Issues | Iowa Senate Democrats

Fight to Keep Background Checks for Gun Purchases

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Issues, News releases, Official, Post includes video, Safer communities

HF 756 is bad for Iowans’ safety. 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.

Statement on the latest REC estimates

4 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.

Bipartisan bill cracks down on fertility fraud

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Health care, Issues, News releases, Official, Safer communities, Transparency & accountability

SF 529 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.

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

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Education, Issues, News releases, Official, Opinion

For generations, Iowans could count on a great public education from Iowa schools to set them up for success in life. Today, however, many Iowans are watching with dismay as a decade of underinvestment from Republican leadership has resulted in Iowa dropping to the middle of the pack in national rankings.

DeJear appointed to redistricting panel

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Issues, News releases, Official, Transparency & accountability, Voting Rights

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.

GOP education plan fails our kids and our communities

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Education, Issues, News releases, Official

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

Bipartisan bill would compensate college athletes

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

A new bill would allow student athletes in Iowa to profit from promotional use of their names, images, and likenesses as early as July. SF 245 would allow student athletes to financially gain from marketing opportunities. Six states have enacted similar legislation.

Public Education makes Iowa great

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Education, Issues, News releases, Official

Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls rejected the private school vouchers bill being advanced by the Governor and Iowa Republicans that would drain millions of dollars away from Iowa’s public schools.

Our COVID Recovery Plan

4 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.

Issues post archive: Page 5