• Statement on GOP decision to close Glenwood Resource Center

    Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls and House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst on decision by Iowa Republican Leaders to close Glenwood Resource Center

    “Today is a devastating day for the residents, families, employees, and everyone who calls Glenwood home. We owe a debt of gratitude to the professional medical staff and caregivers at the Glenwood Resource Center.

    “As state lawmakers, we have an obligation to ensure the safest and smoothest transition possible for all those impacted by the planned closure. The people whose lives are affected deserve the dignity and respect of a transition that ensures their safety, security, and futures. 

    “This decision became inevitable because of years of indifference and neglect shown to the Glenwood community by Governor Reynolds and Republican lawmakers. This transition must be handled far better than previous closures, like those in Clarinda and Mt. Pleasant. 

    “Iowa Democrats will listen to, and advocate for, the families and workers in Glenwood during this closure to make sure they are heard throughout this difficult process.”

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  • GOP should join us in maximizing help for Iowa in infrastructure bill

    Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls:

    Tomorrow, November 11, Veterans Day observances will be held across Iowa in towns small and large. We will come together to recognize American service members who have served our state and our country. We are deeply grateful for their service. Thank you.

    Next, I’d like to talk about why the passage of the bipartisan federal infrastructure deal is such great news for Iowa.

    Thanks to President Biden and Representative Cindy Axne, at least five billion federal dollars will arrive in Iowa over the next five years to help us rebuild the crumbling infrastructure in our state. And Iowa will get even more help in areas where we need it most, specifically with bridges, rural broadband, and water treatment systems.

    For example, Iowa has more bridges needing repair than any other state. President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure bill will deploy more than $400 million to fix those bridges. Even more help will likely come from competitive grants.

    In addition, Iowa ranks 45th in the nation in terms of broadband connectivity. Iowa Republicans failed to make meaningful investments in rural broadband, but President Biden and Representative Axne got it done, and there is $65 billion in this bill for rural broadband nationwide.

    Finally, many Iowa communities are dealing with aging water treatment systems and lead pipe contamination. There are hundreds of millions of dollars in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal to help address the water problems facing Iowa.

    All in all, the economic boost from this landmark legislation will create Iowa jobs and new Iowa opportunities for our families and communities for years and decades to come.

    That’s why I want to thank Representative Cindy Axne, who was the only one of Iowa’s four U.S. Representatives to vote for the bipartisan infrastructure bill. She was there for Iowans when the chips were down.

    Congressional Democrats accomplished this in less than a year.

    Iowa Republicans have had complete control in Iowa for five years. What have they done?

    So far, the results have been higher prices, stagnant wages, Iowa businesses unable to find workers, and working parents unable to find affordable child care.

    President Biden and Representative Axne have handed Governor Reynolds and Republican leaders an extraordinary opportunity.

    I call on Iowa’s Republican officeholders to set aside party differences and work with all Iowans—especially with Iowa’s local city and county leaders—to make the most of this rare opportunity to move Iowa forward. 

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  • Iowa GOP doesn’t support fairness for workers

    Republicans haven’t shown up to support striking workers for one simple reason: They don’t support them

    Prepared remarks by Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls at today’s news conference:

    “This morning, Senator Joe Bolkcom announced that he will not seek reelection to the Senate while calling for Iowans to step up and run for the statehouse. Senator Bolkcom is a close friend, a dear colleague, and a relentless champion for a better Iowa. “Since he was first elected to public office nearly thirty years ago, Joe has provided outstanding service to his community and to our beloved state.

    “I know that choosing to bring his decades-long career in public service to an end was not easy, but I appreciate his decision and am grateful that he is encouraging a new generation of Iowans to get involved in state government. His experience, his hard work, and his commitment to the people of Iowa will be missed, and I wish him all my best. 

    “Changing gears, I’d like to speak to this week’s news about the ongoing UAW strike. First and foremost: Hard work deserves fair pay.

    “That’s why Democrats are fighting every day for all hard-working Iowans. That’s why our members have shown up to support striking UAW workers across the state.

    “We support the decision of the workers to negotiate for a better contract, and we will continue to advocate on their behalf as they fight for fair pay and benefits.

    “Now, where are the Republicans?

    “Republicans haven’t shown up to support striking workers for one simple reason: they don’t support them. Republicans have abandoned John Deere workers and all Iowans who are fighting for better jobs and better compensation.

    “The ongoing negotiations between UAW workers and John Deere executives are another sign that Iowa Republicans have stacked the deck against workers.

    “Corporations like Deere are raking in record profits by keeping wages low and passing off higher prices to farmers and consumers. Farmers are frustrated by John Deere’s strategy and business practices.  Working families are frustrated by what John Deere is doing.

    “Workers across Iowa are frustrated by Iowa Republicans. We’re frustrated about:

    • Stagnant wage growth and high prices while big corporations like John Deere make record-high profits;
    • Lack of respect for essential workers;
    • No progress on providing affordable, high-quality child care for children in working families;
    • No progress on providing paid family and medical leave for working families.

    “Iowans deserve better from their employers and from Republican politicians. Republicans have complete control of state government. Hard working Iowans are getting screwed by a one-two punch of low wages and higher prices. Republicans have let this happen on their watch; they’ve let prices spiral out of control while doing nothing to bolster paychecks.

    “Rather than offer any solutions to the problems I’ve just laid out, they’ve stoked one manufactured culture war fear after another – hoping folks won’t notice that Republicans have no solutions. Instead, Republicans, led by Senator Jack Whitver, are planning yet another tax cut for the wealthiest and most powerful people in Iowa.

    “That’s the difference between Republicans and Democrats. Senate Democrats believe we need an economy that works for hard-working Iowans, not the top 1%. Democrats will continue to fight and show up for workers and retirees who have earned a bigger paycheck and secure retirement.”

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  • Senate Dems vote for nonpartisan maps

    Senate Democrats vote unanimously for fair, nonpartisan redistricting; Call on Gov. Reynolds to sign legislative maps

    Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls:

    Today, the Iowa Legislature approved a non-partisan redistricting plan in a strong, bipartisan vote. This is a win for all Iowans who care about our government and about our ability to come together, solve problems, and improve people’s lives.

    As Democrats said throughout this process, Iowans deserve fair maps, without partisan interference, and without political amendments. We stood firm in defense of Iowa’s best-in-the-nation model for independent and non-partisan redistricting, and I’m glad our Republican colleagues agreed with us.

    Iowa’s non-partisan redistricting tradition has been upheld thanks to the overwhelming support of Iowans. Iowans across the state stood up in defense of our democracy, against partisan gerrymandering, and made our voices heard in the legislative process. I am proud of everybody who stood up on this important issue.

    Now, it’s time for Governor Reynolds to sign the bill and for us to get back to work helping hardworking Iowans.

    We can now focus on the 2022 legislative session that starts in January. With help from President Biden and Congresswoman Axne, Iowa is already building back better from the pandemic, but there’s more to do.

    In January, Senate Democrats will focus on investing in local public schools, helping small businesses and communities recover from the pandemic, and beefing up Iowan’s paychecks. We’re going to fight for higher wages, more affordable child care options for parents, and middle class tax relief for hard working Iowans. Democrats are fighting for folks who work hard and play by the rules, and I’m excited to get to work on their behalf.

    end

  • Let’s approve 2nd nonpartisan redistricting plan

    “If Republicans vote down the second map, that will be the clearest sign yet that they are rushing to gerrymander Iowa’s legislative map and rig election outcomes in their favor.

    Prepared remarks by State Senator Zach Wahls at Iowa Democratic Leaders’ 10-21-21 press conference

    See the 2nd nonpartisan redistricting proposal

    “First of all, I want to say how disappointed I am at yesterday’s district court injunction against striking Deere workers in Davenport. This ruling is yet another attack on labor rights in Iowa and an ominous sign of what is to come.

    “As of this morning, we have seen and started our review of the second redistricting plan released by the non-partisan LSA. Our position has been clear and consistent from the beginning: Iowans deserve fair maps, drawn without interference from politicians, and without partisan amendments. 

    “Just like the first map, this second map is fair and meets the legal and constitutional requirements. It addresses all of the purported concerns of the Republicans from the first map. Senate Democrats will vote for it, and Legislative Republicans should join us in voting for fair, non-partisan maps.

    “As we said after the first map, there was no legitimate reason for Republicans to vote down the first map, and there will be no legitimate reason to vote down the second map either. If Republicans vote down the second map, that will be the clearest sign yet that they are rushing to gerrymander Iowa’s legislative map and rig election outcomes in their favor.

    “Republicans have an opportunity today to put this all to rest. They can make a definitive statement today against gerrymandering by stating they’ll vote for the fair, non-partisan maps that were just released. We’ll have respected our gold-standard non-partisan redistricting process, and we can move onto the important work of solving the problems that hard-working Iowans face.

    “That’s what Senate Democrats are ready to do, and we hope Legislative Republicans are as well.

    “Approving this fair, non-partisan redistricting plan is in the best interests of both parties, and more importantly, it will be the best outcome for all Iowans.”

  • Republican leaders must rule out gerrymandering, accept second map

    Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls

    DES MOINES—At today’s weekly media availability, Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls of Coralville delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery:

    “This morning I was proud to join UAW workers on the picket line in Ankeny. I stand in solidarity with the UAW workers striking for a fair contract from Deere. Iowans deserve pay and benefits that reflect their hard work. Every hard-working Iowan deserves a good paying job, a middle-class life, and a secure retirement.

    “Working people built America into the greatest nation on Earth and are the backbone of this country. We should reward work, not wealth.

    “While Senate Democrats continue our fight for working Iowans, we remain vigilant about the looming Republican gerrymander.

    “Since the start of 2021, we’ve been calling on Iowa Republicans to respect Iowa’s nonpartisan redistricting tradition and rule out gerrymandering Iowa’s legislative districts. So far, Republicans have refused to rule out imposing partisan election maps on Iowa.

    “Their silence is a clear sign that Republicans are willing to cheat and gerrymander Iowa’s elections for the next decade.

    “All Iowans should be concerned. Partisan gerrymandering strengthens the power of special interest elites while silencing the voices of farmers, small business owners, parents, and retirees. Republican gerrymandering will create a breeding ground for corruption and bad laws, continuing to push younger and talented Iowans to leave for better opportunities elsewhere.”

    “Iowa law never intended for the majority party to be able to review all the maps, and then pick and choose the map it likes the best. When one party picks and chooses maps that they like the best; that’s gerrymandering, plain and simple. This a la carte gerrymandering is an egregious abuse of our process – a process recognized across the country for its fairness and independence.

    “Republicans are threatening Iowa’s fair, nonpartisan redistricting process. Republicans have continually kept on the table the prospect of adopting a new, secret district map drawn by unknown Republican lobbyists and powerbrokers. Today, I’m calling on Republican leaders to pledge to completely rule out gerrymandering and accept the second legislative map that we’ll see next week.

    “If the second map meets all the requirements laid out in state law – which I am confident it will – then Senate Democrats will vote for it, and Republicans should as well. They can put this all to bed and allow all of us to move on by voting YES on the second nonpartisan, independent map.

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  • Iowa GOP is a step closer to rigging Iowa elections

    IOWA SENATE DEMOCRATS
    For Immediate Release: 10/5/2021

    Breaking with decades of non-partisan redistricting, today Iowa Republicans took a big step closer to rigging Iowa elections

    Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls:

    Breaking with decades of non-partisan redistricting tradition, today Iowa Republicans took a big step closer to rigging Iowa elections.

    The reasons given by Republican Senator Roby Smith on the floor ignored Iowa law and in fact demonstrated that there was no legitimate reason for Legislative Republicans to reject this first map. This was a fair map drawn by the nonpartisan, independent commission. It met all the requirements laid out in state law. This is an outrageous use of political power to rig elections in their favor.

    We are in completely uncharted territory, due to unprecedented delays. Today, Iowa Republicans could have ended the uncertainty and demonstrated a commitment to our non-partisan tradition. Instead, they rejected the LSA’s non-partisan plan in a party line vote.


    Watch Senate’s 10/5/21 debate on redistricting


    Iowans know partisan gerrymandering erodes democracy in other states.  We’ve seen how special interests are strengthened and corruption grows in gerrymandered states.

    That’s why gerrymandering not only strips the minority party of their power, it also hurts voters of the majority party – in this case Republican voters – by letting legislators disregard the will of voters. The extreme Republican agenda will become even more dominated by special interests, and the needs of farmers, smaller business owners, parents, and retirees will fall by the wayside.

    Iowans, listen up.  This is a clear signal Republicans are willing to use a partisan gerrymander to keep themselves in power, regardless of the will of we the people. Now is the time for Iowans to make their voices heard, contact their legislators, and demand that Republicans stop going down their dangerous road.

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  • If Iowa GOP rejects first map, that’s a clear signal they plan to gerrymander

    IOWA SENATE DEMOCRATS
    For Immediate Release: 9/30/2021

    Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls:

    Let me be clear: There’s no legitimate reason for Legislative Republicans to reject this first map. If Republicans vote down the first map, that is a clear signal they are planning to gerrymander Iowa legislative districts to keep themselves in power. It will be an attack on democracy, and Democrats will fight it every step of the way.”


    BACKGROUND

    This Tuesday, October 5, the Iowa Legislature will consider new state and federal legislative districts which, if approved, would shape Iowa elections for the next 10 years. 

    Today Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls spoke at a virtual press conference with Iowa reporters.  Video of his statement is available here: https://youtu.be/ms3W5kgaKZ4

    COMPLETE REMARKS

    DES MOINES—At today’s weekly media availability, Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls of Coralville delivered the following remarks, as prepared for delivery:

    “Iowans deserve fair elections, and they know that starts with fair, nonpartisan district maps.  That consensus was clearly reflected by the overwhelming majority of public comments made during last week’s hearings.

    “There are some things for Republicans to like about these maps, and there are some things for Democrats to like – but most importantly – these are nonpartisan maps drawn without interference from politicians or political influence. That’s why I’ll be voting to approve these maps on October 5, and why my Republican colleagues should as well.

    “For the last 40 years, Iowa legislative districts have been drawn on the basis of equal population, compactness, and respecting local civil boundaries when possible.  These maps were drawn by nonpartisan staff without regard to where incumbent politicians live, past election results, or partisan advantage.

    “Iowans want fair maps, maps that make sense and respect county and city boundaries when possible.  That’s what they want and what they deserve.

    “Here’s what Iowans don’t want: They don’t want one party using their political power to rig the game in their favor. They don’t want Republicans to gerrymander and lock Iowans out of their government.

    “As we’ve seen in other states, partisan gerrymandering erodes our democracy, gives outsized influence to special interests, and creates a breeding ground for rampant corruption. Gerrymandering not only strips the minority party of their power, it also hurts Republican voters as well. Voters of both parties want their elected leaders to work together to solve the problems that hard working Iowans face. But a government controlled by a slim minority – and the special interests that fund their campaigns – won’t do anything to fix the challenges that we face as a state.

    “Let me be clear: There’s no legitimate reason for Legislative Republicans to reject this first map. If Republicans vote down the first map, that is a clear signal they are planning to gerrymander Iowa legislative districts to keep themselves in power. It will be an attack on democracy, and Democrats will fight it every step of the way.

    “Hopefully it does not come to that, and Republicans in the legislature have the opportunity to do the right thing on Tuesday and vote YES on the maps.”

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  • Iowa Redistricting Plan 1 Released

    Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls on Iowa Redistricting Plan 1

    “We are currently reviewing Plan 1 to ensure it meets all the legal and constitutional requirements for redistricting. We believe Iowans deserve a fair redistricting process, without interference from politicians, and without partisan amendments. We encourage Iowans to examine Plan 1 and to make their voices heard at three public hearings next week.”

    Background:

    The Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission is scheduled to  hold virtual public hearings to gather public input on Plan 1 on the times and dates below: 

    • Monday, September 20: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
    • Tuesday, September 21:  12:00 noon – 3:00 pm
    • Wednesday, September 22: 6:00 pm – 8:30 p.m. 

    Instructions for registration and submitting public comments were posted today on the Legislature’s website: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/redistricting

    end

  • Special session set for redistricting

    Statement from Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls:

    “We are currently reviewing the order from the Iowa Supreme Court regarding redistricting. As we have said since Day 1, Iowans deserve a fair redistricting process, without interference from politicians, and without partisan amendments. The Legislature should approve Plan 1 during the October 5 special session if it meets all the legal and constitutional requirements.”

    END