Iowa Senate Democrats

Fighting for a Better Deal for Iowans.

  • Fight to Keep Background Checks for Gun Purchases

    DES MOINES – On a party-line vote tonight, the Republican members of the Iowa Senate voted for legislation that will eliminate existing requirements for background checks for Iowa gun sales.

    The legislation, HF 756, does away with Iowa’s law requiring a background check in order to purchase a handgun. 

    If Governor Reynolds signs HF 756, Iowans will be able to purchase a firearm from a private seller without a background check and then carry it anywhere in public without any firearms training proficiency.

    Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls offered an amendment to require background checks.  It was defeated by Senate Republicans. 

    Video of his floor comments are available on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/8nBIPFUDc6A . 

    Transcript of Senator Wahl’s remarks on Senate Amendment 3092 to House File 756:

    I am offering this amendment today because Iowans support background checks.

    Iowans know that we are safer in our homes and communities because of background checks.

    My amendment would require background checks on all gun sales.

    There’s data to show that Iowa’s current system of background checks is working: 14,921 illegal sales have been blocked by the system in Iowa from 1998 to 2019.

    Let me repeat that: Because of Iowa’s current system requiring background checks, 14,921 illegal sales have been blocked between 1998 and 2019.

    If the system in Iowa isn’t broken, what are we doing here? 

    We know from other states that what legislative Republicans are proposing today does NOT work.

    In Missouri, Republicans repealed their law in 2007.  When Missouri repealed its purchase permit law requiring background checks, the state experienced an up to 27 percent increase in its firearm homicide rate and a 16 percent increase in its firearm suicide rate.

    Senate Amendment 3092 attempts to fix some of the biggest problems with this bill.

    If signed into law, there would be NO background checks whatsoever required for private sales.

    If signed into law, there would be NO requirement for a permit to carry a weapon in public.

    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.

    If you support background checks, vote “yes.” If you oppose background checks, vote “no.”

    -end-

  • Statement on the latest REC estimates

    Statement by State Senator Joe Bolkcom, ranking member on Senate Appropriations Committee

    “The latest revenue estimates are more confirmation that the American Rescue Plan will bring much needed relief to Iowa businesses, workers, schools, local governments and other sectors of the economy. Help is on the way and Iowans know it! 

    “While Governor Reynolds and the Republican-controlled Legislature have taken a hands-off approach to boosting economic opportunities to Iowans during the pandemic, Senate Democrats are ready to build on the American Rescue Plan. At the state level, we can do more to ensure more efficient distribution of vaccines, provide more support for Iowa businesses, and protect the rights of workers hit hard by the pandemic.”

  • Bipartisan bill cracks down on fertility fraud

    DES MOINES — Working in a bipartisan manner, State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott today supported legislation to crack down on reproductive fraud against Iowa families.

    Trone Garriott of Windsor Heights, a Democrat, worked with Senator Annette Sweeney of Alden, a Republican, to pass Senate File 529, which is known as the “Fraud in Assisted Reproduction Act.”

    WATCH: Video from Senate Debate

    The legislation 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. Existing law provided the children born of reproductive fraud with no opportunity to seek criminal or civil action after their discovery. Iowans who have been affected shared their stories at the subcommittee meeting.

    Senator Sweeney, the bill’s floor manager, credited Trone Garriott for working to clarify the legislation to better connect with existing Iowa Code. The legislation classifies this offense as sex abuse in the third degree, which is a level included on the sex offender registry.

    The legislation was approved by the Senate on a 47-0 vote. Key provisions of the bill:

    • Prohibit a person from providing false information to a patient related to assisted reproduction treatment.
    • Prohibit a physician from using human reproductive material for assisted reproduction other than that agreed to in writing by the patient.

    A person who is found guilty of violating the Fraud in Assisted Reproduction Act would be guilty of a Class “C” felony.

    In addition, the legislation ensures that any health care provider or facility may have its license revoked for violating the law; a patient or family member could sue anyone who violates the law for compensatory and punitive damages; and any physicians who use their own human reproductive material in the assisted reproduction procedure would be guilty of sexual abuse in the third degree when the physician uses their own human reproductive material in the assisted reproduction procedure.

    The legislation now moves to the Iowa House.

    — end —

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

    By Sen. Zach Wahls and Rep. Todd Prichard

    Public education has long been the foundation of our state. For generations, Iowans could count on a great public education from Iowa schools to set them up for success in life. When we were growing up, our public education system regularly led national rankings. 

    Today, however, many Iowans are watching with dismay as a decade of underinvestment from Republican leadership has resulted in Iowa placing in the middle of the pack in national rankings. We’re wondering: When will Iowa schools lead the nation again? 

    Despite a recent claims by Governor Kim Reynolds and Republican legislators that public education is a priority for them    , the facts demonstrate otherwise. The latest Annual Survey of School System Finance shows that Iowa now spends less money per-pupil than most of our neighboring states. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, North Dakota, Michigan — and even Nebraska! — all invest more money per pupil than Iowa. South Dakota and Missouri are the exceptions.

    The truth is the Iowa Republican Party is being led by radicals who do not believe public education is important — or worse, who believe public schools are being used to brainwash our children. It sounds kooky when you say it out loud, but these beliefs are why the 2020 Iowa Republican party platform explicitly endorsed private school vouchers and called for the abolishment of the federal Department of Education. If they sound radical or out of touch to you, you are not alone. Today’s GOP is not your grandparents’ Republican Party. 

    Today’s Republican Party of Iowa is undermining public education at every opportunity. Here’s how they are doing it:

    ·        Private school vouchers: Consistent with their party platform, urged by Governor Reynolds, Iowa Republicans in the legislature recently voted to remove tens of millions of dollars from our kids’ public schools to fund private school vouchers. This system could drain tens of millions of dollars in its first year, and hundreds of millions when they expand the program, which they’ve already promised they will do.  

    ·        Inadequate school funding: Under Republican leadership, public school funding in Iowa has failed to keep up with a rising cost of living four of the past five years. On top of that, their 2022 plan would provide 137 Iowa school districts less state funding than they did in 2021, prompting higher local property taxes. This is unacceptable.

    ·        Disrespecting educators: Republican politicians can’t say with a straight face that they respect educators when they voted in 2017 to strip educators of their ability to have a say in their own workplace.  

    ·        Defunding preschool: Legislation approved by Iowa Republicans will cut $7.5 million from preschool funding with no way to make up that funding locally. A global pandemic is no time to take early childhood education choices away from parents and kids.

    Are these the actions of a party that truly values our state’s education legacy? We don’t think so. Iowa Democrats, on the other hand, continue to support better public schools for our students, parents, and educators. That’s why we believe the Legislature should be taking these steps:

    • Proactively investing in public schools to reduce class sizes and grow a highly-skilled workforce.

    • Providing universal access to high quality preschool and childcare.

    • Empowering and respecting educators.

    • Funding mental health services for students in rural and urban schools alike.

    • Ensuring that every student can afford to pursue higher education without leaving Iowa.

    • Protecting rural schools from forced consolidation and fewer opportunities for their students.

    That’s a public education agenda all Iowans can support. 

    Instead, Iowa Republicans support more tax cuts for the rich, spending our tax dollars on private education vouchers, and abolishing the Department of Education. Iowa Democrats believe better public schools start with investing in public education. The choice could not be more clear. 

    Zach Wahls is the Senate Democratic Leader and Todd Prichard is the House Democratic Leader.  

  • DeJear appointed to redistricting panel

    DeJear is small business owner and community activist 

    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 later this year, based on updated information from the U.S. Census Bureau. 

    “Deidre DeJear is committed to free and fair elections,” Wahls said. “Now more than ever, we need to ensure Iowans have fair maps for legislative and Congressional districts going into the 2022 elections. Iowa’s nonpartisan, independent system for redistricting should not be undermined by politicians.”

    DeJear said she is enthusiastic about serving on the Commission because of her passion for voting rights. 

    “It is of the utmost priority that every Iowan has equal access to the ballot box,” DeJear said. “In order to deliver safe and accessible elections to Iowa’s rural, urban, and suburban communities, we must also ensure that the state of Iowa has fair maps for legislative and Congressional districts.”

    DeJear said her passion for voting rights advocacy started when she campaigned for her grandmother who ran successfully for County Commissioner of Elections in Mississippi the 1990s. Ever since, DeJear has championed voting rights and supported national and local candidates in Iowa. 

    DeJear founded Caleo Enterprises in 2008, which specializes in marketing and project development for small businesses and nonprofits.  In 2018, DeJear became the first African American nominated by a major political party for statewide office in Iowa. DeJear graduated from Drake University. 

    For more than 12 years, DeJear has also supported efforts to increase financial management skills for Iowans, and strengthening financial capability and wealth attainment of Iowa’s African American community.  

    This week, Iowa House Democrats named Ian Russell, an attorney from Bettendorf, to serve on the Commission.

    Background 

    After receiving updated figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency will draft a proposed redistricting map and submit it to the Legislature. The Commission will conduct at least three public hearings across the state to gather comments from Iowans on the maps.

    Following the hearings, the Commission  will submit a report to the Legislature summarizing information and testimony received during the hearings. The commission’s report shall include any comments and conclusions which its members deem appropriate on the information and testimony received at the hearings. 

    The report must be submitted within 14 days of the date the first redistricting plan is delivered to the Legislature. 

  • GOP education plan fails our kids and our communities

    Statement by Senator Herman Quirmbach, Ranking Member of Senate Education Committee, on Senate Republican School Funding Plan

    “Why won’t Senate Republicans step up and support our schools the way our kids deserve, especially the rural schools that many of them represent?

    “The sad truth is that under the Republican proposal they just announced late this afternoon and plan to pass early next week, 141 Iowa school districts will receive less state funding than they did this year.  The difference, if it is made up at all, will have to come from higher local property taxes.

    “Because of the COVID pandemic, public schools across the state have experienced significant drops in enrollment.  Under current law, last year’s enrollment determines next year’s funding.  That’s how many public schools will get lower state funding next year—just when enrollment snaps back as the pandemic eases.  Less money for more kids!  How is that good for our kids’ education?

    “And, many rural schools are already losing students.  Short funding them next year will only push more and more of them to consolidation.  How will losing their schools help small towns grow???

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

    -end-

  • Bipartisan bill would compensate college athletes

    After a similar bill passed Iowa House and Senate subcommittees and the Senate Education committee in 2020, Senators Nate Boulton and Brad Zaun have introduced a new bill to allow student athletes in Iowa to profit from promotional use of their names, images, and likenesses as early as July. The bill, Senate File 245, would allow student athletes to financially gain from marketing opportunities. Unlike the prior proposal, the bill does not include a provision to require money to be placed in a trust until the student athlete is no longer eligible to compete in college athletics. Six states have enacted similar legislation.

    “We have seen an extreme imbalance of power in a rising tide of money that flows all around and through college athletics,” commented Senator Boulton. “The NCAA continues to fail to address this issue, and the result is college athletes surrendering very personal rights that no other college students are required to give up as part of the educational process. We have a duty to protect these students and their interests.”

    Several current and former athletes have worked with Senators Boulton and Zaun on name, image, and likeness (NIL) legislation and are offering their support of the bill. Jordan Bohannon, a current starter with the highly-ranked basketball team at the University of Iowa: “I am in full support of this bill. The college years are some of the most valuable years of many college athletes’ lives. We’ve been denied basic rights and protections for far too long. This NIL bill gives us rights that our non-athlete classmates already have. Thank you to Senator Boulton and Senator Zaun for meeting and listening to us.”

    Iowa women’s basketball player Caitlin Clark, a first-year player who has made national news with her on court successes this season: “As a female college athlete, valuable opportunities could come in our college career that may not be given at a professional level, especially with the support of female athletics we have here in the state of Iowa. The NIL bill gives student athletes opportunities non-athlete students already have. I am appreciative of Senator Boulton and all the work he has done to move this bill forward.” 

    Former Drake basketball player Adam Emmenecker, the 2008 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, offered support: “Collegiate athletes come from all types of socio-economic backgrounds. Some take student loans. Some qualify for Pell grants. Athletes should be granted the same rights of the university they work for – to utilize their talents, work ethic, drive, love for sport, and success on the court/field to leverage their likeness for personal gain. Athletes carry the majority of the risk. Let them share in a piece of the earned reward.”

    The bill’s cosponsors come to this issue with unique perspectives. Senator Boulton is a practicing labor attorney who taught collegiate sports law classes prior to his election to the Iowa Senate while Senator Zaun had a son who played NCAA Division I football.

  • Public Education makes Iowa great

    Senate Democratic Leader praises Iowa public schools,
    rejects private school vouchers legislation

    Surprise Bipartisan Opposition to “Radical” Private School Vouchers Bill

    DES MOINES – In an impassioned speech, Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls rejected the private school vouchers bill being advanced by Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Republicans that would create a private school voucher program and drain millions of dollars away from Iowa’s public schools.

    “Public Education makes Iowa great. We cannot give up on our public schools,” Wahls said. “Iowa students are worth our investment. Our communities depend on them and our state depends on them.”

    A video and the full transcript of Senators Wahls’ remarks are included below.

    Wahls questioned why Governor Reynolds and legislative Republicans are using the COVID19 pandemic as an excuse to fast-track legislation that would establish a private school voucher program with no academic standards and no accountability for taxpayer dollars.

    “Iowa Democrats will not let this Governor use the COVID crisis to advance her private school agenda by taking resources away from students being educated in our public schools,” he said. “This 65-page bill was filed last week and it was fast-tracked this week. What on earth are we doing?! We shouldn’t be fast tracking this bill. We should be fast tracking legislation to accelerate vaccine distribution. We should be fast tracking legislation to protect essential workers.”

    Senate Republicans approved the legislation – Senate File 159 – on a 26-21 vote, despite surprising bipartisan opposition, with all Democrats and Republican Senators Driscoll, Shipley, and Sweeney voting “no.”

    Video of Senator Wahls’ speech: https://youtu.be/X6dE0PHtqpI

    Here is the full text of Senator Wahls’ speech:

    Remarks by Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls on Senate File 159

    January 28, 2021

    Public Education Makes Iowa Great.

    We cannot give up on our public schools. Public schools and the amazing students we grow in Iowa are one of our most valuable resources. 

    Iowa students are worth our investment. Our communities depend on them and our state depends on them. When the pandemic is over, go to a job fair in another state and anyone can see that our nation depends on Iowa students. COVID is a huge challenge but our young Iowans are showing up adapting and innovating in the classroom — in person and virtually — through the arts, and on the fields and courts. Our long history of investing in Iowa students through public education is part of who we are as Iowans. And Republicans used to agree with Democrats about this. Terry Branstad ran for Governor with the slogan: “Iowa: A State of Minds.” Today, however, Iowa Republicans want Iowa to be more like other states — instead of other states being more like Iowa!

    No. We have to keep investing in public schools because our students are worth it. Our teachers are dedicated and our public school districts and community leadership are what make us strong. We need to invest more in our schools as a result of COVID, not less. 

    As to private education, there’s nothing wrong with private education. I’ve attended mostly public schools in my life, but I have attended a private school. There is nothing wrong with private education. There’s even a role for homeschooling. But the idea that we would take away resources away from public education to improve how we educate our students is as out of touch as using taxpayer dollars to pave a private road we can’t drive on, to build a private golf course we can’t play on, or a private pool that our kids can’t swim in? Why on Earth would we give private schools taxpayer dollars that don’t have the mandate, the commitment, the responsibility educating all of our students. Our students are one of our best resources. Not just some Iowa students — all Iowa students. That’s why we invest in public education. We believe in every student, in every community, and the local leadership, democratically elected, who work together across our state to educate them. If COVID has taught us anything, it’s that we need more of this community not less of it. We need more resources for our public schools, not less. If Republicans want to raise taxes to provide more resources for alternatives to public education—we can have that debate. But Iowa Democrats will not let this Governor use the COVID crisis to advance her private school agenda by taking resources away from students being educated in our public schools. This sixty-five page bill was filed last week and it was fast-tracked this week. What on earth are we doing?! We shouldn’t be fast tracking this bill. We should be fast tracking legislation to accelerate vaccine distribution. We should be fast tracing legislation to protect essential workers. Instead, just yesterday, the Governor said during her press conference to Iowans: be patient! She wants Iowans to be patient when it comes to a vaccine but she’s driving a freight train when it comes to private school vouchers.

    Can a single Iowa Republican Senator name one public school superintendent in their district who is in favor of Senate File 159? Where is their voice in all of this? I asked all seven of my super intendents, the majority of which are in rural districts. Not a single one supports this legislation. And I know that I’m the Senator from Johnson County, but this legislation wasn’t supported by superintendents in Cedar County or Muscatine County either. In fact, one of the thirty-four schools named by this legislation is in my district. Durant Elementary School is in a small town, like so many across our state. I asked their Superintendent what he thought about this bill. He said: “Vouchers are an absolute no, another blow to public education.” And that’s from the people who this bill is trying to help! Iowa Democrats believe in continuing to invest in public schools, because there is no better return on investment. Iowa Republicans, on the other hand, are fast tracking a partisan, private school voucher program in the middle of a global pandemic.

    I urge the body to reject this radical legislation.

    -end-

  • Our COVID Recovery Plan

    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.

    My focus this session is on a four-part plan to help Iowa rebound from the ravages of the last year. Senate Democrats’ COVID Recovery Plan aims to:

    1. Defeat COVID-19 by rolling out vaccines to all Iowans as efficiently as possible. Our country has surpassed 400,000 deaths and is expected to hit the 500,000-fatality mark in February. With no time to waste, we should use some of the state’s budget surplus to get emergency funding to county health departments to speed up distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations and contact tracing.

    2. Help hurting Iowans. The pandemic has sickened Iowa workers and shuttered businesses throughout the state. The good news is that we have ample resources to:

    • Support struggling small businesses with direct grants and forgivable loans.
    • Help cities, counties and school districts bounce back from a tough year.
    • Assist food banks that are serving an increasing number of Iowans in need.
    • Exempt federal unemployment payments from state taxes.  

    3. Build back better by focusing on critical needs. This includes:

    • Developing an Essential Workers Bill of Rights that guarantees better pay and stronger workplace protections.
    • Keeping local small businesses that are part of the very fabric of our communities.
    • Expanding access to affordable child care throughout the state.
    • Investing in high-speed Internet that will make every corner of Iowa a great place to live, learn and work.

    4. Ensure accountability. An independent, blue-ribbon COVID Commission with representatives from all sectors of our economy should be given broad subpoena and investigative powers. Iowans deserve to know where their hard-earned tax dollars are going as we recover from this pandemic. The knowledge we gain will help us better prepare for future emergencies.

    Senate Democrats are currently putting together the bills that will help achieve the goals of this four-part plan.

    RELATED LEGISLATION

    Vaccinating Iowans

    • Emergency funding to county health departments to speed up distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations and contact tracing {SF 199}.

    Helping hurting Iowans

    • Using our budget surplus and the economic emergency funds to support struggling small businesses on Main Street with direct grants {SF 325}.
    • Support food banks and other efforts  to address growing food insecurity in Iowa {SF 153; SF 157; SF 273}
    • Exempt the first $10,200 in federal and state unemployment payments from state taxes {SF 290}.

    Building Back Better

    • An Essential Workers’ Bill of Rights, including:
    • Requiring employers to provide up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave for eligible employees. {SF 137}.
    • Provide hazard pay to essential workers exposed to the risk of COVID-19 {SF 412}.
    • Providing whistleblower protections for employees who file a complaint due to risk of contracting COVID-19 in the workplace {SF 471}.
    • Expanding access to child care {SF 437; SF 177; SF 186}.
    • Expanding access to preschool {SF 189}. 

    Blue-Ribbon COVID Commission

    • The Commission would help us understand state government’s mistakes and failures, investigate negligence or profiteering in the private sector, and show us how to better prepare for future pandemic {SF 519}.

  • Public Education Disaster Week

    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.

    Both pieces of legislation were written and filed without any input from the IA Department of Education.

    “If these bills pass it will be a disaster for Iowa public schools.” Senate Education Committee member Sarah Trone Garriott of Windsor Heights said. “Our public school educators have gone above and beyond for months, giving everything they have to keep educating our students through a public health disaster. They’ve done all this with no additional support from the state, after years of underfunding. Instead of thanking them, the majority party is rushing through bills that will defund public schools, undermine local decision making, and disregard health and safety.”

    On Monday, Senate Republicans have scheduled subcommittees for both pieces of legislation. By 3 PMthat same day, the Senate Education Committee is expected to approve this legislation, clearing the way for votes by the entire Senate before the end of the week.

    “Public schools are the heart of our Iowa communities and a great source of pride. When I speak to business owners, they share about the importance of high quality public education for recruiting and retaining talent,” said Trone-Garriott. “Strong public schools improve the quality of life for the entire community. It’s a shame that these pieces of legislation will be passed out of committee tomorrow before the school day is even over.”

    “Disaster Week for Iowa Public Education” (Schedule)

    MONDAY, 10:30 AM: “SHIFTING TAX DOLLARS FROM PUBLIC TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS”  SSB 1065

    Subcommittee meeting on SSB 1065 with testimony from members of the public

    Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/97398620607?pwd=bFhpbFY4WStzRGdITjd4QlpzVExhZz09   

    Read written comments from the public: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/committees/meetingPublicComment?meetingID=32363&action=viewCommitteePublicComments    

    MONDAY, 2:00 PM: “THE UNSAFE SCHOOLS ACT”   SSB 1064

    Subcommittee meeting on SSB 1064 with testimony from members of the public

    Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/92644975939?pwd=d3ZtcHJtV1FHR084c2Q1eS9SMENiQT09    

    Read written comments from the public:

    https://www.legis.iowa.gov/committees/meetingPublicComment?meetingID=32370&action=viewCommitteePublicComments

    MONDAY, 3 PM: SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

    Senate Education Committee discusses both SSB 1065 and SSB 1064

    Committee meetings in the Senate chamber can be watched live at https://www.legis.iowa.gov/dashboard?view=videoLive&chamber=S   and are also available to watch on demand.

    TUESDAY 7 PM: STATEWIDE ZOOM TOWN HALL TO SAVE IOWA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

    Iowa Senate Democrats will host a “Iowa Virtual Town Hall to Save Iowa’s Public Schools.” 

    Senators, education leaders, health care experts, and ordinary Iowans will discuss both bills and how to help stop them.  Zoom: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUlcuyurjovGtF7LFAyvK-HWPIcQkCS6anZ    and also on the Iowa Senate Democrats’ Facebook page

    IOWA SENATE DEBATES SSB 1065 AND SSB 1064:

    Expected before the Senate adjourns on Thursday, January 28

    Senate debate takes place in the Senate Chamber and video can be watched live and on demand at: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/dashboard?view=videoLive&chamber=S   

    –end–