Iowa Senate Democrats

Fighting for a Better Deal for Iowans.

  • Senator Celsi’s Jan. 17 Newsletter

    From the Desk of Senator Celsi

    Well, the 2025 Legislative Session kicked off this week, and I was honored to be sworn in for my third term in the Iowa Senate (you’ll find photos from the first day of session at the end of this newsletter!). This year, I’m excited to return to several committees and to join some new ones:

    • Government Oversight
    • Health and Human Services
    • Natural Resources
    • State Government
    • Transportation
    • Ways & Means
    • Budget: Administration and Regulation

    As the session unfolds, I encourage you to reach out with your questions, concerns, or thoughts about the issues that matter most to you. Your input is invaluable to me as I advocate in the Senate for our district and for all Iowans.

    Let’s get to work!

    Staying in Contact in 2025

    This week marked the beginning of Iowa’s 2025 legislative session. Over the next few months, my colleagues and I will be hard at work on your behalf at the Capitol and in our home districts. I want to thank you in advance for your passion and engagement on the issues facing Iowans today.

    This year, Senate Democrats will focus on providing opportunity to folks who just want a fair shot. We’ll be working on behalf of all Iowans to address wage theft and worker safety, to provide affordable and accessible housing and healthcare options, to properly fund and support public education and our AEAs, and to hold Republicans accountable when they prioritize special interests over Iowa families.

    With this weekly newsletter, I’ll be providing consistent updates on what’s happening at the Capitol so you can stay informed and active. Please continue to speak up for the issues you care about and stand up for our shared values. We’re in this fight together.

    In addition to this newsletter, you can follow me on social media and our website through the links below.

    Thank you for your continued support!

    The Condition of the State

    Governor Kim Reynolds used her annual Condition of the State address this week to paint a rosy picture of her administration’s leadership, but the reality just doesn’t back her up.

    Iowans aren’t better off than they were eight years ago. Housing isn’t more affordable, childcare isn’t more accessible, maternal and infant mortality rates continue to rise, and the gap between CEO and worker pay is larger than ever. There is so much work to be done.

    Let’s start with the bad. The governor introduced proposals last night that could threaten the long-term health of Iowa’s Unemployment Trust Fund and risk Medicaid recipients having their access to health care interrupted. She didn’t mention anything about expanding preschool access to the one-third of Iowa kids without it. She made no mention of the opioid settlement dollars sitting in state accounts that opioid-impacted Iowans desperately need. And she introduced a budget that will spend more money than the state takes in, forcing us to dip into our reserve funds.

    There are, however, opportunities for bipartisan cooperation this session, and I’m willing to work across the aisle to make Iowans’ lives better. We can address Iowa’s rising cancer rates, hands-free driving legislation, childcare access and availability, and cell phone usage in K-12 schools.

    I am for ensuring, safeguarding, and expanding opportunity for all Iowans. If my Republican colleagues want to make positive change, Senate Democrats and I are ready to work.

    Quick Updates

    • Radon Testing: The state Health and Human Services Department, in a partnership with the American Lung Association, is offering free radon testing kits for Iowans to use to measure radon levels in their home. Radon is one of the major causes for lung cancer, and if your home has not been tested recently, you may want to take advantage of the opportunity available through the state for a free test kit.
    • Find a place to return your empty beverage containers: Retailers have been allowed to refuse to redeem beverage containers that consumers had purchased at that retail location since changes to the Bottle Bill were passed in 2022. This has made it more difficult for a consumer to know where they can return their containers to collect their nickel deposit and make sure that the containers are recycled. Now Iowans can use a website developed by the Iowa Beverage Association to find sites where they are can redeem their containers. Iowans can go to Empties.org and enter their address to find locations nearby where they can return containers, either at a redemption center or a retail location.
    • A Virtual Mobile Clinic (VMC) now serves homeless Veterans in the Des Moines area: The VMC is a mobile medical facility that contains two exam rooms, a laboratory area, and waiting room and can accommodate 12-15 appointments each day, staffed by a registered nurse, two telehealth technicians, and a driver. On Fridays, it will now be stationed at VA’s facility that supports Veterans experiencing homelessness in downtown Des Moines. The VMC offers vaccines, cancer and HIV screening, in addition to primary care. The downtown Veterans facility, the Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC) is located at 1223 Center Street and veterans can use this facility to search for jobs, launder clothes, and receive other basic needs.
    • IRS opens Free File for Taxes: The Internal Revenue Service announced the IRS Free File Guided Tax Software has opened for taxpayers ahead of the official start of tax season later this month. Starting Jan. 10, the IRS Free File will begin accepting individual tax returns. Taxpayers can access free tools offered by trusted IRS Free File partners by visiting www.irs.gov/freefile.
    • Care for caregivers’ online series: Iowans who want to take better care of themselves as they care for others can enroll in Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a series of classes offered virtually by ISU Extension and Outreach. The next six-week online series begins Feb. 3, 1–2:30 p.m. The $40 fee registration fee also includes a guidebook. Online registration is now open. For more information about Powerful Tools for Caregivers, call 563-886-6157.
    • Grants available for tree plantings at Iowa schools: The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), through the USDA Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters 2023 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), received funds for schools to plant trees. A total of $105,000 in funds are available to help increase and diversify tree cover on school grounds, encouraging students to plant trees. Grant funding is up to $5,000 per project. Apply online at www.iowadnr.gov/urbanforestry by March 21.
    • Find a summer job in your favorite park or forest: Work alongside conservation and law enforcement professionals in an Iowa state park or forest this summer! Seasonal workers will explore the outdoors by performing hands-on duties in park management, natural resource practices, visitor engagement, and/or law enforcement. Apply at: www.iowadnr.gov/employment

    This Week in the Capitol

    I was joined on the first day of session by my family. (L to R) Daughter Bailey, Mom Ellen, Granddaughter Mia, Husband Todd, Daughter Chelsey, and Sister Teresa.

  • Senator Claire Celsi’s December 2024 Newsletter

    Senator Claire Celsi’s December 2024 Newsletter

    From the Desk of Senator Claire Celsi

    My Legislative Priorities

    Last month, my Senate colleagues and I distributed a survey to our constituents, seeking input ahead of the 2025 legislative session. We wanted to hear directly from you about your top priorities heading into the new year, and you delivered!

    It is certainly no surprise to me that the top three issues identified were public education, reproductive rights, and protecting the environment. Take a look at the graphic below to see a visualization of the top issues you said lawmakers should focus on in the upcoming session.

    I will continue focus on these priorities and keep listening to your concerns as the legislative session unfolds.

    As your Senator, these are the things I’ve been working on for years. Rest assured that I will continue to advocate for you in the Iowa Senate.

    Happy Holidays!

    As 2024 comes to a close, I want to wish you all a joyful holiday season! May your days overflow with happiness, rest, and well-deserved relaxation. I hope you have an abundance of quality time with your loved ones, good food, and peace. Thank you for your time, patience, and effort this year.

    I’ll see you in 2025!

    Quick Updates

    • The Iowa Department of Education released updated Iowa School Performance Profiles for 2023-24. These profiles assess schools on indicators like English, math, and science proficiencies, student growth, and graduation rates. This year, 35 schools were identified for comprehensive support. Parents and educators can use these profiles to understand their school’s strengths and areas for improvement. Learn more atIowa School Performance Profiles.
    • Engaged families make a big difference in student success at school! Here are a few ways parents can help their children over the holiday breaks from school.
      • Daily Reading: Read with your child for 15-20 minutes daily to build literacy skills.
      • Math Practice: Incorporate math into everyday activities like cooking or shopping.
      • Work–based Learning: Find a project around the house and have your student lead the work over school breaks.
    • Iowa State University is ranked #1 in Iowa, #6 in the Midwest, and #14 nationally in the 2025 Top 50 Entrepreneurship Undergraduate rankings by The Princeton Review and Entrepreneur. Iowa State offers a major and cross-disciplinary minor in entrepreneurship. Students also have access to the Start Something Network, which provides support and resources for students who want to start their own business, market a new product, or collaborate with other students and faculty on an innovative solution.
    • Regional Teachers of the Year: The Iowa Department of Education announced nine teachers, representing all education regions of the state, as the first-ever Iowa Regional Teachers of the Year. Each teacher represents outstanding achievements in K-12 instruction. Each winner was nominated by their fellow Iowans and is a candidate to be Iowa’s next Teacher of the Year. More information about the Regional Teachers of the Year and the award process is available on the Department’s website.
    • ACA Open Enrollment until Jan. 15: The health insurance marketplace available through the Affordable Care Act is now open for individuals who are seeking to enroll in a plan for the first time or change their current plan. The Iowa Insurance Division published some helpful guidance for individuals considering open enrollment, and Iowa has ACA navigators available to help provide direct non-biased counseling for individuals throughout the open enrollment period.
    • IPERS announces highest investment return in three years: IPERS has announced its investment program earned a 9.07% return in FY2024, exceeding its policy benchmark of 8.80%. At the conclusion of FY2024, the value of the IPERS Trust Fund equaled $43.61 billion, a $2.48 billion increase from the same time in FY2023.
    • State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa introduces competition for grade schools: The State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa is launching the Junior State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering a love for science and technology among younger students in grades 3-5. This innovative program is designed to provide early exposure to scientific inquiry and technological exploration, creating a strong foundation for future STEM leaders. Registration for the Junior State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa is now open, and more information can be found on the SSTFI website.
    • Applications Now Open to Boost Tourism, Attract Visitors, and Workforce: Community applications are now open for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s First Impressions program. The program is a comprehensive tourism and community assessment partnership between Iowa State University and the Iowa Economic Development Authority/Iowa Tourism Office. Communities with a population of 10,000 or fewer are invited to apply, and five Iowa communities will be selected for the 2025 program year. Visit the First Impressions website for program information, a list of community responsibilities, program fees, and the application form.
    • Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program grants awarded: The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is investing more than $5.2 million in 24 Iowa projects and other supply chain improvement initiatives through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program. The intent of RFSI is to build resilience in the middle of the food supply chain by developing and expanding markets for Iowa’s small farms and food businesses. The following are local recipients:
      • HoQ Restaurant, Des Moines: HoQ Restaurant will purchase equipment to increase the production and distribution of processed products. This expansion will include growth into new markets beyond central Iowa. As a result, they will purchase additional ingredients and larger quantities of produce from local and regional producers. They anticipate adding two full-time positions to support this growth.
      • Iowa Food Cooperative, Des Moines: Iowa Food Cooperative will increase their capacity to store, aggregate, and deliver more wholesale orders. They will purchase a commercial cooler, freezer, and delivery van to expand capacity for cross-docking, aggregation, and distribution of wholesale orders to institutions, restaurants, and other local businesses.
    • Manage Winter Home Energy Costs: With rising energy costs, it’s important for homeowners and renters to plan their budget each month to cover their various utility bills. The highest utility cost is typically for heating the home. For more information, contact Iowa Concern at 800-447-1985 and ask for free financial counseling.
    • Check eligibility and request energy assistance: The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program assists households with a portion of the home heating bills, particularly households facing disconnection or who have trouble paying their utility bill. The Iowa Health and Human Services website includes a general overview of LIHEAP, as well as a link to local community action agencies. Individuals may apply for the program at the community action agency in their county.
    • State Law Library receives praise: A recent ranking of American libraries placed the State Law Library of Iowa among the top 20 most stunning in the country. The State Law Library is located at the Iowa State Capitol and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In-person Capitol tours, including the State Law Library, can be scheduled on the Legislature’s website.
    • Heroic Iowans Honored: On Wednesday, Dec. 11, the recipients of the 2024 Sullivan Brothers’ Award of Valor and Governor’s Lifesaving Awards were announced. Recipients include public safety officers and private citizens representing Oelwein, Adel, Cedar Falls, Spirit Lake, and Spencer. Read their stories here, as well as applications to nominate heroes in your community for 2025.

    On Social Media

    I am active on many social media platforms and would love to have you follow along there to get the latest news for our district from the Senate.