From the Desk of Senator Giddens
As we near the end of the legislative session, I wanted to share an update on progress made in the Senate regarding Gubernatorial Appointments.
One of our responsibilities in the Senate is to confirm or reject the Governor’s appointees to serve on state boards and commissions or to head state government departments. The Senate requires a two-thirds majority vote for each appointment to be confirmed.
Like a bill, senators are assigned to subcommittees for each appointee, where we review and evaluate each appointee’s qualifications before advancing them to the committee level for consideration and then to the full Senate for a confirmation vote.
I’ve been interviewing various appointees over the last two weeks. I always enjoy these conversations with Iowans who step up to serve the public in these very important roles. Our committees met early this week to vote on the first of two batches of gubernatorial appointments. This process will continue in the weeks to come until all appointees have been considered.
Additionally, much work remains to be done on the state budget, which is always the final item of business to be completed before a legislative session ends. In the meantime, I will be sure to keep you updated on our progress as things play out. As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I’m here to help in any way that I can.
Have a great weekend!
Stories of Hope, shared by Iowans
A few weeks ago, we asked Iowans to share what gives you hope for a brighter future. We’ve received so many responses from folks all across the state, and your inspiring messages are important and timely as we approach the end of the legislative session.
For many of you, the answer is simple: the kids give you hope. Many of you described your awe and
admiration for the young people of Iowa who continue to stand up for their rights.
We asked what gives you hope. Here’s a sampling of the answers you sent back:
“The awareness and activism of our young people to effect the change they want to see in the world.” – Josephine O.
“The dedication and commitment of classroom teachers. They work so hard no matter what
mountains they are forced to climb, all with the well-being of their students firmly in their
hearts and minds.” – Nancy G.
“More than anything else, it’s the young people standing up not just for their own rights, but for the rights of all, that gives me hope.” – Liz O.
“The next election.” – Brian M.
I know how frustrating our political system can be at times, but hearing from constituents inspires me to
keep working hard for you. Iowans know that we can do better, and this sentiment unites us even through these challenges. Thank you for believing in our state and our democracy.
If you haven’t already, please take a moment to tell us what gives you hope for Iowa — and please forward this
email to your friends, family, community members, or anybody who you think has
a story of hope to share!
Reproductive Freedom on the Docket
The Iowa Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday about the future of reproductive freedom in Iowa.
At issue is the 2018 statute banning abortion after six weeks of pregnancy – a radical change to state law that would prohibit 98 percent of abortions performed in Iowa. That law was initially found to be unconstitutional, and has never been enforced. The court is reconsidering it now, however, after the U.S. Supreme Court and the Iowa Supreme Court struck down constitutional protections on abortion.
Tuesday’s hearing represents the latest attack from anti-choice politicians despite years of legal precedent and wide public support across political affiliations for reproductive freedom in Iowa.
The tactics change, but the goals remain the same: Some of our politicians want a total ban on abortion in Iowa, denying essential healthcare and stripping away fundamental freedoms for Iowans.
I trust Iowans to make their own choices about their own bodies and their own futures. Politicians have no business in the doctor’s office interfering with private medical decisions.
Quick Updates
- Less support for survivors. Iowa’s new Attorney General, Brenna Bird, is suspending a program covering emergency contraception for sexual assault victims. This follows a pattern of quietly but consistently reducing access to care and prioritizing an ideology over women’s autonomy, safety, and health.
- Stay Active on the voter rolls. The Iowa Secretary of State’s office is sending out “No Activity” notices to registered voters who did not participate in the 2022 general election. If you receive one of these, respond quickly to return your voter status to “Active.” If you get the notice, check the appropriate box, sign your name, and return the pre-paid postcard in the mail. You can always check your voter registration status at VoterReady.Iowa.gov.
- IowaWorks for veterans. Iowa Workforce Development has announced the launch of a new online portal making it easier for Veterans and their families to find a new career in Iowa. The portal connects veterans with one-on-one job search assistance and helps employers locate and hire people with experience in the armed forces.
- April is World Autism Month. Increasing understanding of autism helps everyone gain a better perspective on how people with autism learn, interact, and communicate. Click here for ideas on how to help celebrate Autism Awareness Month.
- Get smart with your money. Money Smart Week is a national public education program coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to empower people to make better-informed personal financial decisions. Money Smart Week events for 2023 include webinars about family budgeting, debt relief, and employer retirement benefits.
- Don’t miss the Dutchman’s Breeches. Spring is here, and you can make the most of it with the DNR’s weekly woodland wildflower bloom report. This updated list tracks wildflowers in bloom by region – northern, central and southern. (Dutchman’s Breeches are one of the many already blooming across the state.) Peeping wildflowers can be a fun spring activity for kids and is a great way to spend time outdoors as a family. Wildflowers can be found by simply walking, or biking along trails, on a hike through a local or Iowa state park or by just driving slowly along a county road.
