We’re just starting the third week of the legislative session and school funding will take center stage this week. It’s a debate that’s already a year overdue. That’s because Governor Branstad and Republicans refused to follow our law that requires us to set school funding nearly two years in advance. The law, which has been [...]
The 2015 Iowa Legislature kicked off the 110 day session on Monday this week. As the leader of House Democrats, I’m proud to lead the most diverse caucus under the golden dome this year that is a true reflection of the people of Iowa. We have five minority members and a record 49% [...]
Over the last 50 years, many rural communities have experienced a significant decline in population. We all must work together to re-populate rural Iowa and capitalize on the strengths of rural communities to create good jobs and improve the quality of life. In 2012, Iowa conducted a survey about internet access and the availability [...]
Last month, Iowa House Democrats across the state outlined our agenda to grow Iowa’s middle class and re-vitalize rural Iowa. Our plan focuses on five major areas – boosting the middle class; building Iowa’s skilled workforce; re-vitalizing rural Iowa; preserving Iowa’s land and water; and protecting seniors, vulnerable Iowans and children. We are ready to work [...]
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today marks the end of my first legislative session as Democratic Leader. I want to begin by saying that every day I have appreciated this great honor. Further, I want to thank the members of my caucus; I could not be more proud of the work we did this session. I also [...]
The 2014 Legislative Session started this week and House Democrats are ready to work together and strengthen Iowa’s middle class this year. Building a strong middle class starts with education and it matches our great history of excellence in education. The covered wagons were barely unloaded and the sod barely plowed when Iowans established country [...]
My mother once told me a story from her childhood in the 1930’s about her nine-year-old neighbor who had developed polio. She had to travel to the University of Iowa to get treatment and got there in a state car, which was provided by the UI.One day the state car came down to get her with [...]
