Celebrating the right to vote
As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote, we have another voting rights victory: Iowa will no longer automatically institute a lifetime ban on voting for all Iowans convicted of any felony.
Quality of life
GOP blocked protections for vulnerable seniors; Pandemic intensified damage
The Republican majority in the Senate failed to move a bill that called for minimum help for our state’s elderly in long-term care facilities. The pandemic has laid bare that under-funding in times of crisis can kill.
2020 Session Wrap-up
A quick list of the good, the bad and the ugly bills of the 2020 legislative session.
Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen on passage of Criminal Justice Reforms
Iowans are calling for social and racial justice. Senate Democrats are ready to make that a reality, and we are so happy to make a first step today in a bipartisan manner.
Boulton: Solutions to racial injustice must be new
Our city, state, and nation are struggling with what is broken in our society. Racial injustice isn’t new, but our solutions absolutely must be. We have seen powerful, poignant moments. A peaceful, massive assembly has inspired new conversations. It also inspired a powerful and real emotion for some: anger.
Petersen: Let’s give Iowans a healthier way to restart the economy
The number of COVID-19 cases is still increasing, and nationally ranked hotspots are popping up all over the state. Yet, the Governor and Republican legislators continue to deliver narratives that are heavy on spin and light on facts and data.
Petersen: Need transparency in fight against COVID-19
Iowans want to be part of the solution. That requires more Iowans knowing what is going on. We deserve straightforward leadership that includes timely, accurate data, and clear directions.
Enhancing communities through land banks
Bipartisan legislation (SF 2369) establishing “land banks” has passed the Senate Local Government Committee. Land banks are public-private partnerships to rehabilitate rundown, vacant and tax-delinquent properties for productive use.
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Iowa courts innovate to improve lives
Iowa has developed specialized courts to address the specific needs of Iowans and their communities. Judges, treatment professionals, lawyers and service agencies form treatment teams to help Iowans address their underlying problems.
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2020 Session Must Fix Iowa’s Medical Cannabis Program
Legislators argue for reforms to Iowa’s medical cannabis program in a news conference Nov. 15, 2019.