From the Desk of Senator Dotzler
This week, a group of outstanding young people from the Waterloo City Student Council visited the Capitol to lobby legislators regarding mental health issues many of their peers face every day. For several years, they have been working to reduce student suicides by urging legislators to place suicide prevention information on student IDs, including the suicide prevention hotline number.
On Wednesday, the House passed House File 602 on a 91-4 vote to do exactly that. For a diversity of reasons, young people today are experiencing significant mental health challenges, including anxiety disorder, eating disorders, and depression.
I was privileged to speak with these students in the rotunda They are aware of how the world around them is changing and are truly worried about their futures and the uncertainty revolving around climate change, education and their plans for careers.
In addition to telling their personal stories, they shared a website that features important information for any young person (or their parents) on mental health resources.
It seems that, too often, young people are required to grapple with serious issues that once upon a time were in the domain of adulthood. I realize that websites alone cannot resolve the many emerging issues kids face today but I do believe that this particular site is a valuable resource for any family facing the paralyzing burden of mental health.
I am going to work to ensure that their bill that the House passed is taken up in the Senate next.
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 button 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.
- Don’t Device and Drive. Hands-free legislation aimed at preventing distracted driving cleared the Iowa Senate this week. Senate File 547 bans using an electronic device while driving, but allows the use of one-touch or voice-activated features or devices. The change will help ensure drivers keep their hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road, keeping all of us safer. Offenders will be issued warnings for a short period after the law takes effect, and then face $100 fines for violations. The bill now heads to the House for 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
