From the Desk of Senator Boulton
Bipartisan softball game: fun and fundraising for two great causes.
We are in the middle of the legislative session, where we take on some tough issues and begin planning the state’s budget for the upcoming year. Partisan tensions can run high during this stretch of the legislative process, so it can be an important time to remember that regardless of party affiliation we are all elected to serve the people of Iowa.
One of the newest traditions to help legislators break through partisan divides for a good cause — actually two good causes — is the legislative softball game. We had our first game last year and raised thousands of dollars for the Puppy Jake Foundation and Iowa Food Bank Association.
This year, I’m serving as one of the Senate co-captains for the game that will be played June 4 at Principal Park. It’s a good way for legislators from both parties to develop better relationships across the aisle, and it is an excellent opportunity to help these charities succeed. Last year’s event raised approximately $30,000 for charity and we are hopeful this year we will be able to beat that mark for these two outstanding organizations.
What Gives You Hope for Iowa’s Future?
Let’s be honest: it’s been a difficult legislative session.
Republicans here in the statehouse have pushed through big bills that take away opportunity and security for too many Iowa families. They’ve chosen to fight a divisive culture war instead of coming together to solve the real challenges facing our state.
As we round the curve toward the end of the session, we’re looking for some hope. Lucky for us, there’s always hope to be found in the strength and optimism of Iowans.
This week, we’re asking you to share your story: Click the link below to tell us what gives you hope for a brighter future in Iowa politics and government.
Quick Updates
- Join the Book Club. The State Historical Society of Iowa’s book club kicks off this month with an online discussion of “The Good Country: A History of the American Midwest, 1800-1900” by Jon Lauck at 7 p.m. March 30. The first-ever chronicle of the Midwest’s formative century, “The Good Country” describes a rich civic culture that prized education, literature, libraries and the arts. Author Jon Lauck will join the discussion. Register here.
- More opportunities for young deer hunters. A bill passed in the Iowa Senate this week allows hunters under 18 to purchase licenses and hunt during all established deer hunters, expanding their options beyond the September 17-to-October 2 youth season. It now moves on to the House for further consideration.
- Stop human trafficking. A bill creating a new Human Trafficking Taskforce passed the Senate this week. The taskforce will create an annual report examining resources available for victims and law enforcement and what additional resources are needed. I’m hopeful this will become law soon.
- Ban the panic defense. I’m happy to report that a ban on the LGBTQ panic defense is finally moving in the Senate. People have tried to mitigate or excuse violent attacks on gay and trans victims by using this defense in court. This bipartisan legislation makes clear that Iowa will not excuse violence against someone simply because of who they are.
- Expand penalties for stalking. Senate File 201 enhances penalties for stalking when there is a technological device used to track a victim. We passed this bill in the Senate last week, advancing it to the House for further consideration. This bipartisan bill stems from the growing use of GPS devices in stalking crimes.
- Welcome, VPOTUS. Last Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris visited Des Moines to discuss reproductive rights with legislators and community advocates. Iowans are concerned about government overreach limiting reproductive freedoms, and Senate Democrats are pushing back against Republican politicians who want to restrict or take away reproductive freedom from Iowans.
- Student Loan Forgiveness Update. The Government Accountability Office decided last Friday that President Biden’s student debt relief program is subject to congressional review, providing a new tool for Republicans in Congress to try to block the measure. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says she’ll try to do exactly that – even though than 408,000 Iowans would be eligible for student loan debt forgiveness under the plan.
- American Rescue Plan anniversary. March 11 marked the second anniversary of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act. This transformative legislation created millions of jobs, funded the vaccination campaign, and helped cut the child poverty rate by nearly half in 2021 — the lowest level on record.
This Week in the Capitol
