Iowa Senate Democrats

Fighting for a Better Deal for Iowans.

  • 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.

  • Statement on Governor’s explanation of DHS shakeup

    Iowa Senate News Release
    For Immediate Release:  18 June 2019

    Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen
    on Governor’s latest statement on departure of DHS Director

    “The Governor’s latest statement on the departure of Jerry Foxhoven is as clear as mud.

    “If the Governor has been working behind closed doors for nearly six months on a new direction, a new team and a new vision for the Department of Human Services, she needs to back up her rhetoric with positive action. This includes outlining her specific plans to:

    • Fix a privatized Medicaid system that is unsustainable, unaffordable and unaccountable.
    • Reverse course on policies that decimated the state’s successful family planning network, resulting in more unintended pregnancies, more risky births, more teenage mothers.
    • Present a comprehensive plan for adequately funding mental health services for children and adults.
    • Stop dangerous practices and procedures at Glenwood, Eldora and other at state-operated facilities.
    • Rebuild the child protective safety net instead of putting dangerous holes in it.
    • Explain to Iowans why she made the decision to replace Foxhoven (a) when her Administration is in the middle of negotiations with both out-of-state managed care organizations (MCOs) and (b) when hundreds of thousands of Iowans are two weeks away from transitioning to a new MCO.

    “Finally, I repeat my call for the Governor to immediately launch a nationwide search for a new Director of the Department of Human Services who is truly committed to watching out for the most vulnerable children and adults in Iowa.

    “When then-Director Chuck Palmer resigned in 2017, the Governor posted the opening on the website of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services (https://agency.governmentjobs.com/iowa/job_bulletin.cfm?jobID=1755326&sharedWindow=0) and that should be her first step to take in 2019.”

    ###

  • Statement on departure of Human Services director

    Iowa Senate News Release
    For Immediate Release:  17 June 2019

    Statement from Senate Democratic Leader
    on departure of DHS Director

    “The Governor needs to immediately launch a nationwide search for a new Director of the Department of Human Services who is truly committed to watching out for the most vulnerable children and adults in Iowa.

    “This means finding an advocate who will fight for more resources, push for stronger policies, and ensure that those policies are enforced for the betterment of all Iowans.

    “After years of mismanagement and neglect by Governor Reynolds and legislative Republicans, Iowans deserve a new Director with the backbone necessary to put quality care and proper oversight ahead of special interests.

    “The damage they’ve done to Iowans includes:

    • Creating and supporting a privatized Medicaid system that is unsustainable, unaffordable and unaccountable. It’s so bad that the federal government has launched an investigation into whether officials in Iowa and other states are providing sufficient and appropriate oversight to ensure that people with Medicaid are receiving the care to which they are entitled.
    • Decimating the state’s successful family planning network, resulting in more unintended pregnancies, more risky births, more teenage mothers.
    • Inadequately funding mental health services for children and adults.
    • Allowing dangerous practices and procedures at Glenwood, Eldora and other at state-operated facilities.

    “Finally, it’s especially bad news for Medicaid recipients, health care providers and Iowa taxpayers that the Governor’s Director is leaving (a) in the middle of negotiations with both out-of-state managed care organizations (MCO) and (b) when hundreds of thousands of Iowans are two weeks away from transitioning to a new MCO.”

    ###

  • Statement on AG’s decision regarding clergy sex abuse

    IA SEN NEWS
    June 3, 2019

    On May 22, Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen joined survivors of childhood sexual abuse in calling for extending Iowa’s criminal and civil statutes of limitations. Iowa should be the safest place in the country to raise a child. Instead, Iowa is tied with Ohio for having the worst civil and criminal statute of limitations laws in the country for child sexual abuse, according to ChildUSA. We must work in a bipartisan way to create a pathway to justice for survivors, ensure accountability for predators, and make our communities safer.

    Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen on Iowa Attorney General’s decision by regarding clergy sexual abuse in Iowa

    “Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller has taken two steps in the right direction today by requesting records on clergy abuse from Catholic dioceses in Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque and Sioux City; and by establishing a hotline — 855-620-7000 — for survivors to call and report abuse.

    “I am grateful for the many survivors of child sex abuse who have stepped forward to tell their stories and to advocate for justice. 

    “It’s important that we continue to listen to survivors to fix Iowa’s laws.  Survivors of child sex abuse deserve a pathway to justice.  Iowans, and our children especially, will be safer when we know the truth about sex offenders among us and have a better understanding of how to prevent child sex abuse.

    “While the Attorney General’s request of the Catholic dioceses was limited only to clergy, I am hopeful he will expand the scope of the investigation to include any sex abuse reported in their dioceses.  I am also hopeful additional investigations will ensue based on information uncovered through the hotline.

    “The Legislature must work next session to pass meaningful legislation to remove Iowa’s criminal and civil statute of limitations and give adult survivors a five-year period to seek justice. I will also support legislation to give the Attorney General expanded powers to go after sexual predators and organizations that cover up the crime.”

    – end –

    NOTE: For more information about the newly established hotline — 855-620-7000 — for survivors to report abuse, please visit this website: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IACIO/bulletins/248ef66

    Trained advocates will be available to gather information from survivors.

    An investigator will review the reports and may seek additional information. The identities of survivors will remain confidential.

  • Bisignano inquires about inaccessible information on Secretary of State site

    MEDIA ADVISORY
    May 30, 2019

    State Sen. Tony Bisignano, ranking member on the Senate State Government Committee, has sent the letter below to Secretary of State Paul Pate.

    Sen. Bisignano wants to know why certain information is not publicly available to voters and Iowans who want to run for office on the Secretary of State’s website. This information in question is located at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/schools.html and at https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/cities.html.

    ###

    [pdf-embedder url=”http://www.senate.iowa.gov/democrats/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/190530-bisignano-letter-SOS-locked-voter-resources.pdf”]

  • How to Override the 2019 Iowa Medical Cannabis Veto

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

    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.”

    ###

    News Conference: “Next Steps Toward Medical Cannabis Reform”

    Introduction

    You can help convince legislators to override Governor Reynold’s veto of HF 732, legislation to reform Iowa’s “worst in the nation” medical cannabis program.

    Ask your state senator and state representative to defend their vote by requesting a special session to override the Governor’s veto.

    Here’s a spreadsheet on how each legislator voted during the 2019 session, a link to the district they represent, and their email address: http://bit.ly/2019-Iowa-Medical-Cannabis-Vote

    If you aren’t sure who your legislators are, find out here: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/find.

    We need 66 of the 96 House members who voted YES to request a special session and 34 of the 40 Senators who voted YES for HF 732. Encourage them to defend their votes and the people they represent!

    You have until June 28th to convince your legislators to do what’s right.

    Conditions Covered by HF 732

    • MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)
      Medical cannabis has been found to decrease pain and symptoms of spasticity in people suffering from MS. HF 732 would ensure that their doctors can prescribe adequate amounts of this medication to manage their pain.
    • EPILEPSY
      HF 732 would simplify the process of obtaining medical cannabis, preventing seizures for those who suffer from epilepsy.
    • HIV/AIDS
      HF 732 would make it easier for Iowans to combat HIV with medical cannabis, avoiding the harmful symptoms associated with otherwise required medicines.
    • AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS)
      HF 732 gives Iowans easier access to medical cannabis, which can help treat symptoms of ALS such as appetite loss, depression, pain, muscular spasticity, drooling, and weakness. It may also prolong cell survival for ALS patients who suffer from the death of motor neuron cells.
    • CANCER
      HF 732 would make it easier and more effective for Iowans with cancer to benefit from medical cannabis. Medical cannabis can help alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy, including pain, neuropathy, nausea, vomiting, and anorexia.
    • PARKINSON’S DISEASE
      HF 732 would help Iowans with Parkinson’s treat tremor, stiffness, insomnia, dystonia, pain, dyskinesia, and weight loss with medical cannabis.
    • AUTISM
      HF 732 would make medical cannabis more accessible to Iowans with autism. One mother described how her son has benefited from medical cannabis: “He is more responsive and verbal, asking more thoughtful questions. He sleeps through the night and doesn’t wake up. He has a good appetite. He is less resistant and more manageable and cooperative.”
    • TERMINAL DISEASES
      HF 732 would make access to medical cannabis, an effective painkiller, significantly easier for terminally ill Iowans. Studies have shown it to be effective in managing pain from both the illness and from treatments such as chemotherapy.
    • SEVERE OR CHRONIC PAIN
      HF 732 changes the definition of a “debilitating medical condition” from “untreatable pain” to “severe or chronic pain.” This would make it easier for Iowans suffering from a variety of conditions to treat their pain with medical cannabis.
    Facebook Live with Senator Bolkcom 

    June 5, 2019

    June 11, 2019

    June 25, 2019

    Press Releases

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

    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.”

    ###

    Iowa medical cannabis veto override
    more than halfway there
    —
    Iowans asked to contact legislators who voted for
    reforms but have yet to defend their votes

    Des Moines, Iowa – Iowans pushing to overturn Governor Reynold’s veto of medical cannabis reforms are more than halfway towards 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, all of 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.”

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

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dehqqOujW6dfT-GJur-EwF0jzvZSuK2k969BW-ZN6cM/edit?usp=sharing

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    Articles and More
    Contact Your Senator Today!

  • Senate Dem Leader on search for new DAS Director

    IA SEN NEWS RELEASE
    May 30, 2019

    Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen on search for new DAS Director

    Today is the application deadline for people interested in becoming the new Director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS).

    Yesterday, I sent a letter to Governor Reynolds urging her to select a new Director “who can restore taxpayers’ faith in the Department.”

    I also wrote:

    “Taxpayers expect the new DAS Director to write a new chapter for the Department that establishes higher expectations than what we’ve seen over the past several years.

    “Specifically, recent Directors have:

    • “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.

    I concluded my letter by encouraging the Governor to hire a new Director with experience and a proven track record:

    “State employees and Iowa taxpayers deserve better.”

    -end –

  • Legislators call for override of Governor’s medical cannabis veto

    For Immediate Release: May 29, 2019 

    Legislators launch effort to override Governor’s veto on cannabis

    Suffering Iowans have waited long enough

    Des Moines, Iowa — Two Iowa lawmakers announced a statewide effort to override Governor Reynold’s last-minute veto to HF 732, a collection of urgently needed Iowa medical cannabis reforms.

    “The Governor’s last-minute veto was devastating to Iowans suffering from debilitating conditions– like cancer, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease– who worked for years to pass this legislation,” said Democratic State Rep. John Forbes, an Urbandale pharmacist. “But because they lived in Iowa, some died without access to effective medicines. Enough is enough. The 96 members of the Iowa House and the 40 members of the Iowa Senate who voted to help these Iowans must stand up and defend their votes.”

    “The bipartisan bill we approved last session, House File 732, does two main things. First, physician assistants and nurses can certify that you have one of covered conditions, and two, Iowa’s ridiculously low THC cap will be lifted. Iowa should no longer have the nation’s worst medical cannabis program. That’s common sense. That’s why it passed overwhelmingly in the Iowa House and Senate. And that’s why Iowans must insist that this legislation become law,” added State Sen. Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City.

    Late Friday afternoon, Governor Reynolds vetoed House File 732, which was the last bill she took action on following the 2019 legislative session. To override the veto, two thirds of lawmakers in each chamber must request a special session of the Legislature to take action. Lawmakers will be receiving a letter and request to override the veto later this week.

    ###

  • Legislators disappointed by governor’s veto of bipartisan help for suffering Iowans

    Iowa House and Senate
    For Immediate Release:  May 24, 2019

    Legislative supporters of strengthening Iowa’s weak medical cannabis program are disappointed Governor Reynolds vetoed HF 732 today.

    “The Governor’s veto is distressing news for thousands of sick and vulnerable Iowans who deserve greater access to this life-changing medication. I’m deeply disappointed that the Governor vetoed this bi-partisan bill, which passed overwhelmingly in both the House and Senate,” said Representative John Forbes, an Urbandale pharmacist.

    For the last five years, sick, vulnerable Iowans from across the state have been a regular presence at the Iowa Statehouse. The focus this session was improving what has been called the nation’s “least helpful medical cannabis law.” 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.

    “Iowa’s medical cannabis program is too bureaucratic, too expensive and makes thousands of sick Iowans needlessly suffer,” said State Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City.  “Iowa’s law covers a very limited number of conditions and imposes arbitrary limits not found in other states.

    On February 23, 2019, the Iowa Poll found that 78% of Iowans want the state’s medical cannabis program expanded.

    -end-

  • Statement: Republican politicians have done harm to all Iowa workers

    Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen on Iowa Supreme Court decisions

    “By taking away the rights of teachers, firefighters, nurses, correctional officers and other public servants, Republican politicians have done harm to all Iowa workers. Working Iowa men and women are the real victims of the assault by the Branstad/Reynolds Administration and Republican-controlled Legislature.

    “Chief Justice Cady got it right when he said the law stripping workers of their rights ‘offends our constitution.’

    “Senate Democrats continue to believe that all Iowa workers deserve respect, dignity and the right to bargain for health and safety protections. We will always stand side by side with ISEA, AFSCME and other unions who continue to stand up for the rights of public employees across the state.”

    END