It is now officially Week 3 and things are beginning to move along. I have had the honor to speak with many of my constituents and hear about their experiences and issues. With that being said, I would love to share with all of you my exciting week!
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to meet with some incredible individuals about public schools! Between the hard-working staff and talented students, it’s easy to understand the importance of having programs such as the ones I have seen today. It will be exciting to see the work that these young students will be able to accomplish in the future, and I hope to see them again next year!
Along with meeting with my constituents, I have also had a busy week with committees as bills begin to be assigned. One of the more major bills is HF 144. This controversial bill marks the first debate of the session! My personal opinion regarding this bill is that there are already nineteen casinos in the state of IA. I don’t believe that another casino would be necessary nor positively impact pre-existing casinos and the communities that they serve.
Overall, this week has been slow to start, but there will be many more bills and issues to come. Thank you all who took the time to come to the Capitol! I truly enjoyed seeing all of you!
In the newsletter, you will find topics that are important to Iowans. Please share your comments.
– Vouchers Will Cost Iowa Taxpayers $1 Billion
– Reynolds’ Economy Leaving Workers Behind
– 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!
Vouchers Will Cost Iowa Taxpayers $1 Billion
Under the governor’s voucher program, Iowans can expect to pay over $1 billion to private schools within four years.New numbers released in Governor Kim Reynolds’ budget show that private school vouchers are among the fastest-growing parts of the state budget. Next year, vouchers will receive a 44% increase in tax dollars, compared to the 2% increase in Reynolds’ plans for public schools.The increase next year is so dramatic because every family, regardless of income, will be eligible for almost $8,000 annually to send their children to private school.This is just another example of Iowans’ hard-earned dollars going to yet another break for those at the top and certainly another reason so many Iowans are frustrated with politics these days.Iowa House Democrats firmly believe that public money is for public schools. With most Iowans opposed to vouchers, now is the time to contact your lawmakers and ask them to support strong public schools, not vouchers.
Reynolds’ Economy Leaving Workers Behind
Too many Iowans are still struggling to make ends meet today. Their wages simply aren’t keeping up with the rising costs of healthcare, food, childcare, and utility bills.
In Iowa, we are seeing a downward swing in the economy. According to Iowa Workforce Development, over 1,000 workers in Iowa have already received a layoff notice for 2025. This comes after more than 6,000 workers in 2024 were laid off by their employers, including almost 2,000 at John Deere alone.
With more than a third of Iowa counties seeing workers laid off in 2024, Iowans are desperately seeking some relief, and prices aren’t going down. Despite the drastic increase in consumer egg prices this past week, hitting an unprecedented $6.07 per dozen in the Midwest, the Iowa House Majority canceled this week’s Economic Growth Committee meeting as very little economic relief legislation has been introduced by their members for full consideration.
Capitol and Community Updates
IOWA REPUBLICANS PLAN TO REMOVE GENDER IDENTITY FROM CIVIL RIGHTS ACT: Statehouse Republicans are planning to remove gender identity from Iowa’s Civil Rights Act this session. This will allow discrimination against transgender Iowans in the workplace, finding housing, getting credit, or getting services. All hardworking people—including those who are transgender—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 DEPT. OF EDUCATION TO WEAKEN CLIMATE CHANGE AND EVOLUTION SCIENCE CURRICULUM: New science standards in schools are being proposed by the Iowa Department of Public Education that weaken instruction on climate change and evolution. The public is encouraged to submit comments until Feb. 3rd.
CHICKADEE CHECKOFF: Help fund habitat and wildlife such as butterflies and songbirds by donating to the Chickadee Checkoff on your state tax forms.
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVES SIX NEW CHARTER SCHOOLS: The Iowa State Board of Education has approved six new charter schools for next school year. A total of 15 charter schools have been approved so far.
CHIEF JUSTICE DELIVERS CONDITION OF THE JUDICIARY: Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen delivered the annual Condition of the Judiciary, updating the Legislature on the Judicial Branch. The Chief Justice focused on commitment and reaffirming the work the Judicial Branch is doing for the people of Iowa. This includes assuring the courts remain accessible, supporting the judicial branch’s workforce, and a commitment to indigent defense.
