From the Desk of Senator Weiner
I’ve been pondering what to write. This was a really tough week, between what we debated (the governor’s “education/parents’ rights” bill, Senate File 496, and the SNAP bill, Senate File 494, for example) and the hurtful bills the Governor signed into law. I recognize that what we as individual legislators experience pales in comparison with what so many Iowa families, kids, teachers, staff and administrators are dealing with right now. They are wrong, they are cruel, and they are not in the best interests of our kids. The best I can do is express my profound sorrow, continue to listen and talk with you, tell you I truly see you and value you all – and pledge to continue the fight.
We Democrats do not have the ability to stop legislation that Republicans are determined to pass. There are too few of us, though we punch way above our weight in terms of cogent, organized, passionate arguments that we make on the floor, based on what we have heard from constituents and on what we believe to be right for the future of ALL Iowans and this state. On the controversial bills, Republican ears remain deaf to our arguments, so many of which are grounded in the law, science, history – and in empathy and compassion.
To those of you who ask us to strive to be bipartisan, I offer three thoughts: First, I would love nothing more than to work in a bipartisan manner on bills that will benefit Iowans. Second, we pass many noncontroversial bills on a bipartisan basis. And third, we talk to our Republican colleagues about bills. We listen, we reframe, we try to persuade, and we ask them to make changes that we believe will improve bills. If we succeed before a bill comes to the senate floor, it will happen – and that work will be largely invisible. If we don’t, it won’t. We continue to propose amendments on the floor because we believe these issues matter and that is our job to demonstrate that we listen to our constituents, consider the issues carefully, and are working to craft legislation that improves lives and solves actual problems.
Back at home, I’ll be attending the League of Women Voters of Johnson County legislative forum tomorrow morning from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Hills Community Center (110 Main St., Hills). Hope you can make an effort to attend!
What Gives You Hope for Iowa’s Future?
Let’s be honest: it’s been a difficult legislative session.
As I’ve indicated, 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 punch down on vulnerable populations and target public education 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 our fellow 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
- New contract at UIHC. I was glad to see that staff at UIHC successfully ratified a new contract following Service Employees International Union Local 199’s negotiations with the Board of Regents. UIHC workers have challenging jobs that provide immense service to our community, and they deserve to be appropriately rewarded for their work. There is still more to do.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 transformational 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
