Iowa state Sen. Janice Weiner released the following statement regarding the Boards & Commissions Review Committee meeting on Wednesday taking public comment on proposed board and commission mergers and eliminations.
“Today we heard from dozens of Iowans concerned about the negative consequences of eliminating and merging critical boards and commissions,” Weiner said. “We owe it to the people of Iowa to take those concerns seriously and make decisions based on what’s best for Iowans – not just the governor’s office.”
“State boards and commissions bring essential expertise into our state government and ensure public accountability for the public’s business,” Weiner said. “I support a thorough review of our boards and commissions, but the Reynolds administration needs to slow down and fully engage the public before it does anything that could affect our health and wellbeing.”
“The Reynolds administration created an unaccountable committee to conduct this review and then set an arbitrary deadline for completing it,” Weiner said. “It’s clear to me that the goal of this sham process is to increase power for the governor – not Iowans.”
Weiner, D-Iowa City, is an ex-officio member of the Boards & Commissions Review Committee and serves on the Senate State Government Committee and Local Government Committee.
The child-labor expansion bill passed by Iowa Republican politicians earlier this year and now written into Iowa Code violates federal law, putting young Iowans at risk in dangerous jobs and creating confusing, contradictory rules for Iowa businesses to follow.
The letter, dated August 24, finds that Iowa’s new law violates federal law in two critical ways:
The Iowa law allows 16- and 17-year-olds to operate dangerous power-driven machines, engage in heavy manufacturing, and work in demolition — all of which are prohibited under federal child-labor laws.
The new Iowa law also does not require 16- and 17-year-olds working in apprenticeship or student-learner roles to be registered by the U.S. Department of Labor or a state agency, which federal law does require.
The letter makes clear that when state and federal labor laws are in conflict, the law providing the most protection for young people must be followed — in this case, that’s the federal law.
The Department also pledges to keep an eye out for violations of federal law as Iowa’s child-labor expansion is implemented: “In addition, the Department will continue to monitor Iowa’s implementation of the law to assess potential obstruction of federal child labor protections.”
“The child-labor expansion forced into law by Republican politicians and Gov. Reynolds sets a trap for Iowa kids and businesses alike,” Sen. Nate Boulton, D-Des Moines, said. “It makes our kids less safe by exposing them to hazardous environments that could get them injured or even killed—something the legislation itself acknowledged. And now it creates new bureaucratic confusion that can lead employers right into violations of federal law.”
“This letter has a clear message for legislators and employers alike,” Boulton said. “For legislators, it tells us we must fix this bad law and protect kids from dangerous jobs. For employers, it’s a warning not to put their businesses at risk by hiring young people in illegal jobs. More child labor is not the solution to our workforce crisis.”
“Kids’ lives are at risk today because Republican lawmakers passed a bill for the special interests. Not only is it confusing but it proves costly for Iowa businesses just trying to do the right thing,” said Rep. Jeff Cooling, D- Cedar Rapids, Ranking Member of the House Labor & Workforce Committee. “Child labor is not the solution to Iowa’s workforce shortage and it never should be. It’s time to put people, especially our kids, over politics.”
The child-labor expansion bill, Senate File 542, was passed by Republican politicians and signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds in May.
The U.S. Department of Labor had previously sent a letter warning that an earlier version of the bill included violations of federal law. The new guidance examines the language of the bill actually passed into Iowa law.
As nearly five hundred thousand Iowa K-12 students head back to school this week, Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education still owe parents and taxpayers answers to critical questions about their private-school voucher scheme.
Passed by Iowa Republican politicians just last January and outsourced to a private, out-of-state, for-profit company over the summer, the new voucher regime is about to funnel more than a hundred million dollars in public funds to exclusive private schools.
There is still much the public doesn’t know about this program. Senate Democrats are encouraging parents, taxpayers, school administrators, and journalists to raise their voices and demand answers from the Reynolds Administration on how vouchers are being implemented and how they’re impacting Iowa public schools.
Gov. Reynolds and her Department of Education still haven’t answered five key questions:
1. How many vouchers is the state handing out this year, and how much will they cost taxpayers?
Even as money is routed out of the state treasury, through a for-profit company, and into private-school bank accounts, taxpayers remain in the dark on how much they’re on the hook to pay. We know the state has approved 18,627 voucher applications – far more than initially budgeted – but we still don’t know how many recipients will actually attend private schools and what it will cost the state treasury in total.
2. How much funding is each school district losing due to vouchers?
With public school funding this school year running nearly $800 per kid behind inflation compared to seven years ago, every taxpayer dollar paid out to private schools is a dollar denied to our public schools. Parents, districts, and community leaders deserve a full accounting of how much money is being siphoned away from the many to benefit the few. That’s especially true in rural Iowa, where public schools anchor communities and funding cuts threaten closures, consolidation, and economic decline.
3. Why were voucher recipients denied admission at private schools?
Students approved for vouchers can still be denied admission by selective private schools. We need to know how many and why. Are private schools screening out students with disabilities or special needs? Are vouchers making private schools more diverse or further segregating the haves from the have-nots? Taxpayers deserve to know.
4. How many voucher recipients already attend a private school, and how many are enrolling for the first time?
This one is simple: who benefits? All the available information suggests vouchers will primarily benefit well-to-do families who are already able to afford private education.
5. What are the demographics of voucher recipients?
Where do voucher recipients live? We already know that ten rural counties have two or fewer voucher students each and three have none at all. What school districts do they come from? What is their household income? Do students from all religions get equal treatment? Do racial and ethnic minorities?
“Gov. Reynolds rushed this massively expensive private-school voucher scheme into law, but she continues to leave us in the dark on how it works, whom it helps, and what it costs,” Sen. Herman Quirmbach said. “Parents, taxpayers, community leaders, and school administrators have important questions about vouchers. They deserve answers.”
“Iowa kids are heading back to class this week. Gov. Reynolds’ explanations are long overdue,” Quirmbach said.
Senator Quirmbach (D-Ames) is the Ranking Member of the Senate Education Committee.
Iowa state Sens. Janet Petersen, Herman Quirmbach, Todd Taylor, and Janice Weiner sent a letter to Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird on Thursday demanding answers on a stalled “audit” of the state’s victims’ services program, which her office has used to deny funding for medical care for survivors of sexual assault.
In the letter, the senators seek an explanation of the legal basis for Bird’s withholding of funds for emergency contraception and abortion services. State law and administrative rules clearly state that such services must be provided, raising serious questions about the legality of Bird’s decision to defund critical health services to victims of rape and incest.
“…no law or rule grants the Attorney General the discretion to prohibit medical care she personally disagrees with,” the senators wrote in the letter. “If you have evidence to the contrary, we would very much like to see it.”
The senators’ letter comes three months after a previous request for information from the office, which the attorney general never formally responded to. As in that first request, today’s letter seeks an explanation of Bird’s rationale for suspending critical victims services funding; an expected timeline for the office’s ongoing audit of victims services; and a list of all the services to survivors that have been suspended during that audit.
“Depriving funding for medical care to victims while your office continues its seemingly indefinite and indefensible audit is an attack on justice,” the senators wrote. “This deprivation is yet another violation to the victim’s bodily autonomy. Victims, advocates, prosecutors, and law enforcement deserve to know why needed resources are being withheld by your office.”
Petersen, D-Des Moines, serves on the Senate Judiciary and Health and Human Services committees, and is a longtime advocate for women, children, and survivors of sexual assault. Taylor, D-Cedar Rapids, is the ranking member on the Senate Justice Systems Appropriations Subcommittee. Quirmbach, D-Ames, and Weiner, D-Iowa City, serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee.
It’s been a momentous summer for reproductive rights in Iowa. Earlier this month, Republican politicians returned to Des Moines to pass a new 6-week abortion ban, blocking access in almost all cases before most women even know they are pregnant. I stood with my Democratic colleagues to resist this attack on Iowans’ basic freedom and right to decide their own futures.
Gov. Reynolds signed the bill into law in a political ceremony at a special interest event with Republican presidential candidates.
Now the law has been challenged in court and is on hold while that challenge is reviewed.
What’s happened so far:
On June 16, the Iowa Supreme Court deadlocked on a long-running case concerning a 6-week abortion ban passed by the legislature in 2018. The court’s action meant that near-total abortion ban could never be enforced.
At some point, the Iowa Supreme will decide on the governor’s appeal. Depending on that decision, the ban could take effect or remain on hold.
Meanwhile, the legal challenge to the new law will move forward in Polk County District Court. The court will consider the abortion ban on its constitutional merits, and ultimately rule on whether it should be allowed to take effect or not.
No matter how the district court rules, its decision will inevitably be appealed, leading the Iowa Supreme Court to review and ultimately rule on the case.
This entire process will take time. It’s possible a final Iowa Supreme Court ruling will not be issued until June, 2025.
Here’s the bottom line: Abortion remains safe and legal in Iowa, but our reproductive freedom has never been as threatened as it is right now.
We have a long fight ahead of us, and I’m sure it will take many twists and turns. But I’m proud to stand with the majority of Iowans who believe in reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, and every person’s right to make their own medical decisions and decide their own future.
Tax Free Weekend
It’s almost back to school season, and that means Tax Free Weekend is almost here.
Iowa’s tax-free weekend will be held Friday, August 3, and Saturday, August 4. All clothing and shoes under $100 are exempt from state and local sales taxes during the holiday, providing a helpful discount at individuals and families are stocking up for the new season.
It’s no wonder Reynolds tried to avoid providing this information: it proves once again that her $1 billion voucher scheme is a bad deal for Iowans.
Quick Updates
Summer travel is under way. So is seasonal construction. Getting ready to travel and wondering about construction zones and traffic slowdowns? Travelers can access current weather and construction conditions on Iowa roads through the 511 system 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit https://www.511ia.org/, check out the mobile app, or dial 511 or 1-800-288-1047 within Iowa on any telephone.
New Medicaid provider. A new care provider, Molina Healthcare has started serving Medicaid members as of July 1. Any members experiencing issues with the transition of care should call member services at 844-236-0894, and any providers seeking assistance should call provider services at 844-236-1464. I’m always available and happy to help solve problems as well.
Food for kids. Late last month, Iowa HHS confirmed that the state will apply for federal summer food assistance for children. This is a major win for Iowa, as the federal program helps support the health and well-being of kids, and Iowa joins a large majority of other states applying for the assistance.
Trends in kids’ health. The Department of Health and Human Services released a report on adolescent health and behavior trends. There are some positives and negatives included in the results, but I am hopeful that the passage of HF 602 will help. That bill required crisis line numbers be included on student ID cards, ensuring that young students have ready access to help if and when they need it.
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. A new federal law extending the right to reasonable accommodations for pregnant and postpartum workers across the country has officially taken effect! We’re seeing the Biden-Harris Administration’s continued commitment to supporting working women and families.
Tuition rises at Iowa’s public universities. The University of Iowa, Iowa State and UNI will raise in-state tuition this fall by 3.5 percent for in-state students. For Iowa students living on campus, the average overall increase including room and board and fees is $838.67. The tuition hikes enacted by the Board of Regents are the direct result of the state’s lack in financial support for higher education, and will make it harder for Iowans to go to college, stay in college, and remain in Iowa after college.
Expanding affordable high-speed internet. Over 300 local and national organizations are partnering with the U.S. Department of Education to launch Online for All, a campaign working to close the digital divide by focusing on internet access and affordability. The Affordable Connectivity Program, created through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, significantly lowers the cost of internet, and millions more eligible households could still benefit. Click here for a fact sheet with more details.
Iowa to get federal broadband grants. Iowa will receive $415 million for expanded broadband access in the most underserved areas of the state. This is more than the state has spent on the effort so far, with funding coming from the federal bipartisan infrastructure law that Congress passed and President Joe Biden signed in 2021. This is the eighth grant to have been made available in Iowa. Previous grants provided over $352 million to bring broadband service to 109,126 homes, schools and businesses in Iowa. For more information on the latest round of broadband grant funding click here.
In the Balance. Did you know Iowa’s Judicial Branch has a podcast? This month’s episode focuses on Iowa’s substance use disorder and statewide treatment specialty courts, but be sure to check out the archives for discussions on juvenile justice and Iowa’s first civil rights case.
Stamp your passport at Iowa state parks. Head to any or all of Iowa’s wonderful state parks this summer to find hidden gems found through the Iowa State Park Passport. Each park on the passport includes a “Hidden Gem” such as historical marker, scenic overlook, or special trail. Post a selfie at the hidden gem with the hashtag #IowaStateParks on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. The Iowa DNR will randomly select one photo to win an outdoor cooking package. Click here for more info.
“The six-week abortion ban rammed through the legislature last week is an unconstitutional and dangerous attack on Iowa women,” Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum, D-Dubuque, said.
“I’m relieved that the district court block this law, protecting Iowa women and allowing a thorough judicial review to take place,” Jochum said. “Iowans should be free to make their own healthcare decisions without government interference.”
Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum released the following statement on Friday following Gov. Reynolds’ signing of House File 732, the six-week abortion ban.
“Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill today that attacks the freedom and threatens the futures of Iowa women – and she did it before a crowd of special interest insiders,” Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum, D-Dubuque, said. “The lives and well-being of Iowa women are at risk for as long as this law is in effect.”
“Luckily for Iowans, a lawsuit challenging this dangerous attack on Iowa women has already been filed,” Jochum said. “I look forward to the Iowa courts blocking this law, giving it the legal scrutiny it deserves, and ultimately declaring it unconstitutional.”
Iowa Democratic senators responded to the extreme, near-total abortion ban introduced by Republican politicians and debated on the Senate floor on Tuesday.
Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum, SF 579 floor manager Janice Weiner, and Health and Human Services Committee Ranking Member Sarah Trone Garriott released the following statements.
“Republican politicians are ignoring Iowans in their rush to pass an extreme ban on 98% of abortions in Iowa,” Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum, D-Dubuque, said. “Their actions today threaten the health and futures of all Iowa women.”
“This extreme Republican power grab infringes on the personal freedom of every Iowa woman and girl. There are women alive today who will not be alive in six months because of this law,” Jochum said. “That is a tragedy and a travesty.”
“Democrats trust Iowa women. We believe in freedom and the right of every Iowan to decide their own futures – and we know the majority of Iowans agree with us,” Jochum said.
“Gov. Reynolds and legislative Republicans convened an unprecedented special session today for the sole purpose of taking away Iowans’ rights. They hoped they could do it quickly and quietly enough that we wouldn’t notice our freedoms being stripped away,” Sen. Janice Weiner, D-Iowa City, said. “But Iowans showed up. We see what these extreme Republicans are doing, we’re mad as hell, and we most definitely won’t forget.”
“The Republicans’ extreme, near-total abortion ban makes difficult circumstances so much worse for Iowa women – denying essential healthcare while offering no resources and no assistance,” Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-West Des Moines, said.
“Instead of calling legislators back to Des Moines to take away fundamental freedoms, we could have made a positive difference for Iowa women,” Trone Garriott said. “We could have expanded maternal healthcare, reinstated support for family planning, and offered more help with childcare. That’s what Iowa Democrats are fighting for – a state that supports Iowa families and helps them thrive.”
Following Governor Reynolds’ call for a special session, the Democratic Leaders of the Iowa House and Senate released the following statements on Republican plans to end reproductive freedom in Iowa.
Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum of Dubuque:
“We knew this would happen. Republican extremists, led by Gov. Kim Reynolds, are rushing to take away Iowans’ established rights and personal freedoms. And they hope they can do it fast enough that Iowans won’t even notice.
Now is the time for Iowans to fight back against an extreme abortion ban that will cost women their lives as well as their freedom. Iowans see how abortion bans have caused heartbreak, complications, and death in other states. We won’t stand for it here.
This attack on reproductive healthcare is opposed by a large majority of Iowans. Senate Democrats will be fighting for that majority on the Senate floor next week, and we call on every Iowan to join us.”
“I’m happy and relieved to see our state moving forward to feed Iowa kids this summer. This is the right thing to do for our families and communities,” Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott said. “We should never leave resources on the table when it comes to caring for our kids.”
“I appreciate the Department of Health and Human Services for listening to Iowans and agreeing to apply for this program,” Trone Garriott said. “And I especially want to thank all the organizations, faith leaders, and community leaders who came together to advocate on behalf of Iowa kids.”
“We know from previous years that this program supports families and feeds kids all across Iowa,” Sen. Izaah Knox said. “I’m proud to see people and communities coming together to secure these resources for our neighbors in need. Some things are above politics, and feeding hungry kids is one of them.”
Sens. Trone Garriott and Knox sent a letter along with state Rep. Sean Bagniewski to the governor last week requesting that the state apply for the funds. The full letter is available here.
Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-West Des Moines, is the ranking member on the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Sen. Izaah Knox is a Democrat from Des Moines.
