Senate and House Democratic leaders issue formal call for special session

In an effort to stop Governor Branstad from closing Workforce Offices across the state, Senate Democratic Leader Mike Gronstal, Senate President Jack Kibbie and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy issued a formal letter today to their colleagues calling for a special session focused on saving services for the unemployed.

The leaders called on their legislative colleagues to sign a petition requesting a special session in response to the Governor’s line-item veto of parts of Senate File 517. The vetoed language required the state to maintain the current number of Workforce Development field offices, which help unemployed Iowans search for jobs, prepare for interviews and improve their skills. The offices also help businesses find qualified employees.

Legislators may call a special session if two-thirds of the Senate and House agree in writing to participate in a special session.