It has been a devastating week for Democrats and those part of the LGBTQ+ community. I was heartbroken over the decision to pass HSB 242, now known as HF 583 through the subcommittee and then later that same day in Judiciary. I have said this, and I will say it again: The majority party focuses on politics and not the people of Iowa. If they did, they would not be passing legislation that only affects a small percentage of the population and would set a precedent against all protected classes within the Iowa Code. I wanted to take the time to speak on this for my newsletter to let you all know that I stand with the LGBTQ+ community and will be voting NO on this bill when the time comes tomorrow. The reason why I will be voting this way is because we are going to be taking away civil rights from Iowans. Trans rights are human rights.
Even with the sad outcome of this week, I have also had some days that have brought me lots of joy! Tuesday was a busy one, where I met with many different groups with a focus on food insecurity in Iowa. This is an issue within Iowa that affects many! We have seen some good programs put in place including SNAP and Choose Iowa. I spoke with the Food Bank of Iowa representatives who spoke to me about the importance of the programs we already have in place such as Choose Iowa and to update lawmakers on the benefits of programs and the grants which fund them.
In addition to that, I was also asked to be interviewed by some Wartburg college students for a documentary they were creating about food insecurity in Iowa. These students were incredible to speak to! Such great questions and bright minds. We spoke on all kinds of different causes regarding food insecurity and its funding that has been happening at the Capitol. They knew their stuff. One thing that I spoke with them about and wanted to bring to this platform was advice to the everyday Iowan about what they can do to help solve this issue. The answer: Speak with and educate your lawmakers. Many, if not all, the facts I know about the causes going through the chamber I learned from lobbyists and the every day Iowan speaking up about their cause. Take that time to come down and let your voice be heard.
Finally, I had the honor to speak about a dear friend of mine on Tuesday for my Black History Month presentation. I spoke on my friend Frank Smith who passed not too long ago. He was a man I considered family and who taught me many things. I was grateful for our friendship, and I was grateful to share his legacy on the House floor. Click the link below if you are interested in hearing more about the incredible Frank Smith!
In the newsletter, you will find topics that are important to Iowans. Please share your comments.
-Lowering Costs for Iowans: Affordable Housing
-All Iowans Belong Here
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!
Lowering Costs for Iowans: Affordable Housing
Iowa faces a critical housing shortage, with an estimated 25,000 more homes needed by 2030, contributing to rising housing costs.
Too many Iowans spend more than 50% of their income on housing. To help with that, Democratic lawmakers introduced five bills to help lower costs and make housing more affordable:
FIRST-TIME HOMEOWNERS: Expand the first-time homebuyer savings account which offers a tax-free solution for home savings
HOME IMPROVEMENT FUND: Create a $50 million neighborhood grant program for improvements for current homeowners
TAX CREDITS FOR NEW HOUSING: Create a $15 million tax credit program for affordable housing units
CAP RENT INCREASES: Cap rent increases for current tenants to the rate of inflation (CPI), including renters in mobile homes
REDUCE UNFAIR APPLICATION COSTS: 50% refund of rental application fee to anyone denied housing by a landlord
Every Iowan deserves access to safe & affordable housing.
All Iowans Belong Here
All hardworking people should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families.
Iowa Republican lawmakers are fast-tracking a bill to remove gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act. Taking away these fundamental rights and allowing discrimination would have devastating consequences for many Iowans including banks denying car loans and credit cards; landlords denying housing; employers firing someone based on who they are; and businesses denying basic services.
Every Iowan deserves to live freely and be treated fairly by our state’s laws without fear of discrimination. Lawmakers should protect these rights, not remove them.
Capitol and Community Updates
BANNING BOOKS AT PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Some lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban books and cut off key funding for Iowa’s public libraries through the Enrich Iowa program.
FREE RADON TEST KITS BILL: Radon causes cancer in many Iowans, and under a new bill Iowans may be able to get free radon test kits from the Department of Health and Human Services.
BILL TO IMPROVE IOWA’S ENERGY: A comprehensive energy package passed through the House Commerce Committee this week on a bipartisan vote to modernize Iowa’s electric grid, provide businesses with flexible rates, and secure the state’s transmission lines.
IOWA BRIDGES ARE WORST IN THE NATION: A new report ranks Iowa the worst in the nation for the number of structurally deficient bridges in the country. The study estimates it will cost $3.9 billion to repair the bridges. Almost 15,000 bridges in the state require repair and have over 5 million daily crossings.
BILL PROTECTING FREE SPEECH ADVANCES: A bill that assures that frivolous lawsuits brought against people for exercising their First Amendment rights on matters of public concern advanced through the House Judiciary Committee. The bill would enact the “Uniform Public Expression Protection Act” which creates an expedited relief in civil lawsuits to more quickly end cases brought without any merit.
