Fiscal responsibility | Iowa Senate Democrats

Economy recovering thanks to Biden, Dems

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

Pres. Biden & Congressional Democrats provided much-needed help to Iowans through the ARP. Statehouse Republicans want to give more tax cuts for the wealthiest few. We support tax cuts for hard-working families–those who need the relief. We oppose more state handouts & sweetheart deals for Gov. Reynolds’ financial donors & friends.

Oversight needed on rejection of federal COVID help

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

Top Democrats on the Iowa Legislature’s House and Senate Oversight Committees are requesting meetings to review the Reynolds Administration’s handling of Federal COVID relief funds.

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

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.

Our COVID Recovery Plan

3 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Fiscal responsibility, Health care, Issues, Jobs & Economy, Official, Opinion, Quality of life, Safer communities, Transparency & accountability, Working families

Iowans have been through a lot over the last year, particularly with the pandemic. It’s not over yet, but it is time for the Legislature to do all it can to help Iowa build back better, bigger and stronger than ever. Our focus this session is on a COVID Recovery Plan to help Iowa rebound from the ravages of the last year.

Public Education Disaster Week

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

Monday, two harmful bills are being rushed through the Senate Education Committee before Iowans have time to respond. SSB 1065 would divert taxes for public schools to private schools and SSB 1064 would make Iowa schools unsafe during the pandemic.

Iowa Legislature Must Act to Feed Hungry

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Fiscal responsibility, Issues, Official, Opinion, Quality of life

We propose using the state’s ending balance or the state’s “rainy day funds” to provide $30 million or more in immediate supplemental food assistance for Iowans directly and through food banks, food pantries, and other feeding entities in Iowa.

Gov. Reynolds’ Misuse of Federal Pandemic Relief Funds

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

Senator Claire Celsi is formally requesting that Republican leaders in the Iowa Senate convene a Senate Government Oversight meeting. The Legislature must ensure that all CARES dollars are used properly. If the State fails to do so, Iowa could be required to return misspent money.

Statement on Governor’s misuse of federal COVID funds

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

Instead of directing more money to testing and contact tracing, paid sick leave for essential workers, food assistance, childcare subsidies, additional money for rent assistance, unemployment insurance, utility assistance, providing PPE to healthcare workers and educators, and to help schools prepare for the winter season — and myriad of other uses — Governor Reynolds is using the CARES Act money as a means to fund pet projects and make Iowa’s budget appear flush with excess funds.

Investigation needed into misuse of federal COVID funds

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

Key Democratic legislators are calling for investigations into reports that Governor Reynolds diverted nearly $450,000 to pay her staff instead of using the funds for COVID-19 relief efforts.

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