gQ

    Legislative advocates for reforming Iowa’s “worst in the nation” medical cannabis program say they will keep fighting for much needed reforms vetoed by Governor Reynolds.

    “Representative Forbes and I called on our colleagues to join us in calling for a special session to overturn Governor Reynold misguided veto of modest improvements to Iowa medical cannabis program,” said Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City.  “We are happy to report that every Democratic member of the Iowa Senate and Iowa House signed the call for a special session. Unfortunately, not a single Republican lawmaker acted to defend their votes.”

    In April, House File 732 passed the Iowa House by a vote of 96 to 3 and the Iowa Senate by a vote of 40 to 7.

    “We gave our Republican colleagues the opportunity to make a wrong by the governor into a right. They ignored us,” said Representative Forbes. “Now it is time to take action to make sure Iowa’s elected officials are advocates for people who are sick and not able to access and afford effective medicines.”

    The two legislators said they would immediately press for a legislative interim committee to prepare legislation for passage early in the next session beginning in January, 2020.

    “An interim committee would include public meetings and public input,” Bolkcom said.  “Secret meetings between the Governor and legislative Republicans failed to get the job done.  The Legislature needs to listen to patients and create a better program that meets their needs.”

    The Legislative Council Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday, July 11, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. in Room 22, at the State Capitol.

    “The July 11th meeting will be very important for Iowans who want to have the same access to effective medicines that most other Americans already have,” said Forbes.  “The goal now must be seeing the necessary medical cannabis reforms signed into law shortly after the January start of the 2020 session.”

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  • Spread the word about abuse hotline

    The Iowa Attorney General’s office recently established a new toll-free hotline for adult survivors to report child sexual abuse.

    This is an important step to ensure that survivors of child sex abuse get the justice they deserve.  Iowans will be safer when we know the truth about sex offenders among us and better understand how to prevent child sex abuse.

    You can help by promoting this hotline so that more survivors know that they can seek justice.

    I encourage you to distribute information about the hotline — 855-620-7000 – to your employees, stakeholders and clients/customers, and any other Iowans that you connect with. Spread the word via:

    • Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media
    • Websites
    • Bulletin boards
    • Staff meetings
    • Any public meetings
    • Public service announcements

    Feel free to download and use this flyer and social media graphic!

    It’s going to take a team effort by religious organizations, nonprofits, governmental agencies, businesses and news media to get the word out. I appreciate anything you can do to ensure more adult survivors of child sexual abuse know there is help and hope.

  • Iowans urged to ask legislators to stand by votes

    Iowa Legislature Release
    For Immediate Release: June 24, 2019 

     

    Medical cannabis veto override is more than halfway to goal

    Iowans urged to contact legislators who voted for reforms but have yet to defend their votes

    Des Moines, Iowa – Iowans pushing to overturn Governor Reynolds’ veto of medical cannabis reforms are more than halfway to their goal of calling for a special session.

    House File 732 would have made substantial improvements to Iowa’s “worst in the nation” medical cannabis law.  It was overwhelmingly approved in April by the Iowa House on a vote of 96 to 3 and by the Iowa Senate on a vote of 40 to 7.

    A special session to override the veto will be held if two-thirds of the members of the House (67) and two-thirds of the Senate (34) each submit a written request.

    As of Monday, June 24, Iowa’s 18 Democratic State Senators and 47 Democratic State Representatives have all either submitted or plan to submit a request for a special session.

    It is unclear whether any of the Republicans who voted for the bill–50 in the House and 24 in the Senate–have requested a special session.

    “The voices of ordinary Iowans have gotten us this far.  They need to keep fighting because that is the only way this mean-spirited veto will be overridden,” said Senator Joe Bolkcom.  “I urge every Iowan to encourage Republican legislators to defend their votes for urgently needed Iowa medical cannabis reforms.”

    More information about the effort to pass Iowa medical cannabis reform can be found here: http://bit.ly/Override-the-veto

    Below is a list of the members of the Iowa House and Senate who voted for Iowa Medical cannabis and who have not yet expressed support for a special session to override the veto.

    Sen Waylon Brown, (641)-590-0610, waylon.brown@legis.iowa.gov, St Ansgar

    Sen Jake Chapman, (515)-650-3942, jake.chapman@legis.iowa.gov, Adel

    Sen Chris Cournoyer, (563)-289-7335, chris.cournoyer@legis.iowa.gov, LeClaire

    Sen Jeff Edler, (641)-751-5902, jeff.edler@legis.iowa.gov, State Center

    Sen Thomas A. Greene, (319)-750-6579, tom.greene@legis.iowa.gov, Burlington

    Sen Dennis Guth, (641)-430-0424, dennis.guth@legis.iowa.gov, Klemme

    Sen Craig Johnson, (319)-334-2413, craig.johnson@legis.iowa.gov, Independence

    Sen Tim L. Kapucian, (319)-334-2413, tim.kapucian@legis.iowa.gov, Keystone

    Sen Carrie Koelker, (563)-590-5975, carrie.koelker@legis.iowa.gov, Dyersville

    Sen Tim Kraayenbrink, (515)-408-4770, tim.kraayenbrink@legis.iowa.gov, Fort Dodge

    Sen Mark S. Lofgren, (563)-272-8683, mark.lofgren@legis.iowa.gov, Muscatine

    Sen Mariannette Miller-Meeks, (641)-683-7551, mariannette.miller-meeks@legis.iowa.gov, Ottumwa

    Sen Zach Nunn, (515)-519-2246, zach.nunn@legis.iowa.gov, Altoona

    Sen Ken Rozenboom, (641)-295-6551, ken.rozenboom@legis.iowa.gov, Oskaloosa

    Sen Charles Schneider, (515)-657-7375, charles.schneider@legis.iowa.gov, West Des Moines

    Sen Jason Schultz, (712)-269-2178, jason.schultz@legis.iowa.gov, Schleswig

    Sen Mark Segebart, (712)-269-4519, mark.segebart@legis.iowa.gov, Vail

    Sen Tom Shipley, (712)-785-3583, tom.shipley@legis.iowa.gov, Nodaway

    Sen Amy Sinclair, (641)-870-0199, amy.sinclair@legis.iowa.gov, Allerton

    Sen Roby Smith, (563)-386-0179, roby.smith@legis.iowa.gov, Davenport

    Sen Annette Sweeney, (641)-373-4899, annette.sweeney@legis.iowa.gov, Alden

    Sen Jack Whitver, (515)-281-3371, jack.whitver@legis.iowa.gov, Spirit Lake

    Sen Brad Zaun, (515)-276-2025, brad.zaun@legis.iowa.gov, Urbandale

    Sen Dan Zumbach, (563)-920-5094, dan.zumbach@legis.iowa.gov, Ryan

    Rep Robert P. Bacon, Not Listed, rob.bacon@legis.iowa.gov, Nevada

    Rep Michael R. Bergan, (563)-380-3974, michael.bergan@legis.iowa.gov, Dorchester

    Rep Brian Best, (712)-830-1844, brian.best@legis.iowa.gov, Glidden

    Rep Jacob Bossman, (712)-251-4541, jacob.bossman@legis.iowa.gov, Sioux City

    Rep Holly Brink, (641)-295-7111, holly.brink@legis.iowa.gov, Oskaloosa

    Rep Gary L. Carlson, (563)-299-7021, gary.carlson@legis.iowa.gov, Muscatine

    Rep Dave Deyoe, (515)-382-2352, dave.deyoe@legis.iowa.gov, Nevada

    Rep Cecil Dolecheck, (641)-464-2913, cecil.dolecheck@legis.iowa.gov, Mount Ayr

    Rep Dean Fisher, (641)-750-3594, dean.fisher@legis.iowa.gov, Montour

    Rep Joel Fry, (641)-342-1017, joel.fry@legis.iowa.gov, Osceola

    Rep Tedd Gassman, (515)-538-0117, tedd.gassman@legis.iowa.gov, Scarville

    Rep Thomas D. Gerhold, (319)-361-2950, thomas.gerhold@legis.iowa.gov, Atkins

    Rep Pat Grassley, (319)-214-0351, pat.grassley@legis.iowa.gov, New Hartford

    Rep Chris Hagenow, (515)-274-1652, chris.hagenow@legis.iowa.gov, Urbandale

    Rep Mary Ann Hanusa, (712)-256-5159, mary.ann.hanusa@legis.iowa.gov, Council Bluffs

    Rep Lee Hein, (319)-480-1997, lee.hein@legis.iowa.gov, Monticello

    Rep Ashley Hinson, Not Listed, ashley.hinson@legis.iowa.gov, Marion

    Rep Dustin D. Hite, Not Listed, dustin.hite@legis.iowa.gov, Not Listed

    Rep Steven Holt, (712)-269-4042, steven.holt@legis.iowa.gov, Denison

    Rep Daniel Adair Huseman, (712)-434-5880, dan.huseman@legis.iowa.gov, Aurelia

    Rep Jon Jacobsen, Not Listed, jon.jacobsen@legis.iowa.gov, Council Bluffs

    Rep Tom Jeneary, (712)-539-1275, tom.jeneary@legis.iowa.gov, Le Mars

    Rep Megan Jones, (515)-991-7337, megan.jones@legis.iowa.gov, Not Listed

    Rep Bobby Kaufmann, Not Listed, bobby.kaufmann@legis.iowa.gov, Wilton

    Rep David Kerr, Not Listed, david.kerr@legis.iowa.gov, Morning Sun

    Rep Jarad Klein, Not Listed, jarad.klein@legis.iowa.gov, Keota

    Rep John Landon, (515)-249-0348, john.landon@legis.iowa.gov, Ankeny

    Rep Brian K. Lohse, (515)-519-2347, brian.lohse@legis.iowa.gov, Bondurant

    Rep Shannon Lundgren, (515)-428-0809, shannon.lundgren@legis.iowa.gov, Not Listed

    Rep David E. Maxwell, (641)-660-0792, dave.maxwell@legis.iowa.gov, Gibson

    Rep Ann Meyer, (515)-570-6610, ann.meyer@legis.iowa.gov, Fort Dodge

    Rep Joe Mitchell, Not Listed, joe.mitchell@legis.iowa.gov, Not Listed

    Rep Gary M. Mohr, Not Listed, gary.mohr@legis.iowa.gov, Bettendorf

    Rep Norlin G. Mommsen, (563)-357-9826, norlin.mommsen@legis.iowa.gov, DeWitt

    Rep Tom Moore, Not Listed, tom.moore@legis.iowa.gov, Griswold

    Rep Anne Osmundson, (563)-880-8227, anne.osmundson@legis.iowa.gov, Volga

    Rep Ross C. Paustian, (563)-284-6783, ross.paustian@legis.iowa.gov, Walcott

    Rep Sandy Salmon, (319)-987-3021, sandy.salmon@legis.iowa.gov, Janesville

    Rep Mike Sexton, (712)-830-3960, mike.sexton@legis.iowa.gov, Rockwell City

    Rep Jeff Shipley, (319)-432-3108, jeff.shipley@legis.iowa.gov, Fairfield

    Rep David Sieck, Not Listed, david.sieck@legis.iowa.gov, Glenwood

    Rep Ray Sorensen, (712)-525-0580, ray.sorensen@legis.iowa.gov, Not Listed

    Rep Phil Thompson, Not Listed, phil.thompson@legis.iowa.gov, Not Listed

    Rep Jon Thorup, (641)-891-9357, jon.thorup@legis.iowa.gov, Knoxville

    Rep Linda L. Upmeyer, (641)-357-8807, linda.upmeyer@legis.iowa.gov, Clear Lake

    Rep Skyler Wheeler, (712)-441-7444, skyler.wheeler@legis.iowa.gov, Not Listed

    Rep John H. Wills, (712)-330-9492, john.wills@legis.iowa.gov, Spirit Lake

    Rep Matt W. Windschitl, (712)-642-4334, matt.windschitl@legis.iowa.gov, Missouri Valley

    Rep Gary Worthan, (712)-732-6340, gary.worthan@legis.iowa.gov, Storm Lake

    Rep Louis J. Zumbach, Not Listed, louie.zumbach@legis.iowa.gov, Coggon

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  • Statement on appointment of new DAS director

    IOWA SENATE NEWS
    June 20, 2019

    Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen on new DAS Director appointment

    “The biggest job for Governor Reynolds and Jim Kurtenbach in the coming months is to restore taxpayers’ faith in the Department of Administrative Services.

    “In a May 29 letter, I encouraged Governor Reynolds to appoint a new Director with the experience and proven track record necessary to write a new chapter. The Department must establish higher expectations than what we’ve seen over the past several years.

    “It’s unclear at this time whether she has accomplished that goal with the appointment of Mr. Kurtenbach.

    “The Governor and Mr. Kurtenbach will need to explain to Iowans how his background is suitable for this new job. We have seen numerous problems in recent years – multi-million dollar harassment settlements, hush money payments, understaffing that puts at risk the safety of state workers,  and unfair bargaining tactics, and biased hiring and procurement practices – that need to be addressed, not ignored.

    “Mr. Kurtenbach must explain to Iowans what specific plans he has for addressing those problems and ensuring that all state employees and Iowans are safe and treated with dignity, and that tax dollars are not abused.”

    ###

    The May 29 letter from Sen. Petersen to the Governor outlined problems that previous Directors either created or failed to address:• Denied Iowans access to basic public information about the number of harassment complaints in state government and how much taxpayer dollars have been spent to compensate harassment victims.• Taken a restrictive, punitive approach to negotiating contracts with state employees.

    • Put the health and safety of state employees and Iowans at risk through dangerous staff reductions, overtime policies, and other employment practices that were previously protected under collective bargaining.

    • Mishandled a sweeping scandal at the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) that included rampant harassment of employees, a failure by IFA staff and DAS staff to address complaints, and pay raises and promotions that were based on cronyism rather than merit.

    • Approved secret settlements – described by some as “hush money” – to outgoing state employees.

    • Endangered the rights of workers by maintaining a “do-not-hire” list without due process for workers to challenge their inclusion on the list.

    • Failed to adequately update and enforce harassment policies in the executive branch.

    • Conducted hirings, firings and promotions across state government that appear to be based on political connections rather than qualifications.