From the Desk of Senator Trone Garriott
Clockwise from left: Dr. Sudbeck and Dr. Meidl from the University of Iowa’s Psychiatric Rural Health Residency program; Disability Advocate Robert Fischer of Adel; Students from the University of Iowa Education Program; the Rev. Marian Edmonds-Allen of the United Church of Christ and Hillary Nielsen of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints visited the Senate to share about Iowa Religious Freedom Day.
Attacks on Reproductive Care
It was a shock to learn that Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird quietly discontinued a program to provide emergency contraception and abortion care to survivors of sexual assault. This change only came to light last week, but began with the new AG’s term. This week I shared on the Senate floor how this would take necessary emergency care away in a moment of crisis.
As a hospital chaplain and advocate for survivors of sexual assault I spent hours in the Emergency Department with adults and children who had been assaulted. In fact, most Iowans who benefitted from this long-standing program are children.
The Iowa Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday about the future of reproductive freedom in Iowa. Read my statement here. 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.
The one positive move on reproductive care in this session may not be going anywhere. A bill on Epi Pens was recently amended in the Senate to allow pharmacists to dispense hormonal birth control without a prescription. It looks like the House may amend this bill in a way that would erode support for the measure. You can see the amendments here. SF 326 is eligible for a vote in the House, contact Representatives to share your thoughts.
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 despite Republican politicians passing bills to restrict the books they can read or the conversations they can have in school.
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 easy it can be to lose hope, but hearing from constituents inspires me to keep fighting. 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!
Quick Updates
- 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.
- LGBTQ Legal Help. Drake Law School will hold a free LGBTQ+ Legal Clinic at 10 a.m. on April 22. Register here for help with legal name changes, sex designation changes on Iowa birth certificates, powers of attorney, healthcare declarations. The clinic is open to adults and minors (with a guardian present).
- 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.
This Week in the Capitol
Over 200 Faith Leaders Speak out against bill attacking Iowans on food assistance and Medicaid
Celebrating the Waukee High School Award Winners
