One of the keys to building a strong middle class is providing more economic security to working families. Right now, there are over 306,000 Iowans earning the minimum wage who have not had a raise in nearly eight years. Over the last 30 years, the minimum wage has failed to keep up with the [...]
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 [...]
When the session began, House Democrats outlined our priorities this session and they were all focused on building a strong middle class from the ground up. With the 2014 session coming to a close and our focus turning to the budget, there are some opportunities in the next few weeks to give middle class families a [...]
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 [...]
