From the Desk of Senator Trone Garriott
Clockwise from top: Stilwell Jr High 7th grade students presented civic engagement projects, Youth from the city of Waterloo have been advocating for HF602 to include suicide prevention hotline number on student IDs, a few of the commissions and boards for which Senators vet Governor appointees.
Good News from the Iowa Senate
As an elected official I have so many opportunities to learn about great things that the people of Iowa are doing for their communities. No matter what’s happening in the legislature, I’m always encouraged and inspired by our neighbors.
Several weeks back, I joined school board, city, and state elected officials to present to the 7th grade humanities class at Stilwell Jr. High. The students identified an issue that mattered to them, did research, interviewed local experts, and communicated to various elected leaders. I came back this week to see their presentations on topics ranging from water quality to food insecurity. I’m proud of how our public schools prepare our young people for a future as engaged citizens.
Later this week in the Senate Education Committee we saw House File 602 moving forward thanks to the advocacy of students. Youth from Waterloo have been educating legislators about the benefits of adding the suicide prevention hotline number (988) to public school student IDs. There are so many bills in the state legislature, it’s hard to keep track. But thanks to student outreach, I was well informed before the bill came to committee.
Our state government works better when Iowans share their insights and expertise with legislators. That’s why there are boards and commissions giving feedback and providing oversight on many aspects of our state government. Senators are tasked with vetting the Governor’s appointees to these roles as well as those who will serve in department leadership positions. I really appreciate the opportunity to speak with each of the appointees assigned to me. It’s a commitment to be involved in this way and they deserve our thanks! If you are interested in serving, here is where you can find out more: https://talentbank.iowa.gov/boards/
This has definitely been a contentious legislative session, but bipartisan cooperation hasn’t been completely absent in the Iowa Senate this year.
In a few key areas, Democrats and Republicans have found common ground and come together to make positive change for Iowans.
- Over-the-counter birth control. Democrats and Republicans voted earlier this month to allow Iowa pharmacists to dispense birth control products without a doctor’s prescription – lowering a barrier to access for a key healthcare service.
- Safer driving. 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 helps ensure drivers keep their hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road, keeping all of us safer.
- Tougher penalties for stalking. Senate File 201 increases the penalty when a stalker uses a technological device – like a GPS tracker – to track the movements of a victim. These crimes have been in the news a lot lately – they violate Iowans’ privacy and make them less safe.
- More data privacy. New protections for Iowans’ personal data are now state law after the House and Senate unanimously passed and Gov. Reynolds signed Senate File 262. The new law is an important step, allowing consumers to access, delete, and opt-out of the sale of their personal data held by certain companies under certain circumstances.
These victories don’t get a lot of headlines, but they’re significant nonetheless. They remind us what is possible when we set aside the partisanship and political point-scoring and listen to the needs of our communities.
Legislation of Concern
Senate File 494, which would create unnecessary hurdles for Iowans in need of food and health care assistance — while costing the state millions more — has moved forward in the House.
However, there are Republican representatives opposing this harmful bill. Thank you to Representatives Bergan, Lohse, and Young, who all opposed this legislation in the House Appropriations Committee. The bill passed 13-11 (one Democrat who would have voted no was absent). The House will have a public hearing on this bill, although the date and time are not yet set. Please follow the Iowa Hunger Coalition for updates. It’s important that the public speak out against a bill that is poised to removed thousands of Iowans from Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, FIP, and SNAP due to paperwork hurdles.
House File 319 originally gave more flexibility to child care workers regarding the timing employment physical exams (Tuberculosis Screening, vaccinations, etc.). But it’s been amended in the Senate to remove the requirement of exams completely. Instead, a child care worker must sign a document attesting that they are not aware of having a communicable disease. This is another example of lowering our standards because of workforce challenges created by Iowa’s low wages. Contact your Senator to express your concerns about this legislation.
Quick Updates
- Waukee turns up the beet. The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service named Waukee as one of the national winners of its Turnip the Beet award for summer 2022. Waukee Community School Districts received a gold award for their “Picnic and Play” summer food program, which went above and beyond to serve high-quality meals to children during the summer months. The program included providing locally sourced food and educational programming in conjunction with community partners, including safety programs taught by local police and fire departments, sports clinics featuring Iowa State athletic teams and farming activities such as seed planting. For more information visit the Turnip the Beet website.
- Free property tax appeal webinar. The Iowa Property Assessment Appeal Board (PAAB), will provide a free online presentation on April 12 explaining the state’s process for protesting a property tax assessment. Covered topics include property assessment basics; understanding assessment listings and valuation; requesting an informal assessment review from your county assessor; filing a protest with your local board of review; explaining the grounds for protesting assessments; and options for appealing a board’s decision. The webinar is scheduled for 12 p.m. on April 12. Register here.
- Finding Iowa’s Little Free Libraries. Little Free Libraries are a small container of free books that can be exchanged within a community. These community sharing libraries help motivate readers, young and old. There are Little Free Libraries across Iowa. Use this map to see if there’s a little free library in your neighborhood.
- Apply now to be a youth advocate. The Iowa Department of Human Rights is accepting applications now for the 2023-24 term of the Iowa Youth Congress and the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council. Iowa Youth Congress participants learn about the legislative process, advocacy, and civic engagement, while building leadership and communication skills. The State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council is made up of 21 youth between the ages of 14-20 from across the state of Iowa who advocate for youth on important issues. Apply here for the Youth Congress and here for the Advisory Council. Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2023.
- Safe and Sound Iowa. Creating a safe learning environment starts with awareness and early reporting of concerning behaviors. The State of Iowa School Safety Bureau this month released an anonymous reporting tool to help identify and help for students in crisis before they harm themselves or others. If you see something concerning you can fill out a report at SafeandSoundIowa.gov or call 800-224-6018. For more information click here.
- Let’s expand coverage for new moms and babies. Oklahoma just became the 30th State to be approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for a 12-month expansion of postpartum Medicaid. Iowa has yet to apply for the extended coverage option, although all Senate Democrats joined together earlier this session to introduce SF 57, which would require the State to apply for the extended coverage. The 12-month postpartum extension will ensure new moms have access to critical maternal health care, and we will continue to push for legislative action.
- New nursing program at UNI. The University of Northern Iowa will start a new nursing program to address our ongoing shortage of critical healthcare workers. The new program is expected to be ready to enroll students in the fall of 2024. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of people employed as registered nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, but the American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that over 8,000 Midwest nursing program applicants have been denied admissions because of capacity issues.
- Iowa kids are not for sale. Last Saturday, Iowa parents and workers showed up to protest the Republican bill to roll back child labor laws. From Des Moines to Iowa City, Senate Democrats attended rallies across the state. Our children should not be working dangerous jobs to increase corporate profits.
This Week in the Capitol
Attacks on public lands continue:
More photos from my visit to Stilwell Jr. High:
Have I got a story for you:
