Iowa Senate Democrats

Fighting for a Better Deal for Iowans.

  • Mathis named Legislative Friend of Housing

    Iowa Senate News Release
    For Immediate Release:  September 4, 2019

    Senator Liz Mathis receives “2019 Legislative Friend of Housing” Award

    CEDAR RAPIDS: Today State Senator Liz Mathis of Hiawatha received the 2019 “Legislative Friend of Housing” award at the statewide 2019 Housing Iowa Conference currently being held in Cedar Rapids. 

    The award recognizes “a legislator who has actively participated in committees involving affordable housing legislation, has developed strong grass roots initiatives and makes improving the lives of Iowans through affordable housing an integral part of his/her legislative work.”*

    “There are few things more important in life than a home that is safe and affordable,” Mathis said. “Iowa communities both large and small struggle to provide families with high quality, affordable places to live.  In the State Senate, I’ve focused on housing because solving this problem will help our children succeed, help businesses grow, and improve the lives of Iowa seniors.

    The specific work that led to Mathis’ nomination included:

    • Helping lead the restoration of flooded Cedar Rapids homes.
    • Expanding affordable housing for workers after the floods.
    • Working to restore single-family housing in a core neighborhood that was under stress.
    • Organizing a state-wide tour of affordable housing in the cities of Dubuque, Des Moines and Carroll.

    Housing legislation Senator Mathis helped pass or fund include: the State Housing Trust Fund, the Workforce Housing Tax Credit, the creation of a new state income tax exemption for deposits in a First-time Homebuyer Savings Account, Workforce Housing Set-Asides for Iowa’s smaller communities, the Home Ownership Assistance Program for military service members and veterans, and Redevelopment Tax Credits.

    Senator Mathis is the ranking member of the Human Resources Committee and Ag & Natural Resources Budget. She also serves on the Agriculture, Appropriations, Commerce and Ethics committees.  Additional information and photos of Senator Mathis can be found at http://www.senate.iowa.gov/senator/mathis/

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    * https://www.housingiowaconference.com/awards/legislative-friend-of-housing-award

  • Statement on complaint against David Jamison

    Iowa Senate News
    For Immediate Release: April 26, 2018

    Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen
    on release of harassment complaint against David Jamison

    Redacted complaint by IFA employee

    “For all her talk about zero tolerance and protecting the victims of workplace harassment, it’s clear that Governor Reynolds has been more interested in protecting her friend David Jamison.

    “Taxpayers deserve full disclosure of all complaints against David Jamison during his tenure in state government.

    “Governor Reynolds should also immediately order an external investigation into concerns expressed by the victim that there was a culture at the Iowa Finance Authority where she and other staff feared being retaliated against if they filed complaints. This allegation is eerily similar to those raised by Senate employees during an internal investigation last year.

    “In addition, Governor Reynolds should release the number of harassment complaints brought by state employees since she took office in 2011. Any public information about those cases should also be released immediately.”

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