Greetings to you all,
These past couple of weeks have been the beginning of a fast-paced session! February 14th marks the deadline for the drafting of new bills, meaning that we will begin to shift into consideration and debate of bills for this year!
I personally have three different bills that I will be submitting this session!
I was also able to meet with some amazing individuals at the Capitol as well!
The Bleeding Disorders of Heartland took the time to visit and speak to me about important legislation including PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Managers) bill. They took the time to testify at multiple different meetings including that of the House subcommittee for that bill. They spoke to me about the incredibly high cost of life-saving injections that they require upwards of multiple times a month. I stand with them and what they represent and hope we can see some of these costs brought down in the future!
Another group I spoke to was the Americorps Seniors! Kelsey Umthun (pictured below) spoke to me about the 30-year anniversary of their volunteer center. The work they do helps so many individuals and provides so much to the community. I have supported them for many years now and will continue to support them for many more!
Thank you all who took the time to travel up the Capitol to speak with legislators like myself! I enjoyed learning about the important work each and every one of you are doing!
This is just the beginning of the session! Stay tuned for more updates as things progress at the Iowa State Capitol!
In the newsletter, you will find topics that are important to Iowans. Please share your comments.
Going forward, I will be listening and working closely with local leaders and community members to ensure the state is partnering with those in our community who need help and assistance. I’m available by email, phone, and social media, to answer questions and listen to your concerns. You can always reach me by email or call me at home at 319-266-9021. We can also stay connected through social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. I appreciate hearing from you and I thank you for your continued support.
Thank you for taking the time to read the Statehouse News. Please keep in touch!
Upcoming February Events:
February 14 Midwest Dueling Pianos
Magical Mix Kids, Oster Regent Theatre, 7pm mycfct.org
February 15 Ireland’s Colm & Laura Keegan, featuring The Metropolitan Chorale
Cedar Falls Woman’s Club, 7pm facebook.com/IowaIrishFest
February 16 Drumline LIVE
Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, 7pm gbpac.com
February 22 Music Lab Concert
Hearst Center for the Arts, 7pm, thehearst.org
The Future of Iowa is in Our Public Schools
Iowans have counted on great public schools to educate our kids and be the heart of our communities for generations. The future of Iowa is in our public schools, and we should be committed to ensuring every kid in Iowa gets a quality education.
In the next few weeks, lawmakers will be deciding how much money the state will invest in public schools across the state, which are home to about 480,000 kids. Democratic lawmakers are proposing to boost support for public education by $315 million next year, which is an increase of about 5%.
It’s what our state needs to guarantee every kid in Iowa gets a quality education, regardless of where they live. It will give public schools the flexibility to meet the needs of their students, whether it’s reducing class size, expanding mental health, or raising pay for educators.
While vouchers going to private schools are set to receive a 44% increase in funding next year, the Governor and GOP lawmakers have proposed an increase of 2% for public schools. As state lawmakers who are entrusted with taxpayer dollars, our commitment must be to public schools first. Public school kids deserve at least the same increase of $315 million that is being given to private schools next year.
Kids in every zip code in Iowa deserve a great education, and it is time to put politics aside and invest in our public schools. Sign the petition and tell Iowa lawmakers to invest in Iowa’s future.
Hands-Free Driving Could Help Keep Iowans Safe
To cut down on roadway accidents and fatalities, the House Transportation Committee is considering a bill that would make it illegal to use a phone while driving unless it is hands-free.
One of the biggest advantages of hands-free driving is the reduction in distractions. Hands-free systems help minimize these distractions and let you focus on the road, making it safer for everyone. Right now, hands-free driving technology isn’t available on every vehicle. It’s mostly found on newer, higher-end models, and the cost could be a significant barrier.
Thirty other states have a hands-free driving law. And although the issue has come up for years, it has yet to become law. Iowa’s current distracted driving law only prohibits texting while driving.
Capitol and Community Updates
LOWERING IOWANS’ HEALTHCARE COSTS: Several bills this week had bipartisan support that would help make Iowan’s health costs more affordable by expanding access to medical services, preventative care, and Medicare insurance.
PURPLE STAR SCHOOL PROGRAM: A new proposal passed the House Education Committee that would encourage schools to support military-connected students by recognizing Purple Star Schools. Purple Star Schools is a program that supports military-connected students as they relocate to new schools due to a parent’s change in duty station.
STEPS TAKEN TO MITIGATE RADON IN IOWA: Iowa has one of the highest cancer rates in the nation, and to help prevent future diagnosis, the House State Government Committee passed legislation to require future single and dual family projects to be installed with radon mitigation.
TAXPAYERS COULD RECOVER MORE IN TAX DISPUTES: Under current law, if a taxpayer is in a dispute with the Department of Revenue and the taxpayer is on the prevailing side, they cannot recover more than $25,000. To help with court and attorney costs, the House Judiciary Committee passed a bill that eliminated that cap. HSB 14 now moves to the full House Chamber for consideration.
OPEN THC BEVERAGE CONTAINERS COULD SOON BE ILLEGAL: Current law prohibits open alcoholic beverage containers in motor vehicles, and House File 181 prohibits open THC beverage containers in motor vehicles.