Iowa House Democrats Newsroom
Inside the Iowa House – Keeping Kids Safe in School
KEEPING KIDS SAFE IN SCHOOL It’s the first week of school, normally a time of excitement and anticipation. And while kids all over the state headed back into the classroom this week, another emotion is common in families - concern. While we had all hoped this pandemic would be well over by now, the reality is [...]
Inside the Iowa House – Let Me Introduce Myself
Greetings from the Iowa Statehouse! My name is Jennifer Konfrst, and I’m proud to serve as the newest Iowa House Minority Leader. I’m glad to have this opportunity to introduce myself and share a little about my priorities. This year’s House Democratic Caucus is the only majority-female caucus at the Iowa State Capitol, and I’m honored [...]
New Laws Take Effect July 1
Dozens of new laws will take effect on July 1, the start of the state of the state's fiscal year. Below are a few highlights by committee. Agriculture SF 231 - Allows any student with a special minor’s license, more commonly known as a school permit, whose parents or guardians own a farm or is employed [...]
Konfrst Elected As Iowa House Minority Leader
State Representative Jennifer Konfrst of Windsor Heights was elected to be the new Iowa House Minority Leader on Monday evening. Rep. Konfrst was the House Minority Whip during the 2021 legislative session and was elected to the top leadership post after Rep. Todd Prichard of Charles City stepped down last month. “I’m honored to earn the [...]
Prichard Steps Down as House Minority Leader
State Representative Todd Prichard of Charles City announced today that he will be stepping down as the Iowa House Minority Leader. Prichard served as leader for three legislative sessions and House Democrats will choose another leader on June 14th, 2021. “It’s been a great honor to serve as leader of the Iowa House Democrats the last [...]
Statement from House Democratic Whip Jennifer Konfrst on Bomb-making Materials Found in Anamosa State Penitentiary
"The Governor’s continuous failures of leadership put more lives at risk every day. After the murders of Lorena Schulte and Robert McFarland in March and another staff assault in April, the bomb materials found in an inmate’s cell prove the Governor has still not taken the decisive action necessary to keep the staff and inmates safe [...]
Two Ethics Complaints Filed Against Dark Money Groups
Des Moines, Iowa — After a video was released featuring a Washington, DC-based, dark money group boasting about secretly lobbying and writing part of the voter bill signed into law in March, two ethics complaints were filed today in the Iowa House of Representatives for breaking Iowa ethics and lobbying laws. “The two ethics complaints filed [...]
Statement from House Democratic Leader Todd Prichard on Governor’s Unemployment Announcement
“In search of national headlines, Governor Reynolds has thrown common sense out the window and again failed the leadership test. Her decision to end additional assistance to Iowans who lost their job during the pandemic is unconscionable and heartless. It has real consequences for Iowa families who are behind on rent, trying to put food on [...]
Lawmaker Calls for More Safety Measures at Anamosa
Des Moines, Iowa — On the heels of another assault last weekend and the tragic murder of two correctional workers in Anamosa in March, an Iowa lawmakers is calling on Governor Reynolds to take immediate action to improve safety at the Anamosa State Penitentiary. “After the tragic deaths of Lorena Schulte and Robert McFarland just a [...]
Axne, Iowa Lawmakers Request Federal Investigation into Anamosa, DOC
Des Moines, Iowa -- Today US Rep. Cindy Axne, Iowa House Minority Leader Todd Prichard, and Iowa Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls sent a letter to federal officials requesting an independent investigation into last month’s deadly assaults at the Anamosa State Penitentiary, as well as the increasing violence within Iowa’s correctional facilities. In the letter to [...]
Second Legislative Deadline: List of Eligible Bills
On Friday, April 2, the Legislature hit the second self-imposed deadline to narrow the number of bills still eligible for debate, called the “funnel”. While there are a few exceptions for tax and budget bills, any bill that has not cleared a House or Senate Committee is dead for the year.
First Legislative Deadline: List of Eligible Bills
On Friday, March 5, the Legislature hit the first self-imposed deadline to narrow the number of bills still eligible for debate, called the “funnel”. While there are a few exceptions for tax and budget bills, any bill that has not cleared a House or Senate Committee is dead for the year.
Beyond the Proclamation Message from Iowa Legislative Black Caucus
Beyond the Proclamation Message from Iowa Legislative Black Caucus Representatives Ras Smith, Ruth Ann Gaines, Ako Abdul-Samad, Ross Wilburn, and Phyllis Thede Des Moines, IA – The Iowa Legislative Black Caucus hosted a virtual press conference this morning. Caucus Chair, Rep. Ras Smith shared a statement in response to Governor Reynolds’ Black History Month proclamation and [...]
STATEMENT FROM HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER TODD PRICHARD ON REYNOLDS’ FAILED COVID RESPONSE
“Just as Iowa hit the grim milestone of 5,000 COVID deaths this week, Governor Reynolds is doubling down on her failed COVID response. It’s both reckless and tragic. This is failed leadership. We all want to get life back to normal and the fastest way to do that is to follow the guidelines from the CDC [...]
Sign Up for Iowa House Blue Alert
Be Informed! Take Action! Vouchers. Massive corporate tax giveaways. Higher tuition. Less accessible and more expensive health care. State budget mess. Iowa Republicans worked overtime and made life more difficult for Iowans. Health care is more expensive and less accessible. Homeowners are paying higher property taxes. Public schools are struggling to keep up. Tuition is going [...]
House Minority Leader Calls on Speaker to Remove Rep. Fisher from Committee Chair Post
In a letter sent to House Republican Leaders, Iowa House Minority Leader Todd Prichard has called on Speaker Pat Grassley to remove State Rep. Dean Fisher of Tama County from his role as Chair of the House Environmental Protection Committee and be stripped of his committee assignments. Prichard’s insistence follows a series of false and threatening [...]
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