Issues | Iowa Senate Democrats

Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen on passage of Criminal Justice Reforms

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Issues, News releases, Official, Quality of life, Safer communities, Transparency & accountability

Iowans are calling for social and racial justice. Senate Democrats are ready to make that a reality, and we are so happy to make a first step today in a bipartisan manner.

Boulton: Solutions to racial injustice must be new

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Issues, Official, Opinion, Quality of life, Safer communities

Our city, state, and nation are struggling with what is broken in our society. Racial injustice isn’t new, but our solutions absolutely must be. We have seen powerful, poignant moments. A peaceful, massive assembly has inspired new conversations. It also inspired a powerful and real emotion for some: anger.

Wahls: Addressing Iowa’s stresses before session ends

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Fiscal responsibility, Health care, Issues, Official, Opinion, Safer communities

The Iowa Legislature has resumed the 2020 session. Over the next two weeks, I hope we will:
** Pass a balanced budget based on the latest revenue estimates.
** Fight for the needs of Iowans, businesses and communities impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
** Push for laws to address racial inequities in Iowa.

Petersen: We can take immediate steps to end racial disparities

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Issues, Official, Opinion, Safer communities, Transparency & accountability

Iowans and Americans everywhere are coming together to say “enough is enough.” It’s time that our actions condemn hate and racism. It’s time that our actions advance equality and justice for all.

Mathis, Sweeney: Forgive Medicare Loans

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Health care, Issues, Official, Opinion

Hospitals and other healthcare providers accessed advanced payments through the CARES Act Medicare Loan Fund to bridge losses. Loan forgiveness is vitally important and is much more critical now, given the fact that hospital losses have far exceeded the relief from Cares Act grants.

Legislative Democrats’ COVID-19 Recovery Agenda

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

Iowa’s Democratic lawmakers have released a plan to address the needs of Iowa families and business during the reconvened 2020 session, starting June 3. The goal is to keep lawmakers focused on addressing problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

New budget estimates mean we must focus on real solutions

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

Based on the updated revenue estimates, the Governor and legislators must strategically use available resources– including federal funds and the state’s rainy-day fund – to protect key priorities: education, health care and employment security.

Petersen: Let’s give Iowans a healthier way to restart the economy

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Health care, Issues, Official, Opinion, Quality of life, Safer communities, Transparency & accountability, Working families

The number of COVID-19 cases is still increasing, and nationally ranked hotspots are popping up all over the state. Yet, the Governor and Republican legislators continue to deliver narratives that are heavy on spin and light on facts and data.

Celsi: More testing, oversight needed

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

So far, TestIowa has not delivered on its contractual promise to test at least 5,000 people per day. Sen. Celsi is calling for expanded testing in cooperation with other entities.

Hogg: Virus spreading faster in open counties

4 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Issues, Official, Opinion, Safer communities

For 11 days in a row, COVID-19 cases have increased faster in the 77 counties where Gov. Reynolds loosened restrictions than in the rest of Iowa.

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