Iowa Senate Democrats

Fighting for a Better Deal for Iowans.

  • Legislative leaders to decide on medical cannabis special committee

    For Immediate Release: July 9, 2019

    Special committee would provide path for bipartisan agreement on medical cannabis

    —

    Decision to be made by legislative leaders this Thursday, July 11, at Iowa Statehouse

    This Thursday, the leaders of the Iowa Legislature will be asked to create an interim committee to hammer out reforms of Iowa’s “worst in the nation” medical cannabis program.  

    After several years without progress, a comprehensive bill was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support during the 2019 session.  A month later, Governor Reynolds vetoed the bill. An effort to override that veto fell short last month.

    A study committee on medical cannabis reform offers the surest chance of success because it would allow input from advocates, medical experts and other interested Iowans, according to Sen. Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City and Rep. John Forbes of Urbandale.

    “Year after year, Iowa families have traveled to the Statehouse pleading for help,” Bolkcom said.  “After listening to Iowans, we should hammer out a fix that is ready to go the day the 2020 session begins in January.” 

    “All we need to do is focus on helping suffering families.  That’s it,” said Representative John Forbes, an Urbandale pharmacist.  “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. All Iowa has to do is approve what’s working in other states and get the heck out of the way.”

    The Legislative Council’s Studies Committee is scheduled to meet at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, July 11, 2019, in Room 22 of the Iowa State Capitol.

    ###

    [pdf-embedder url=”http://www.senate.iowa.gov/democrats/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Interim-committee-request-letter_FINAL-1.pdf” title=”Interim committee request letter_FINAL”]

    Contact the legislative council and encourage them to support an interim committee: http://bit.ly/Iowa-Leg-Council-7-2019

    Breckenridge, Wes [LEGIS] <Wes.Breckenridge@legis.iowa.gov>; Deyoe, Dave [LEGIS] <Dave.Deyoe@legis.iowa.gov>; Grassley, Pat [LEGIS] <Pat.Grassley@legis.iowa.gov>; Hagenow, Chris [LEGIS] <Chris.Hagenow@legis.iowa.gov>; Hall, Chris [LEGIS] <Chris.Hall@legis.iowa.gov>; Hein, Lee [LEGIS] <Lee.Hein@legis.iowa.gov>; Oldson, Jo [LEGIS] <Jo.Oldson@legis.iowa.gov>; Prichard, Todd [LEGIS] <Todd.Prichard@legis.iowa.gov>; Steckman, Sharon [LEGIS] <Sharon.Steckman@legis.iowa.gov>; Upmeyer, Linda [LEGIS] <Linda.Upmeyer@legis.iowa.gov>; Wills, John [LEGIS] <John.Wills@legis.iowa.gov>; Windschitl, Matt [LEGIS] <Matt.Windschitl@legis.iowa.gov>; Behn, Jerry [LEGIS] <Jerry.Behn@legis.iowa.gov>; Bolkcom, Joe [LEGIS] <Joe.Bolkcom@legis.iowa.gov>; Chapman, Jake [LEGIS] <Jake.Chapman@legis.iowa.gov>; Feenstra, Randy [LEGIS] <Randy.Feenstra@legis.iowa.gov>; Jochum, Pam [LEGIS] <Pam.Jochum@legis.iowa.gov>; Lykam, Jim [LEGIS] <Jim.Lykam@legis.iowa.gov>; Petersen, Janet [LEGIS] <Janet.Petersen@legis.iowa.gov>; Ragan, Amanda [LEGIS] <Amanda.Ragan@legis.iowa.gov>; Schneider, Charles [LEGIS] <Charles.Schneider@legis.iowa.gov>; Sinclair, Amy [LEGIS] <Amy.Sinclair@legis.iowa.gov>; Whitver, Jack [LEGIS] <Jack.Whitver@legis.iowa.gov>; Zumbach, Dan [LEGIS] <Dan.Zumbach@legis.iowa.gov>

  • Fight for medical cannabis reforms continues

    For Immediate Release: July 1, 2019

    Legislative leaders announce next steps in the fight for Iowa medical cannabis reforms

    News Conf Video: https://youtu.be/3LZjZNil7gQ

    Legislative advocates for reforming Iowa’s “worst in the nation” medical cannabis program say they will keep fighting for much needed reforms vetoed by Governor Reynolds.

    “Representative Forbes and I called on our colleagues to join us in calling for a special session to overturn Governor Reynold misguided veto of modest improvements to Iowa medical cannabis program,” said Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City.  “We are happy to report that every Democratic member of the Iowa Senate and Iowa House signed the call for a special session. Unfortunately, not a single Republican lawmaker acted to defend their votes.”

    In April, House File 732 passed the Iowa House by a vote of 96 to 3 and the Iowa Senate by a vote of 40 to 7.

    “We gave our Republican colleagues the opportunity to make a wrong by the governor into a right. They ignored us,” said Representative Forbes. “Now it is time to take action to make sure Iowa’s elected officials are advocates for people who are sick and not able to access and afford effective medicines.”

    The two legislators said they would immediately press for a legislative interim committee to prepare legislation for passage early in the next session beginning in January, 2020.

    “An interim committee would include public meetings and public input,” Bolkcom said.  “Secret meetings between the Governor and legislative Republicans failed to get the job done.  The Legislature needs to listen to patients and create a better program that meets their needs.”

    The Legislative Council Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday, July 11, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. in Room 22, at the State Capitol.

    “The July 11th meeting will be very important for Iowans who want to have the same access to effective medicines that most other Americans already have,” said Forbes.  “The goal now must be seeing the necessary medical cannabis reforms signed into law shortly after the January start of the 2020 session.”

    ###

  • Iowans urged to ask legislators to stand by votes

    Iowa Legislature Release
    For Immediate Release: June 24, 2019 

     

    Medical cannabis veto override is more than halfway to goal

    Iowans urged to contact legislators who voted for reforms but have yet to defend their votes

    Des Moines, Iowa – Iowans pushing to overturn Governor Reynolds’ veto of medical cannabis reforms are more than halfway to their goal of calling for a special session.

    House File 732 would have made substantial improvements to Iowa’s “worst in the nation” medical cannabis law.  It was overwhelmingly approved in April by the Iowa House on a vote of 96 to 3 and by the Iowa Senate on a vote of 40 to 7.

    A special session to override the veto will be held if two-thirds of the members of the House (67) and two-thirds of the Senate (34) each submit a written request.

    As of Monday, June 24, Iowa’s 18 Democratic State Senators and 47 Democratic State Representatives have all either submitted or plan to submit a request for a special session.

    It is unclear whether any of the Republicans who voted for the bill–50 in the House and 24 in the Senate–have requested a special session.

    “The voices of ordinary Iowans have gotten us this far.  They need to keep fighting because that is the only way this mean-spirited veto will be overridden,” said Senator Joe Bolkcom.  “I urge every Iowan to encourage Republican legislators to defend their votes for urgently needed Iowa medical cannabis reforms.”

    More information about the effort to pass Iowa medical cannabis reform can be found here: http://bit.ly/Override-the-veto

    Below is a list of the members of the Iowa House and Senate who voted for Iowa Medical cannabis and who have not yet expressed support for a special session to override the veto.

    Sen Waylon Brown, (641)-590-0610, waylon.brown@legis.iowa.gov, St Ansgar

    Sen Jake Chapman, (515)-650-3942, jake.chapman@legis.iowa.gov, Adel

    Sen Chris Cournoyer, (563)-289-7335, chris.cournoyer@legis.iowa.gov, LeClaire

    Sen Jeff Edler, (641)-751-5902, jeff.edler@legis.iowa.gov, State Center

    Sen Thomas A. Greene, (319)-750-6579, tom.greene@legis.iowa.gov, Burlington

    Sen Dennis Guth, (641)-430-0424, dennis.guth@legis.iowa.gov, Klemme

    Sen Craig Johnson, (319)-334-2413, craig.johnson@legis.iowa.gov, Independence

    Sen Tim L. Kapucian, (319)-334-2413, tim.kapucian@legis.iowa.gov, Keystone

    Sen Carrie Koelker, (563)-590-5975, carrie.koelker@legis.iowa.gov, Dyersville

    Sen Tim Kraayenbrink, (515)-408-4770, tim.kraayenbrink@legis.iowa.gov, Fort Dodge

    Sen Mark S. Lofgren, (563)-272-8683, mark.lofgren@legis.iowa.gov, Muscatine

    Sen Mariannette Miller-Meeks, (641)-683-7551, mariannette.miller-meeks@legis.iowa.gov, Ottumwa

    Sen Zach Nunn, (515)-519-2246, zach.nunn@legis.iowa.gov, Altoona

    Sen Ken Rozenboom, (641)-295-6551, ken.rozenboom@legis.iowa.gov, Oskaloosa

    Sen Charles Schneider, (515)-657-7375, charles.schneider@legis.iowa.gov, West Des Moines

    Sen Jason Schultz, (712)-269-2178, jason.schultz@legis.iowa.gov, Schleswig

    Sen Mark Segebart, (712)-269-4519, mark.segebart@legis.iowa.gov, Vail

    Sen Tom Shipley, (712)-785-3583, tom.shipley@legis.iowa.gov, Nodaway

    Sen Amy Sinclair, (641)-870-0199, amy.sinclair@legis.iowa.gov, Allerton

    Sen Roby Smith, (563)-386-0179, roby.smith@legis.iowa.gov, Davenport

    Sen Annette Sweeney, (641)-373-4899, annette.sweeney@legis.iowa.gov, Alden

    Sen Jack Whitver, (515)-281-3371, jack.whitver@legis.iowa.gov, Spirit Lake

    Sen Brad Zaun, (515)-276-2025, brad.zaun@legis.iowa.gov, Urbandale

    Sen Dan Zumbach, (563)-920-5094, dan.zumbach@legis.iowa.gov, Ryan

    Rep Robert P. Bacon, Not Listed, rob.bacon@legis.iowa.gov, Nevada

    Rep Michael R. Bergan, (563)-380-3974, michael.bergan@legis.iowa.gov, Dorchester

    Rep Brian Best, (712)-830-1844, brian.best@legis.iowa.gov, Glidden

    Rep Jacob Bossman, (712)-251-4541, jacob.bossman@legis.iowa.gov, Sioux City

    Rep Holly Brink, (641)-295-7111, holly.brink@legis.iowa.gov, Oskaloosa

    Rep Gary L. Carlson, (563)-299-7021, gary.carlson@legis.iowa.gov, Muscatine

    Rep Dave Deyoe, (515)-382-2352, dave.deyoe@legis.iowa.gov, Nevada

    Rep Cecil Dolecheck, (641)-464-2913, cecil.dolecheck@legis.iowa.gov, Mount Ayr

    Rep Dean Fisher, (641)-750-3594, dean.fisher@legis.iowa.gov, Montour

    Rep Joel Fry, (641)-342-1017, joel.fry@legis.iowa.gov, Osceola

    Rep Tedd Gassman, (515)-538-0117, tedd.gassman@legis.iowa.gov, Scarville

    Rep Thomas D. Gerhold, (319)-361-2950, thomas.gerhold@legis.iowa.gov, Atkins

    Rep Pat Grassley, (319)-214-0351, pat.grassley@legis.iowa.gov, New Hartford

    Rep Chris Hagenow, (515)-274-1652, chris.hagenow@legis.iowa.gov, Urbandale

    Rep Mary Ann Hanusa, (712)-256-5159, mary.ann.hanusa@legis.iowa.gov, Council Bluffs

    Rep Lee Hein, (319)-480-1997, lee.hein@legis.iowa.gov, Monticello

    Rep Ashley Hinson, Not Listed, ashley.hinson@legis.iowa.gov, Marion

    Rep Dustin D. Hite, Not Listed, dustin.hite@legis.iowa.gov, Not Listed

    Rep Steven Holt, (712)-269-4042, steven.holt@legis.iowa.gov, Denison

    Rep Daniel Adair Huseman, (712)-434-5880, dan.huseman@legis.iowa.gov, Aurelia

    Rep Jon Jacobsen, Not Listed, jon.jacobsen@legis.iowa.gov, Council Bluffs

    Rep Tom Jeneary, (712)-539-1275, tom.jeneary@legis.iowa.gov, Le Mars

    Rep Megan Jones, (515)-991-7337, megan.jones@legis.iowa.gov, Not Listed

    Rep Bobby Kaufmann, Not Listed, bobby.kaufmann@legis.iowa.gov, Wilton

    Rep David Kerr, Not Listed, david.kerr@legis.iowa.gov, Morning Sun

    Rep Jarad Klein, Not Listed, jarad.klein@legis.iowa.gov, Keota

    Rep John Landon, (515)-249-0348, john.landon@legis.iowa.gov, Ankeny

    Rep Brian K. Lohse, (515)-519-2347, brian.lohse@legis.iowa.gov, Bondurant

    Rep Shannon Lundgren, (515)-428-0809, shannon.lundgren@legis.iowa.gov, Not Listed

    Rep David E. Maxwell, (641)-660-0792, dave.maxwell@legis.iowa.gov, Gibson

    Rep Ann Meyer, (515)-570-6610, ann.meyer@legis.iowa.gov, Fort Dodge

    Rep Joe Mitchell, Not Listed, joe.mitchell@legis.iowa.gov, Not Listed

    Rep Gary M. Mohr, Not Listed, gary.mohr@legis.iowa.gov, Bettendorf

    Rep Norlin G. Mommsen, (563)-357-9826, norlin.mommsen@legis.iowa.gov, DeWitt

    Rep Tom Moore, Not Listed, tom.moore@legis.iowa.gov, Griswold

    Rep Anne Osmundson, (563)-880-8227, anne.osmundson@legis.iowa.gov, Volga

    Rep Ross C. Paustian, (563)-284-6783, ross.paustian@legis.iowa.gov, Walcott

    Rep Sandy Salmon, (319)-987-3021, sandy.salmon@legis.iowa.gov, Janesville

    Rep Mike Sexton, (712)-830-3960, mike.sexton@legis.iowa.gov, Rockwell City

    Rep Jeff Shipley, (319)-432-3108, jeff.shipley@legis.iowa.gov, Fairfield

    Rep David Sieck, Not Listed, david.sieck@legis.iowa.gov, Glenwood

    Rep Ray Sorensen, (712)-525-0580, ray.sorensen@legis.iowa.gov, Not Listed

    Rep Phil Thompson, Not Listed, phil.thompson@legis.iowa.gov, Not Listed

    Rep Jon Thorup, (641)-891-9357, jon.thorup@legis.iowa.gov, Knoxville

    Rep Linda L. Upmeyer, (641)-357-8807, linda.upmeyer@legis.iowa.gov, Clear Lake

    Rep Skyler Wheeler, (712)-441-7444, skyler.wheeler@legis.iowa.gov, Not Listed

    Rep John H. Wills, (712)-330-9492, john.wills@legis.iowa.gov, Spirit Lake

    Rep Matt W. Windschitl, (712)-642-4334, matt.windschitl@legis.iowa.gov, Missouri Valley

    Rep Gary Worthan, (712)-732-6340, gary.worthan@legis.iowa.gov, Storm Lake

    Rep Louis J. Zumbach, Not Listed, louie.zumbach@legis.iowa.gov, Coggon

    ###

  • Legislators call for override of Governor’s medical cannabis veto

    For Immediate Release: May 29, 2019 

    Legislators launch effort to override Governor’s veto on cannabis

    Suffering Iowans have waited long enough

    Des Moines, Iowa — Two Iowa lawmakers announced a statewide effort to override Governor Reynold’s last-minute veto to HF 732, a collection of urgently needed Iowa medical cannabis reforms.

    “The Governor’s last-minute veto was devastating to Iowans suffering from debilitating conditions– like cancer, epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease– who worked for years to pass this legislation,” said Democratic State Rep. John Forbes, an Urbandale pharmacist. “But because they lived in Iowa, some died without access to effective medicines. Enough is enough. The 96 members of the Iowa House and the 40 members of the Iowa Senate who voted to help these Iowans must stand up and defend their votes.”

    “The bipartisan bill we approved last session, House File 732, does two main things. First, physician assistants and nurses can certify that you have one of covered conditions, and two, Iowa’s ridiculously low THC cap will be lifted. Iowa should no longer have the nation’s worst medical cannabis program. That’s common sense. That’s why it passed overwhelmingly in the Iowa House and Senate. And that’s why Iowans must insist that this legislation become law,” added State Sen. Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City.

    Late Friday afternoon, Governor Reynolds vetoed House File 732, which was the last bill she took action on following the 2019 legislative session. To override the veto, two thirds of lawmakers in each chamber must request a special session of the Legislature to take action. Lawmakers will be receiving a letter and request to override the veto later this week.

    ###

  • Legislators disappointed by governor’s veto of bipartisan help for suffering Iowans

    Iowa House and Senate
    For Immediate Release:  May 24, 2019

    Legislative supporters of strengthening Iowa’s weak medical cannabis program are disappointed Governor Reynolds vetoed HF 732 today.

    “The Governor’s veto is distressing news for thousands of sick and vulnerable Iowans who deserve greater access to this life-changing medication. I’m deeply disappointed that the Governor vetoed this bi-partisan bill, which passed overwhelmingly in both the House and Senate,” said Representative John Forbes, an Urbandale pharmacist.

    For the last five years, sick, vulnerable Iowans from across the state have been a regular presence at the Iowa Statehouse. The focus this session was improving what has been called the nation’s “least helpful medical cannabis law.” House File 732 passed the Iowa House by a vote of 96 to 3 and the Iowa Senate by a vote of 40 to 7.

    “Iowa’s medical cannabis program is too bureaucratic, too expensive and makes thousands of sick Iowans needlessly suffer,” said State Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City.  “Iowa’s law covers a very limited number of conditions and imposes arbitrary limits not found in other states.

    On February 23, 2019, the Iowa Poll found that 78% of Iowans want the state’s medical cannabis program expanded.

    -end-

  • Republicans once again turn their backs on suffering Iowans

    April 4, 2019

    Statement by Senator Joe Bolkcom

    Republicans voted today to continue to restrict access to THC in medical cannabis. Their decision means thousands of Iowans will continue suffer needlessly.

    Iowa is the only state with a comprehensive medical cannabis program that has limits on THC medicine. Iowa has the nation’s most restrictive, most unworkable, and least compassionate medical cannabis program.

    Iowans who want to fix our state’s broken medical cannabis program should contact their legislators, especially Republicans, before the Legislature adjourns.

    ###

  • UPDATED: 2019 Iowa Senate Democratic Committee Assignments

    January 13, 2019

    Senate Democrats release updated committee assignments for 2019 session of the Iowa Legislature

    DES MOINES — Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen released updated committee assignments today for Democratic State Senators for the 2019 session of the Iowa Legislature.

    A statement from Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen on the updated assignments:

    “In early December, I deferred making committee assignments for Senator Boulton until the Senate Ethics Committee completed its investigation into the complaint filed against him.

    “Senator Boulton’s position in the Iowa Senate was preserved by the Senate Ethics Committee ruling.  He is expected to uphold the duties of his office while he remains in the Iowa Senate, including working on new committee assignments.”

    The 88th General Assembly will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, January 14, 2019.

    – end –

    Standing Committees

    Agriculture

    13 members

    1. Kinney –RM
    2. Mathis
    3. Ragan
    4. R. Taylor
    5. Wahls

     

    Appropriations

    21 members

    1. Bolkcom –RM
    2. Celsi
    3. Dotzler
    4. Lykam
    5. Mathis
    6. Ragan
    7. T. Taylor
    8. Wahls

     

    Commerce

    17 members

    1. Lykam – RM
    2. Bisignano
    3. Bolkcom
    4. Mathis
    5. Petersen
    6. Quirmbach

     

    Education

    15 members

    1. Quirmbach –RM
    2. Celsi
    3. Danielson
    4. Smith
    5. Wahls

     

    Ethics

    Statutory, 6 members; 3 each

    1. Jochum -RM
    2. Kinney
    3. Mathis

     

    Government Oversight

    5 members

    1. Bisignano –RM
    2. Celsi

     

    Human Resources

    13 members

    1. Mathis –RM
    2. Bolkcom
    3. Jochum
    4. Quirmbach
    5. Ragan

     

    Judiciary

    15 members

    1. Kinney –RM
    2. Bisignano
    3. Hogg
    4. Petersen
    5. R. Taylor

     

    Labor & Business Relations

    11 members

    1. T. Taylor –RM
    2. Bisignano
    3. Dotzler
    4. R. Taylor

     

    Local Government

    11 members

    1. J. Smith –RM
    2. Boulton
    3. Hogg
    4. Quirmbach

     

    Natural Resources & Env.

    13 members

    1. Hogg –RM
    2. Boulton
    3. Celsi
    4. Lykam
    5. J. Smith

     

    Rules & Administration

    11 members

    1. Petersen –RM
    2. Bolkcom
    3. Jochum
    4. Ragan

     

    State Government

    15 members

    1. Bisignano –RM
    2. Celsi
    3. Danielson
    4. Jochum
    5. T. Taylor

     

    Transportation

    13 members

    1. Danielson – RM
    2. Kinney
    3. Lykam
    4. J. Smith
    5. T. Taylor

     

    Veterans Affairs

    11 members

    1. R. Taylor – RM
    2. Danielson
    3. Dotzler
    4. Ragan

     

    Ways & Means

    17 members

    1. Jochum –RM
    2. Bolkcom
    3. Danielson
    4. Dotzler
    5. Quirmbach
    6. Wahls

     

    Appropriations Subcommittees

    Administration & Regulation

    1. Celsi –RM
    2. R. Taylor

     

    Agriculture & Natural Resources

    1. Mathis –RM
    2. Kinney

     

    Economic Development

    1. Dotzler- RM
    2. J. Smith

     

    Education

    1. Wahls –RM
    2. Quirmbach

     

    Health & Human Services

    1. Ragan –RM
    2. Bolkcom

     

    Justice Systems

    1. Hogg- RM
    2. T. Taylor

     

    Transportation, Capitals

    1. Lykam –RM
    2. Boulton

    —————————————————–

    ARRC

    1. Jochum –RM
    2. Hogg

  • Lackluster state revenue projections are bad news for Iowans

    December 13, 2018

    Statement from Sen. Joe Bolkcom, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee,
    on latest revenue estimates

    “These lackluster figures are more evidence that the Governor Reynolds and legislative Republicans are putting the interests of Wall Street corporations, special
    interests and millionaires ahead of what’s best for working Iowans.

    “The result is that the Governor and the Republican-controlled Legislature will continue to make job training and higher education unaffordable for thousands of Iowans, to reduce protections for seniors and other vulnerable Iowans, and to make health care less accessible for thousands of Iowans for the next two years.”

    END

  • 2019 Iowa Senate Democratic Committee Assignments

    December 7, 2018

    2019 Iowa Senate Democratic Committee Assignments

    Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen released committee assignments today for Democratic State Senators for the 2019 session of the Iowa Legislature.

    “Democratic Senators are committed to working with the Governor and Republican legislators on issues where we can find common ground over the next two years, especially ensuring Iowans have access to affordable health care and better-paying job opportunities,” Petersen said.

    “However, if Republicans continue pushing an agenda that hurts the health care, education and pocketbooks of working Iowans, we will be fierce in our opposition.”

    The 88th General Assembly will begin on Monday, January 14, 2019.

    —————————————————–

    Standing Committees

    Agriculture
    13 total members
    1. Kinney –RM
    2. Mathis
    3. Ragan
    4. R. Taylor
    5. Wahls

    Appropriations
    21 members
    1. Bolkcom –RM
    2. Celsi
    3. Dotzler
    4. Lykam
    5. Mathis
    6. Ragan
    7. T. Taylor
    8. Wahls

    Commerce
    15 members
    1. Lykam – RM
    2. Bisignano
    3. Bolkcom
    4. Mathis
    5. Petersen
    6. Quirmbach

    Education
    15 members
    1. Quirmbach –RM
    2. Celsi
    3. Danielson
    4. Smith
    5. Wahls

    Ethics
    Statutory, 6 members; 3 each
    1. Jochum -RM
    2. Kinney
    3. Mathis

    Government Oversight
    5 members
    1. Bisignano –RM
    2. Celsi

    Human Resources
    13 members
    1. Mathis –RM
    2. Bolkcom
    3. Jochum
    4. Quirmbach
    5. Ragan

    Judiciary
    15 members
    1. Kinney –RM
    2. Bisignano
    3. Hogg
    4. Petersen
    5. R. Taylor

    Labor & Business Relations
    11 members
    1. T. Taylor –RM
    2. Bisignano
    3. Dotzler
    4. R. Taylor

    Local Government
    11 members
    1. J. Smith –RM
    2. Hogg
    3. Mathis
    4. Quirmbach

    Natural Resources & Env.
    13 members
    1. Hogg –RM
    2. Bolkcom
    3. Celsi
    4. Lykam
    5. J. Smith

    Rules & Administration
    11 members
    1. Petersen –RM
    2. Bolkcom
    3. Jochum
    4. Ragan

    State Government
    15 members
    1. Bisignano –RM
    2. Celsi
    3. Danielson
    4. Jochum
    5. T. Taylor

    Transportation
    13 members
    1. Danielson – RM
    2. Kinney
    3. Lykam
    4. J. Smith
    5. T. Taylor

    Veterans Affairs
    11 members
    1. R. Taylor – RM
    2. Danielson
    3. Dotzler
    4. Ragan

    Ways & Means
    17 members
    1. Jochum –RM
    2. Bolkcom
    3. Danielson
    4. Dotzler
    5. Quirmbach
    6. Wahls

    —————————————————–

    Appropriations Subcommittees

    Administration & Regulation
    1. Celsi –RM
    2. R. Taylor

    Agriculture & Natural Resources
    1. Mathis –RM
    2. Kinney

    Economic Development
    1. Dotzler- RM
    2. J. Smith

    Education
    1. Wahls –RM
    2. Quirmbach

    Health & Human Services
    1. Ragan –RM
    2. Bolkcom

    Justice Systems
    1. Hogg- RM
    2. T. Taylor

    Transportation, Capitals
    1. Lykam –RM
    2. Petersen

    —————————————————–
    ARRC
    1. Jochum –RM
    2. Hogg

  • Senate Dems select leadership team

    Iowa Senate News Release
    For immediate release: November 11, 2018  

     

    Democratic members of the Iowa Senate re-elected Sen. Janet Petersen today to serve as the Democratic Leader of the Iowa Senate.

    Senator Petersen released this statement:

    “I am honored to have the continued support of my fellow Democratic Senators.”

    “For the past two years, the Republican-led Senate pushed through damaging policies that helped out-of-state companies and special interests instead of hard-working Iowa families.

    “Senate Democrats will continue standing up for Iowans. We believe every Iowan – regardless of whether they live in rural areas, small towns, urban or suburban parts of our state – deserves access to affordable health care, strong public schools, and the chance to get ahead in life.

    “We will work with the Governor and Republican legislators on issues where we can find common ground over the next two years. But, if we continue to see Republicans push an agenda that hurts the health care, education, and financial security of working Iowans, we will be fierce in our opposition.”

    The new Democratic leadership team consists of these Senators:

    • Democratic Leader, Senator Janet Petersen, Des Moines
    • Democratic Whip, Senator Amanda Ragan, Mason City
    • Assistant Leaders:
      • Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City
      • Senator Bill Dotzler, Waterloo
      • Senator Pam Jochum of Dubuque
      • Senator Liz Mathis, Hiawatha
      • Senator Herman Quirmbach, Ames
      • Senator Rich Taylor, Mount Pleasant

    Petersen is in her second term in the Iowa Senate after serving six terms in the Iowa House. She represents Senate District 18 in northwest Des Moines.

    In 2008, Petersen founded a nonprofit organization with four other central Iowa women called Healthy Birth Day. The organization, best known for its Count the Kicks campaign, is devoted to preventing stillbirths and improving birth outcomes.

    Petersen and her husband Brian Pattinson have three children.

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