The legislative session ended last Thursday at 6:30 AM after waiting for 22 hours for a decision from the republicans to finish the session for the year. The extended session reflected deep divisions over key issues such as school funding, property tax relief, and support for working families. While some bipartisan progress was made, many important proposals were left unresolved.
I was able to attend the Gold Star Awards for the Outstanding Teachers Awards Ceremony at Gallagher Bluedorn last night. There was a large crowd of students and parents showing their support for the great work teachers are doing in Iowa. Thanks to all the teachers who are working hard and educating the youth of Iowa.
In the newsletter, you will find topics that are important to Iowans. Please share your comments.
– Legislature Concludes 2025 Session.
– Governor Signs School Funding 103 Days Late
– Remembering Iowa Veterans this Memorial Day
– Nominate an Outstanding Individual for Iowan of the Day
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.
May 30 Live to 9
River Place Plaza, 6pm, riverplaceplaza.com
Legislature Concludes 2025 Session
After weeks of overtime, the 2025 Legislative Session adjourned in the early hours of Thursday, May 15th. The extended session reflected deep divisions over key issues such as school funding, property tax relief, and support for working families. While some bipartisan progress was made, many important proposals were left unresolved.
Missed Opportunities
At the start of the session, Iowa House Democrats prioritized lowering costs, recognizing that too many Iowa families are struggling with rising healthcare and childcare expenses, stagnant wages, and growing concerns about potential layoffs across the state.
While many Iowans hoped for meaningful property tax relief this session, Republican lawmakers failed to reach a resolution. In contrast, House Democrats introduced two proposals aimed at delivering real relief to Iowa families:
Expanding property tax credits to all seniors (HF 916)
A $1,000 property tax rebate for homeowners/$500 rebate for renters (HF 691)
House Democrats also introduced several bills that would have put working families first by raising wages and lowering costs. Those included:
Creating more affordable housing units & making it easier to buy a first home (HF 659)
Neighborhood grants to help current homeowner improve and stay in their home (HF 659)
Capping rent increases & refunding 50% of the rental application fee to anyone denied housing by a landlord (HF 266)
Expand the Childcare Tax Credit and Childcare Assistance program to provide immediate relief to families (HF 611)
Raising wages & expanding benefits for childcare workers (HF 661)
Tax credits for small businesses that provide childcare employee benefits (HF 661)
Capping the price of insulin to $25 per month (HF 658)
Ending state taxes on tips & overtime pay
Unfortunately, the voices of most Iowans were repeatedly ignored this session. Instead of putting Iowans first, the Governor and Republican leaders prioritized special interests and political power, advancing bills that do just that:
44% increase in funding for private school vouchers, but just a 2% increase for public schools (SF 167)
Requiring public schools to provide false information to kids on pregnancy (SF 175)
Ending Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in Iowa (HF 856)
$1 billion in new tax breaks for corporations that lay off Iowa workers (SF 607)
Putting the health care of 182,000 Iowans at risk (SF 615)
Some Common Ground
Iowans expect lawmakers to listen and work together to get things done. And while it’s to be expected that there are honest policy differences between Republican and Democratic lawmakers, there were a few issues that lawmakers found common ground on, including:
To every Iowan who stood up, spoke out, and took action, thank you for being part of the fight. Using your voice to stand up for what’s right is a core part of what it means to be an Iowan.
Legislative Democrats heard those voices and stood in opposition to harmful bills that would have cut critical services, opened the door to more discrimination, restricted reproductive healthcare, and allowed the government to overstep. Because of Iowans’ advocacy, the following bills failed to advance this year:
Prohibition of mRNA vaccines – almost all COVID vaccines (SF 360)
Expands the ability to carry a gun into a school (HF 621)
Together, we pushed back against efforts that don’t reflect who we are as Iowans. While the fight isn’t over, your voices made a difference, and it will continue to guide us as we work toward Iowa’s future.
Capitol and Community Updates
GOVERNOR SIGNS SCHOOL FUNDING 103 DAYS LATE: Governor Reynolds was 103 days late signing school funding and then gave 44% more new money to private schools while Iowa’s 485,000 public school students got a 2% increase.
REMEMBERING IOWA VETERANS THIS MEMORIAL DAY: As Memorial Day approaches, it is a good time to remember the sacrifices our veterans have made and to thank them for their service. To celebrate and honor our veterans during Memorial Day weekend, several events are being held across the state. The main event at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery will be at 8 a.m. at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery (34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel).
NOMINATE AN OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL FOR IOWAN OF THE DAY: Do you know an outstanding Iowan who deserves to be recognized? The Iowa State Fair’s Blue Ribbon Foundation asks Iowans to nominate exceptional individuals to be recognized as Iowan of the Day.
