This is the third year in a row the state has failed to file its annual comprehensive financial report on time, due to the botched and ultimately aborted implementation of a new statewide financial software.
“The Reynolds Administration has not acted with a sense of urgency to fix this problem. Auditor Rob Sand’s office has assisted the universities on a work-around, but that still doesn’t solve the problem going forward,” Iowa Sen. Claire Celsi said.
“I urge the Reynolds Administration to put extra resources behind this so that the state can file next year’s report on time and get back on track,” Celsi said. “It’s disappointing that the Reynolds Administration has failed to prioritize this issue, putting funding at risk for our Regents universities.”
Celsi, D-West Des Moines, serves as the ranking member on the Senate Oversight Committee.
Des Moines – Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Thursday imploring her to accept federal food assistance for hungry Iowa kids this summer.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pandemic EBT program ensures that children who receive free and reduced lunches during the school year can continue to have access to nutritious foods during summer break.
Currently, Iowa is just one of 10 states that have not applied to this program for the summer of 2023. The deadline for the state to apply is July 14.
Iowa state Sens. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-West Des Moines, and Izaah Knox, D-Des Moines, and state Rep. Sean Bagniewski, D-Des Moines, sent a letter to Reynolds on Thursday asking her to take advantage of the program after they visited the White House last week.
“Our state government is responsible for promoting and protecting the health and well-being of our citizens, and our children in particular,” the lawmakers wrote to Gov. Reynolds. “Food is a basic need. If we want our children to grow up healthy, excel in their education, and be active in our community, they need to be fed. Practical, beneficial programs like Pandemic EBT are an important way to help Iowa kids.
“Governor Reynolds, we call on you to prioritize the health and wellbeing of Iowa children and act today. Direct your Departments to submit a plan now for the summer USDA Pandemic EBT program for the sake of our Iowa kids. Please do not leave federal money on the table while so many Iowa children are at risk of going hungry.”
A list of states that have been approved for the USDA summer program can be found on the program’s website. In addition to those already accessing the program, several states have applied but are not yet been fully approved.
Des Moines – Iowa state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott released the following statement regarding Friday’s Iowa Supreme Court decision on the Republican-passed state law banning abortion after 6 weeks.
Trone Garriott, D-West Des Moines, is the ranking member on the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and the Democratic Whip:
“Following today’s 3-3 Iowa Supreme Court decision, abortion remains safe and legal in Iowa – despite repeated attempts from Gov. Reynolds to enforce a near total abortion ban in the state.
“But the fight is not over. While Iowa’s courts have stood up for our rights based on the state constitution, a small group of extreme, anti-choice Republican politicians are still seeking to change both the courts and the constitution.
“With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, our rights are at risk. We fully expect a new attack on reproductive rights — perhaps from Gov. Reynolds calling an unprecedented special session in the next few months.
“Senate Democrats stand with the majority of Iowans who support safe and legal access to abortion. Now is the time to defend our rights. Tell your legislators that you refuse further attacks on abortion rights. Raise your voice, and rally your friends and neighbors to do the same. We must hold elected leaders accountable to the will of the people.”
Iowa Sen. Herman Quirmbach released the following statement on the increases in tuition, fees, and room and board at Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa. The increases were enacted for next school year by the Iowa Board of Regents on Wednesday.
The Board raised in-state tuition this fall by 3.5 percent for students at all three institutions. Base tuition increases for in-state students are $304 at ISU, $305 at U of I, and $285 at UNI. 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 today are the direct result of Des Moines Statehouse Republicans’ failure to support Iowans and build a stronger future for our state,” Iowa State Sen. Herman Quirmbach said. “These increases make it harder for Iowans to go to college, stay in college, and remain in Iowa after college.
“Senate and House Republicans denied the Regents universities any increase at all in their general funding. Had the Republicans granted the full increase the Board requested, it would have been enough to avoid any increase in costs for in-state students. Had the Republicans even gone along with Governor Reynold’s meager $12 million request, tuition increases for in-state undergraduates would have been unnecessary.
“Instead, Statehouse Republicans thumbed their noses at their own governor and passed the costs along to Iowa students and their families,“ Quirmbach said. “Republican politicians in Des Moines have once again chosen tax breaks for the wealthy and big corporations over a brighter future for the next generation of Iowans.”
Quirmbach, D-Ames, is the ranking member on the Senate Education Committee.
New Property Tax Breaks for 65+ and Veteran Homeowners
Attention homeowners: The Legislature came together this year to approve a statewide property tax relief package.
The package includes a new property tax exemption for homeowners aged 65 and older. Eligible homeowners will receive an exemption of $3,250 for assessment year 2023, increasing to $6,500 for 2024 and after. The package also increased the military service property tax exemption available to veteran homeowners from $1,852 to $4,000.
These exemptions will lower the taxable value of homes and reduce property taxes for those homeowners beginning in September 2024, and both are in addition to the existing homestead tax credit available to homeowners.
If you are an eligible homeowner, you will not need to re-file the property tax exemption application if you already have filed for the exemption with your local assessor.
That said, your local assessor’s office can help you determine if you qualify for either of these exemptions. Homeowners 65 and up may wish to submit an updated form that includes information that will more easily allow their assessor to determine eligibility for the new exemption. That new form is available online from the Department of Revenue.
This past weekend was the Second Annual Iowa Legislative Slow-Pitch Softball Game. House and Senate Democrats played a great game and bested the Republicans 10-6. More importantly, the charity event raised $25,000 each for the Puppy Jake Foundation and the Iowa Food Bank Association.
Events like this are a great reminder that even though we represent different sides, there’s more to unite us than divide us, and we can always come together to make our state stronger.
Check out a few photos from the event, held at Principal Park in Des Moines:
Quick Updates
Iowa’s budget. The budget approved by Gov. Reynolds and statehouse Republicans for the coming fiscal year totals $8.5 billion, with a surplus estimated by the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency at $2 billion. Unfortunately, this budget includes over $100 million for private school vouchers, a total cut of approximately $30 million to Area Education Agencies, and a $500,000 (more than 20%!) increase for the governor’s office. Check out LSA’s end-of-session report for more details on the budget, which takes effect July 1.
Juneteenth celebrations. Iowa Juneteenth celebrations are underway in communities all across Iowa. Find a nearby event here and join the jubilation! Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States, and takes place on June 19.
Vouchers public hearing June 20. The Department of Education will host a public hearing on the rules concerning the state’s new private school voucher program at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 20. Members of the public may comment on the proposed rulemaking in person at the Grimes State Office Building in Des Moines, via videoconference or in writing.
Scholarships available. Iowans can apply for the Last-Dollar Scholarship to pursue higher education in a high-demand career. Students who earned an Iowa high school diploma, enroll at least part-time in an eligible program of study, apply for all other available state and federal grants and scholarships, and meet ongoing requirements, are eligible for the Last-Dollar Scholarship. Recipients can choose from various high-demand programs in growing career fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and more. All applications must be submitted by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by August 1. Information is available at IowaCollegeAid.gov/LastDollar.
Recommended reading. During this past legislative session, Republican lawmakers passed numerous new laws that will negatively impact Iowa’s public health. Dr. David Drake summarizes many of the most harmful items in their agenda in this important Des Moines Register op-ed. Check it out.
Stay at the park. Did you know? There are more than 90 cabins available to rent in 20 state parks across Iowa. Ranging from yurts to studios to two-story modern family cabins and equipped with electricity, water, refrigerator, and indoor & outdoor cooking options, overnight lodging choices are plentiful and flexible. All state park cabins require a minimum 2-night stay, and some require a week-long stay during the peak season. Click here for more information and to reserve a spot.
Nutrition assistance at farmers markets. Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) aid is now available for Iowa WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) recipients and low-income seniors to purchase baked goods, eggs, jam, plants, flowers, and more at farmers markets from June 1 to October 31. The checks are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at local WIC agencies and Area Agency on Aging offices. For more information contact John Krzton-Presson at john.krzton-presson@IowaAgriculture.gov.
Check out your local library this summer to combat learning loss. School is out and keeping kids’ minds engaged during the months-long break from school can be tough. The 2023 Iowa Library’s summer program theme this year is “Find Your Voice,” and challenges participants to complete reading and activity sessions during the summer.
Democratic members of the Iowa Senate on Wednesday chose Sen. Pam Jochum of Dubuque to serve as the Democratic Leader of the Iowa Senate.
“I am honored to receive the unanimous support of my fellow Democratic Senators during this critical moment for our caucus and the state of Iowa,” Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum said.
“As a united team, Senate Democrats will continue to fight for the principles we believe in on behalf of the people of Iowa. We’re fighting for strong working families and the rights and freedoms of all people. We’re fighting for high-quality public education and affordable, accessible healthcare in every community.”
“Senate Democrats look forward to offering a better way forward for the people of Iowa – in 2024 and beyond. We’re going to defend our incumbent senators, grow our caucus, and win a majority that delivers for middle class Iowans.”
“I want to thank Sen. Wahls for his vision and leadership in guiding our caucus over the last three legislative sessions.”
Pam Jochum is serving her fourth term in the Iowa Senate and represents District 36, which encompasses the city of Dubuque and part of Dubuque County. She previously served as Senate President and most recently as an Assistant Democratic Leader.
Throughout her tenure in the statehouse, Jochum has played a leading role in expanding affordable health insurance coverage to thousands of working Iowans and has stood up for citizens with disabilities to protect their health services when the governor privatized Iowa’s Medicaid system.
Her influence is evident throughout Iowa law—from historic property tax cuts to revitalizing manufacturing to nationally acclaimed legislation on ethanol production, wind energy, solar energy and flood mitigation programs.
Born and raised in Dubuque, Jochum earned the value of a hard-day’s work from her parents, and the meaning of empathy and dignity from her daughter, Sarah. In addition to her legislative service, she worked as an administrator at Loras College, and at an insurance agency, Legal Aid, in financial services.
The next session of the Iowa General Assembly will convene on Monday, January 8, 2024.
The child-labor expansion bill, Senate File 542, was passed by Republican politicians on May 3, but has not yet been signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds.
“This letter confirms what we’ve argued since this debate began: in the rush to expand child labor in Iowa, Republican legislators will be inviting businesses to break federal law,” Sen. Nate Boulton, D-Des Moines, said. “Protections against unsafe and exploitative child labor are there for a reason, and failed measures to address Iowa’s workforce crisis is no excuse to undermine those safeguards.”
“Now it’s been confirmed: SF 542 violates federal law. Gov. Reynolds needs to veto this dangerous, unlawful bill to protect Iowa kids and ensure legal clarity for Iowa employers,” Boulton said.
“With active child investigations underway in Iowa, now is not the time to put more kids at risk in dangerous working environments,” said Rep. Jeff Cooling, D- Cedar Rapids, Ranking Member of the House Labor & Workforce Committee. “Since this bill was pushed by out-of-state special interests, the Governor should do what’s best for Iowans and veto the bill. It’s bad for Iowa kids, parents, and local Iowa businesses who may get fined.”
The letter, signed by two top officials at the U.S. Department of Labor, finds that SF 542 “appears to be inconsistent with federal child labor law in several respects.”
It finds that:
SF 542 allows 14- and 15-year-olds to perform non-incidental work in meat freezers – which is explicitly prohibited under federal law.
SF 542 allows 14- and 15-year-olds to work in industrial laundries and “perform light assembly work” – both of which are likely prohibited under federal law.
SF 542 expands the hours 14- and 15-year-olds may work to between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. during the school year and between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. over the summer. Federal law says they may only work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. over the summer.
SF 542 expands the hours 14- and 15-year-olds can work to 6 hours on a school day and up to 28 hours a week during the school year. This also violates federal law, which limits work hours to 3 hours on a school day and no more than 18 hours per week during the school year.
The letter also confirms that the Department is actively investigating incidents of illegal child labor in Iowa.
“…the Department currently has over 600 child labor investigations underway nationwide, including in Iowa, and continues to field complaints and initiate investigations to protect children under the federal child labor laws,” the letter states.
The letter clarifies that “states cannot nullify federal requirements by enacting less protective standards” and pledges to keep a closer watch on child labor in Iowa: “The Department will continue to closely monitor the status of child labor laws in Iowa and their potential ramifications for federal child labor law enforcement.”
Dated May 10, 2023, the response came after an initial letter sent by seven Democratic lawmakers on March 14 seeking the Department of Labor’s opinion on the legality of the proposed legislation. While SF 542 was amended after the lawmakers’ initial request was sent, the conflicts to federal law identified by the Department of Labor remain in the final version of the legislation that passed on May 3.
Iowa state Sen. Janet Petersen on Tuesday called on Gov Kim Reynolds to use her line-item veto power to resist a nearly $30 million cut to Iowa’s Area Education Agencies in the recently passed state budget.
“The state budget approved by Republican lawmakers slashes $22 million from special education services while handing over $107 million in Iowa taxpayer dollars to pay for Republicans’ new private school voucher program,” Sen. Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines, said.
“Iowans should be outraged. Taking away millions of dollars from our children’s special education services in every region of the state to pay for her new private school voucher program is wrong,” Petersen said. “Governor Reynolds should veto the cut.”
AEAs provide special education services to both public and private schools on a regional basis. Demand for those services will grow in coming years – and funding will decrease – as more students use vouchers to attend private schools that do not provide in-school special education services.
The bill containing the budget cuts has passed the legislature, but it has not yet been signed into law. Gov. Reynolds has the authority to strike specific line items from budget bills, meaning that she could remove $22 million in AEA budget cuts while approving the remainder of the bill.
Petersen on Tuesday also encouraged Iowans to contact the governor and add their voices to the call to preserve funding for children’s AEAs and special education in Iowa.
“Please call the governor’s office at 515-281-5211 and let her know that our AEAs provide vital services to Iowa’s kids who need it most,” Petersen said. “If the state can afford $107 million to subsidize exclusive private schools, it can also afford $22 million to ensure quality special education services continue in every Iowa community.”
Petersen, D-Des Moines, is the ranking member on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which leads the budget-writing process in the Senate.
Iowa State Senator Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, released the following statement on proposed tuition increases for next year at Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa.
“The tuition hikes considered today are just the latest result of Statehouse Republicans’ failure to support Iowans and build a stronger future for our state,” State Sen. Herman Quirmbach said. “These increases will make it harder for Iowans to go to college and will push many students further into debt.”
“Our state is facing a critical shortage of skilled workers. Instead of investing in our workforce and making it easier for Iowans to access the skills employers need, Republican politicians are raising college prices and making our challenges worse,” Quirmbach said. “The budget passed by the GOP majority this year contained no new funding for our public universities’ general operations – forcing them to raise tuition to cover increases in the colleges’ costs of providing necessary services.”
“State funding for higher education is now less than it was in 2016. Our Regents universities are starved for support – and Iowa students and their families are paying the price.”
Quirmbach, D-Ames, is the ranking member on the Senate Education Committee.
