Official | Iowa Senate Democrats

Appropriations Ranking Member on year-end balance

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

The Governor is cheering today because there’s still money in the state’s bank account. That would be great news if she and the Republican-controlled Legislature hadn’t slashed funding for job training and higher education, reduced protections for seniors and other vulnerable Iowans, and made health care less accessible for thousand of Iowans.

How can we stop the increase in Iowa suicides?

6 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Health care, Issues, Jobs & Economy, Official, Quality of life

The U.S. has seen a jump in suicides in recent years, with rural states being hardest hit. Iowa’s suicide rate increased more than 35 percent between 1999 and 2016. Mental illness, economic hardship, relationship problems, substance abuse, poor health and other crises increase a person’s risk of suicide. September’s National ...

Statement from Sen. Pam Jochum on passing of Sarah Jochum, her daughter

6 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, News releases, Official

“As we mourn Sarah’s passing, our family is also celebrating the impact that Sarah had for 41 years on our lives and the lives of so many Iowans. Sarah taught all of us about unconditional love. Sarah loved everyone and touched so many hearts.”

What happens when you privatize Medicaid?

6 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Health care, Issues, Official

In a video released Sunday, AJ+ looks at “what happens when a state puts a crucial social safety net in the hands of for-profit companies.” It’s a devastating report on Iowa’s Medicaid privatization that features Senator Pam Jochum of Dubuque, as well as Iowans who are suffering under the #MedicaidMess.

Petersen: Medicaid increase is GOP’s ‘gut punch’ to Iowa taxpayers

6 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Consumer protections, Fiscal responsibility, Health care, Issues, Official, Quality of life

Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen on GOP’s ‘gut punch’ to Iowa taxpayers “Iowa families, health care providers and taxpayers received a gut punch today because of the mismanagement of privatized Medicaid by Governor Reynolds, Senate Republicans and House Republicans. “Taxpayers are being hurt because they must now pay ...

Senate Dem Leader on passing of Congressman Boswell

6 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, News releases, Official

Leonard Boswell served the state of Iowa and our nation with distinction. He fought hard for his constituents and for the best interest of the state that he loved. He supported expanding access to affordable health care, providing better service to our veterans, and making higher education affordable for working Iowan families.

Two new laws will help protect your credit

6 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Consumer protections, Issues, Official, Safer communities, Working families

Credit reporting agencies can no longer charge fees when you freeze checks on your credit reports, and tougher penalties are now in place for criminals who use technology to steal your credit card.

Proposal to close UI Labor Center is “latest gut punch” to Iowa workers

6 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Fiscal responsibility, Issues, News releases, Official, Working families

I am deeply disappointed at the proposed closure the UI Labor Center. This proposal is the latest gut punch to Iowa workers and their families. This is a terrible time to even consider closing the UI Labor Center.

Dem Leaders: Labor Center will close because of misplaced GOP priorities

6 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Fiscal responsibility, Issues, News releases, Official, Working families

This is not the first negative consequence of Republican fiscal mismanagement. The Republican budgets for our three universities have already raised tuition on working families.

Senate Dem Leader on passing of former Governor Bob Ray

6 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, News releases, Official

Governor Ray was a model leader who served with style, courage and humility to make our state a better place. He strengthened worker rights, made Iowa a welcoming state for immigrants and refugees, expanded voter rights, cleaned up the environment, and improved opportunities for working Iowa families to improve their lives.

Official post archive: Page 36