Iowa Senate Democrats

Fighting for a Better Deal for Iowans.

  • New butchery funding is good for rural economy

    Statement by Senator Kevin Kinney, an Oxford farmer and ranking member on the Agriculture Committee

    “Iowa’s meat processors are a key link in getting food seamlessly from farm to table. They ensure families can find fresh, healthy meat on their grocery store shelves, and that farmers have options for getting their livestock to market.

    “The new Butchery Innovation & Revitalization grants will enhance local locker operations and create good rural jobs that help feed all Iowans, our country and the world.”

    About the Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Program

    Beginning Monday, Oct. 18, Iowans can apply for funding through the new Butchery Innovation and Revitalization program opens Monday, October 18.  


    The program to strengthen Iowa’s food supply chain and rural development won unanimous approval in the Legislature earlier this year (HF 857).

    Grants of up to $50,000 will help Iowa butchers and meat processors with fewer than 50 employees. 

    Funding can be used to:

    • Rent or purchase facilities and equipment to expand capacity.
    • Start, expand or upgrade a small-scale meat processing operation, custom locker or mobile slaughter unit.

    For complete details on the program and how to apply, go to https://www.iowaeda.com/grow/butchery-innovation-revitalization.

  • SF 342 is misguided criminal justice legislation

    State Senator and Veteran Law Enforcement Office Speaks Out Against Misguided Criminal Legislation

    DES MOINES – State Senator Kevin Kinney of rural Oxford spoke passionately this afternoon in the Iowa Senate against legislation that he says will do harm to Iowa communities.

    “Thirty-five years ago, I got into law enforcement to help people, to protect people,” said Kinney, who recently retired as a Lieutenant in the Investigations Division of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.

    During a speech during debate on Senate File 342, Kinney said that pieces the legislation are going to hurt people in our communities.

    “It doesn’t even make sense,” he said.

    Kinney is particularly concerned about new criminal penalties that could make it unsafe for the general public during traffic stops by officers operating unmarked vehicles.

    Here’s a link to Sen. Kinney’s speech and transcript: https://youtu.be/cc9n8cpMc2w

    end

  • Statement on Biden decision to support Iowa farmers

    Statement by Senators Kevin Kinney, Amanda Ragan and Jackie Smith on Biden Administration’s decision to support Iowa farmers

    Background: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has filed a motion to vacate three waivers given by the Trump administration to Sinclair Oil Corporation refineries that exempted them from biofuel blending mandates.

    “This decision by the Biden administration is good news for the renewable fuel industry and Iowa farmers who sell to them. It reverses a terrible decision by the Trump administration to support Big Oil and dampen demand for ethanol, biodiesel and other renewable fuels.

    “We need more policies at the state and federal levels to boost – not threaten – the economic well-being of rural communities. We must boost ethanol demand, help farmers and the biofuel industry, and jump-start the farm economy.”

    Senators Kinney, Ragan and Smith are members of the Iowa Senate’s Agriculture Committee.

    -end-

  • Senators: 3 steps to meatpacking worker safety

    For Immediate Release: April 19, 2020
    Contacts: Sen. Nate Boulton (515-669-4259); Sen. Bill Dotzler (319-240-5594): Sen. Kevin Kinney (319-631-4667)

    As the COVID-19 public health emergency worsens, three Iowa State Senators are calling for immediate action in response to multiple outbreaks at meatpacking facilities across the state.

    The Senators are calling for immediate action by state and local officials to:

    • Protect the health and safety of Iowa’s essential workers when they are on the job.
    • Stop the community transmission of COVID-19 among family members, neighbors and others who may be in contact with infected essential employees.
    • Prevent long-term interruption of  the nation’s food supply.

    “These Iowans are showing up for work, being pressed into service for our economy and for the food security of our nation, but have little confidence that their state or their employer are concerned for their safety. These outbreaks are startling—and so is the lackadaisical attitude coming from the state on what needs to be done,” said Senator Nate Boulton of Des Moines.

    “While the meatpacking plant outbreaks are drawing attention now, there are  many other  manufacturing facilities across the state that could face similar problems if protocols are not established and implemented now,” added Boulton, who grew up in Columbus Junction, where the COVID-19 outbreak is one of the worst in the nation.

    “What we are seeing play out is borderline criminal,” added Senator Bill Dotzler of Waterloo. “I represent workers who are telling me that even the voluntary precautions being taken aren’t doing anything. They’re having temperatures taken and the results ignored. These workers then go to work in close proximity throughout their shifts, go out into the community and expose community members, then go back into the plant where it all starts over again. Action must be taken immediately to stop further spread of COVID-19 and protect not only the workers at these important facilities but our communities as a whole.” 

     “I see problems in two places: the livestock agriculture community and the meat processing workforce. I’m hearing from workers that they feel completely expendable right now, particularly immigrant workers who are trying to make a better life for themselves. They feel particularly at risk,” said Senator Kevin Kinney of rural Oxford, a grain and livestock farmer. “But outside those packing plants, farmers across the state are  concerned that unaddressed problems in the packing plants will lead to widespread outbreaks in those facilities that could shut them down for long periods of time. If that continues, we are going to have a lot of farmers with no place to market hogs, chickens and cattle in this state.”

     The Senators are calling for three immediate points of action to address this crisis:

    1. The State Labor Commissioner — with input from representatives of the major livestock processing companies, representatives of the major labor unions representing livestock processing workers, and the department of public health – must issue stricter requirements for worker safety operational standards and protocols that include consideration of systemic disinfecting, reorganizing, and reopening closed facilities after new safety measures are put in place.
    2. As part of the process of seeking input on safety protocols, Iowa’s Labor Commissioner and Iowa Department of Public Health must also develop new public health crisis emergency rules for limiting the spread of COVID-19 in manufacturing and livestock processing facilities.  
    3. Iowa OSHA inspectors must immediately inspect each livestock processing facility to ensure current and any newly-enacted emergency rules and standards are being followed. According to the Labor Commissioner, not one meatpacking facility in Iowa has had an OSHA inspection since the public health emergency was declared.

    “Protecting both Iowa workers and the nation’s food supply is just too important for us to wait and see what happens as individual meatpacking companies are left to lead on this. Hoping for the best is a high-stakes gamble that threatens the health and safety of thousands of Iowans,” Boulton said.

    -end-

  • Mobile Home Bill Filed

    On Wednesday, a bipartisan group of senators filed a bill to protect Iowans who own manufactured homes. Senate File 2238 garnered 30 Senate cosponsors—15 Republicans and 15 Democrats.

    The House filed a “companion” bill (i.e., the same bill). The first public hearing on House File 2351 will be 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 17 in room 19.

    The legislation would update Iowa Code Chapter 562B to be fairer and curb predatory practices with four changes to Iowa law:

    1. Eviction: Require “good cause” for eviction.

    2. Rent increases: Mandate 180-days’ notice of rent increases, limit increases to once per year and require an explanation if the increase is more than the rate of inflation.

    3. Enforcement: Give the Iowa Attorney General authority to enforce the mobile home park laws under the Consumer Fraud Act.

    4. Equity: Provide mobile homeowners the same protections afforded apartment renters.

  • Third bipartisan “Ag Day” for Iowa legislators

    Iowa Senate News Release
    For Immediate Release:  August 20, 2019

     

    Third bipartisan “Ag Day” with Iowa legislators to take place on Monday, August 26 in Sigourney

    The 3rd bipartisan “Ag Day” will take place on Monday, August 26, in Sigourney.  All members of the Iowa House and Senate have been invited.  As of August 19, 24 have indicated they will attend.  Members of the news media are welcome to attend.

    “The focus of this event is helping legislators to learn more about precision farming and good conservation practices,” said State Senator Kevin Kinney of Oxford, a farmer and former Johnson County Deputy Sheriff.  In past years, Senator Kinney has organized similar bipartisan Ag Days on Iowa agricultural issues.

    This year’s event will focus on new conservation technologies.  Topics will include terraces, waterways, improvements, tiling and the benefits of cover crops.  At the event, John Deere will provide hands-on demonstrations.  In addition, Ryan Vogel, the owner of a local earth moving and tiling business, will discuss the impact of recent legislation on cost sharing.

    The event runs from 10 AM to 2 PM.  Participants will meet at 10 AM at Sinclair Tractor, 1407 200th Ave in Sigourney.  Sponsors of the event include Sinclair Tractor and the Keokuk Farm Bureau.  Sinclair Tractor is providing a lunch.

    If you have questions or would like to know more, contact kevin.kinney@legis.iowa.gov or call (319) 631- 4667.

    -end-

  • 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

  • 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

  • Lawmakers Unveil “Putting Iowans First” Plan

    IOWA LEGISLATURE NEWS
    Thursday, January 25, 2018

     

    Focus On Improving Lives for Everyday Iowans

    DES MOINES – Democratic lawmakers outlined their new plan today called Putting Iowans First.  The plan was developed by lawmakers to keep the 2018 session focused on improving the lives of everyday Iowans.

    “Iowans don’t ask for much. They just want a decent paying job and the chance to lead a happy, healthy life. But we know today that too many Iowans who are working hard are just struggling to get by. Stagnant wages, rising health care costs, and fewer dollars going to job training and public education are hurting Iowa families,” said House Democratic Leader Mark Smith.

    “Democrats believe it’s time to get back to the basics—to help improve Iowans’ everyday lives and give each of us opportunities to get ahead. Our Putting Iowans First plan focuses on better paying jobs, a great education, and affordable health care. Democrats believe that Iowa values include investing in Iowans. It’s a mistake to believe that the state can cut its way to prosperity,” said Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen.

    The Putting Iowans First plan has four parts:

    1. Better-Paying Jobs
    2. A Revitalization of Small Towns and Rural Areas
    3. The Best Education in the Country
    4. A Quality of Life that Makes Iowa the #1 Best Place to Live

    “It’s time to say goodbye to the back room deals and corporate tax giveaways. Our Putting Iowans First plan will bring the focus of our government back to improving the lives of everyday Iowans,” added Smith. “That means affordable job training and new recreational opportunities in rural areas. It means increasing the use of renewable fuels and investing in our public schools again to produce a highly skilled workforce. It also means expanding access to affordable health care.”

    The full plan can be found at http://iowansfirst.com.

    ###

  • Perpetrators must pay for bad behavior – not Iowa taxpayers

    Iowa Senate News Release
    For Immediate Release: January 24, 2018

     

    DES MOINES — A group of Senators introduced legislation today to ensure that state employees – not all Iowa taxpayers – would be financially responsible for egregious and illegal workplace behavior.

    “Iowans are disgusted by the harassment, discrimination and retaliation against Kirsten Anderson and other legislative staff by some Republican Senators and staff members,” said Senator Tod Bowman of Maquoketa, the legislation’s main sponsor. “Most Iowans can’t believe they’re on the hook for $1.75 million because of the misconduct and mismanagement of some Republican Senators. Especially in a tight budget year, this money should be put towards our kids’ education, job training programs or mental health care. Taxpayers expect more from their leaders.”

    The legislation is proposed in the wake of a jury decision last year to award $2.25 million to former Senate Republican staffer Kirsten Anderson in a sexual harassment lawsuit she brought against Iowa Senate Republicans. Anderson was fired in May 2013, just seven hours after filing a complaint alleging a sexually hostile work environment. Subsequently, Anderson agreed to a reduced award of $1.75 million to avoid a lengthy appeal process.

    Under current law, Iowa taxpayers must pay for such awards, and there’s no recourse for state officials to recoup that money from offending state employees.

    The legislation introduced today – which is sponsored by all 20 Democratic State Senators and independent Senator David Johnson – would allow the plaintiff to receive an award from the state but would require the Iowa Attorney General to recover the amount of the award from offending state employees.

    The legislation applies to state employment cases, which includes hostile work environment cases involving sexual harassment, race, religion, age or disability.

    “This proposed legislation is part of the national conversation about preventing sexual harassment in the workplace,” Bowman said. “We must send a message to legislators and other state employees who harass their co-workers or subordinates that their conduct will not be tolerated and that they will be held responsible for their illegal behavior.”

    “This legislation is another important step in our efforts to improve the workplace culture in the Iowa Senate and our commitment to making sure the Statehouse is a safe and healthy environment.”

    – end –