It is Week 1, and we are officially back in session! I wanted to welcome every caucus member back and welcome our four new freshmen who are just beginning their journey in the Iowa House!
I was sworn in on Monday for the 11th time. I am proud to be an Iowa House Representative and to have served Blackhawk County for over twenty years! Let’s make the twenty-first year even better!
With all that being said, I would also like to welcome back my clerk Campbell for her third year! She has been an important part of my work in the Capitol, and I am grateful to have her by my side for a third consecutive year!
With the beginning of the new session, my committees have changed. I am now a part of five committees, some new and some old!
Rep. Kressig’s Committees
Public Safety
Transportation
Local Government
Environmental Protection
Transportation, Infrastructure, and Capitols Budget (Ranking Member)
I am excited about what this next session will hold! While there has been a shift to the House, I am still hopeful that our caucus can make a real difference.
In the newsletter, you will find topics that are important to Iowans. Please share your comments.
-2025 Legislative Session Opens by Putting People Over Politics
-Lawmakers Want to Hear from You
– Capitol and Community Updates
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 Community Events:
January 18 Jazz at The Black Hawk
Bar Winslow, 7pm, barwinslow.com
2025 Legislative Session Opens by Putting People Over Politics
The 2025 Iowa Legislative Session started on Monday, January 13th, and Democratic lawmakers are committed to putting People Over Politics.
With Iowans expecting lawmakers to put politics aside and work together, it’s clear that too many Iowans have been left behind as costs continue to rise. Democrats plan to introduce legislation that will lower costs for Iowans, including affordable housing, retirement security, lowering prescription drug costs, and increasing access to affordable childcare.
Some of the additional ideas in the People Over Politics agenda that have overwhelming support from Iowans include investing in public schools, protecting reproductive freedom, and legalizing marijuana.
The 2025 Legislative Session is 110 days in length and is expected to end on May 2nd. Iowans can log on to legis.iowa.gov to watch live streams of legislative action, including committee meetings and debates.
Lawmakers Want to Hear from You
Now, more than ever, you deserve an honest conversation about the challenges and opportunities we face as a state. Lawmakers are asking Iowans to take a brief survey to tell them what’s important to you and your family. If you haven’t already, please consider taking the survey below.
Capitol and Community Updates
SUMMIT PIPELINE UPDATE: The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has scheduled six public input meetings in January at various locations throughout the state to review Summit Carbon Solutions’ edited application for a pipeline permit.
IOWA ECONOMY LAGGING: A new study by State Policy Reports shows Iowa last in the nation in Economic Momentum. The same study shows Iowa ranked 50th in the country in a change of Personal Income. Iowa also ranks near the bottom in employment growth.
ICE FISHING: Check out the DNR’s website for the weekly fishing report and find current ice conditions across the state.
DROUGHT CONDITIONS RETURN TO NORMAL ACROSS THE STATE: Above-average rainfall in 8 different months last year improved drought conditions across the state according to Iowa’s Water Summary Update. This increased precipitation in 2024 ended 204 consecutive weeks of drought somewhere in Iowa, the longest period since the 1950s. Statewide temperatures were also just under three degrees warmer than normal over the last year.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH: A proclamation was signed designating January as Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a national anti-trafficking hotline serving victims and survivors of human trafficking and the anti-trafficking community at 1-888-373-7888.
