From the Desk of Senator Trone Garriott
Clockwise from left: 4th grade class from Waukee CSD Walnut Hill’s School; press conference with faith leaders and community leaders asking the Governor to veto SF494 which would take away food and healthcare assistance from Iowans; the 29 school districts that benefit from the Public Education Recreation Levy (senate property tax bill proposes eliminating PERL); Girl Scouts of Greater Des Moines visited the Capitol; The Rose family came to the Capitol to share about the importance of the SNAP program; Easter Vigil at the Coptic Orthodox Church in Des Moines; panel with One Iowa and House Representatives on legislation impacting LGBTQ Iowans; Iowa Religious Freedom Day at the World Food Prize Building.
Republican Legislators to Iowa: No Answers
Late Monday night the Senate was debating Senate File 542, a controversial dismantling of child labor protections. Seeking clarification about a provision that would allow minors to serve alcohol, Senator Bill Dotzler asked the bill’s floor manager Senator Dickey to yield (answer a question). It’s common practice to ask questions during debate. In a break from tradition and democratic norms, Senator Dickey refused to take the question. Senator Dotzler attempted to ask his question again and was refused by both Senator Dickey and the Majority Leader Senator Whitver. See the exchange here.
Turns out, this was not just a breach of etiquette, but a new strategy from Senate Republicans following a recent Iowa Supreme Court Decision. Republican Leadership admitted that they don’t want Iowa courts to review their comments when deciding whether Iowa’s laws are constitutional.
Debate is an important opportunity for legislators and the public to better understand legislation. During this legislative session we have seen bills move from filing to debate within a matter of days. A bill can also change dramatically on the floor with amendments. Floor debate also gives the public guidance on what is intended in the legislation — because the language is not always clear. When penalties are involved, it’s especially important to understand the intent.
Following a great deal of public attention, the Republican majority was no longer outright refusing to yield when the Senate returned to debate on Wednesday. However, floor managers did not actually answer questions. Senator Janet Petersen asked questions about Senate File 496, the Governor’s education bill, specifically a provision requiring staff to inform parents of any student behavior that could be seen as not conforming to their birth gender. For school nurses, counselors, social workers, etc., complying with this requirement would be a violation of their professional ethics. The floor manager Senator Rozenboom would not define which staff were included in this requirement, instead telling Senator Petersen to read the bill. Given that penalties could include the loss of job and professional licensure, it is very important that Iowans understand this legislation.
In addition to refusing to answer questions, Republican leaders in the Senate have kicked Iowa reporters out of the legislative chamber, refused to hold hearings for the public to weigh in on the state budget, and advanced budget bills without dollar amounts. This week we also saw several high-level Governor’s appointees through the confirmation process before they could be contacted with questions.
One party rule has not been good for transparency or accountability.
Both Senate File 542 and Senate File 496 moved on to the Iowa House for further consideration, and on Thursday, the House approved the education bill, sending it to the governor. Please contact legislators in that chamber with your thoughts on the child labor bill.
Bills Passed on the Floor
- This week a property tax reform package was introduced, moved through committee, and debated in under 3 days. Both the House and Senate rushed to pass different property tax policies on April 18th (which was, of course, Tax Day). Was it just a gimmick? It’s unclear. For anything to pass into law this session both chambers would need to be in complete agreement, For the last several years, the Republican Majority has focused on corporate tax cuts and tax policies that benefit those at the highest income levels. As a result, property tax payers have borne a greater share of our state’s tax burden. Recent property value assessments have heightened property owner concerns, but keep in mind that existing state law pumps the breaks on property tax increases.
- In the dead of the night on Tuesday, Senate Republicans approved an expansion of child labor in Iowa. Senate File 542 expands work hours for teenagers and allows them to serve alcohol and work in potentially dangerous fields like roofing, excavation, demolition and in industrial freezers. Watch my comments on this legislation here.
- Senate Republicans also passed a bill, Senate File 228, capping damage awards for Iowans injured or killed in accidents involving commercial trucks. The $5 million cap effectively puts a price on human life, and makes our roads less safe. The bill has also passed the House and now goes to the governor.
Quick Updates
- Workers’ Memorial Day. More than 50 years ago on April 28, the Occupational Safety and Health Act went into effect, promising every worker the right to a safe job – a fundamental right that Senate Democrats will always fight to protect. Still, each year thousands of workers are killed and millions suffer injuries because of dangerous working conditions that are preventable. Together on this Workers’ Memorial Day, we will continue organizing and fighting for this fundamental right until that promise is fulfilled. Join us on April 28th at 11:00 a.m. at the Iowa Capitol, West Terrace.
- Hurting, not helping, hungry Iowans. Last week, House Republicans joined Senate Republicans to pass SF 494 to restrict access to SNAP food assistance and Medicaid for Iowans in need. This extreme legislation makes Iowa stand out for all the wrong reasons, as covered by the Washington Post. At a time when food pantries are reporting all time high demands, Iowa Republicans are turning Iowans away. The contrast couldn’t be clearer, as Republicans rejected every Democratic amendment that would have better protected our most vulnerable neighbors.
- Take Me Out to the Outdoors. Show your support for the outdoors next weekend while enjoying a day at the ballpark. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting Outdoors Day with the Iowa Cubs on April 29. The first 500 youth through the gates will receive a voucher to claim a youth fishing pole as they leave the park. Kids activities will be available near the indoor playground, and you can visit state conservation officers at the Turn in Poachers trailer. All attendees may enter a drawing for the chance to win a lifejacket. $10 tickets – with $4 from each ticket supporting the Iowa Hunter Education Association – are available here.
- Earth Day is April 22. The Earth Day 2023 theme “Invest in Our Planet,” highlighting the importance of dedicating time, resources, and energy to solving climate change and other environmental issues. Visit earthday.org to learn more.
- Celebrate your local library. April 23 to 29 is National Library Week – a time for all of us to visit our local library and explore all they have to offer. Libraries play a critical role in communities by providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for job seekers, and small businesses. If you haven’t checked out your local library lately, you’re missing the full story.
- Decreasing school librarian qualifications: This past week, Senate Republicans sent SF 391 to the Governor for her signature. This package contains several harmful changes for students and schools – including watered-down requirements to be a school librarian. Under the bill, teacher-librarians no longer must be licensed teachers – an important qualification especially as Republican legislators push book bans and new demands on school libraries. Watch my comments here.
- You have a Right to Read. Next Monday, April 24, is Right to Read Day. On Monday, the State of America’s Libraries Report will be released, including the Top 10 Frequently Challenged Books of 2022.
- Disaster assistance grants available. The Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Program offers grants of up $5,000 per household for low income storm victims. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. More information is available here, or by calling 1-877-347-5678.
This Week in the Capitol
In debate over the Governor’s Book Banning Bill:
Ask the Governor to Veto SF494:
More on the property tax bill:
