Statehouse News 

We are all proud of our state’s long history of strong public schools and vibrant communities where neighbors look out for one another. Iowans are accustomed to using common sense to get things done, and they want their elected leaders to listen and focus on the issues important to them.

We couldn’t agree more. That’s why we’re putting forth a policy agenda that puts people over politics.

The agenda has four main components, all of which are supported by a strong majority of Iowans, aimed at improving the lives of everyday people: lowering costs for Iowans, protecting reproductive freedom, investing in public schools, and legalizing marijuana.

Lowering costs for Iowans

Too many Iowans are still struggling to make ends meet today. Their wages simply aren’t keeping up with the rising costs of healthcare, food, child care, and utility bills. We need to make housing and child care affordable, raise wages, and lower taxes for working families instead of more handouts to big corporations.

Protecting reproductive freedom

Everyone deserves the right to make their own health care decisions, especially when it comes to reproductive care and abortion. We will guarantee reproductive freedom by adding it to Iowa’s Constitution.

Investing in public schools

For generations, Iowans have counted on our great public schools to educate our kids and be the heart of our communities large and small. But we’ve lost ground and our public school kids are losing out and teachers are leaving the classroom. We must fully fund public schools to keep up with rising costs and make sure every kid, in every zip code gets a great education. We also need to raise pay for educators and give them a seat at the table, and stop the Governor’s private school voucher plan to ensure public money is used to help public schools.

Legalizing marijuana

A majority of adult Iowans support legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Legalizing marijuana for adult use will keep Iowans safe, stop our tax dollars from going to neighboring states, improve the quality of life for Iowans suffering from chronic illnesses, and stop wasting state resources to unfairly punish Iowans.
 
It won’t be easy and the problems we face today won’t be fixed overnight. Iowans have every right to be skeptical and we may not agree every time, but we’re committed to listening and fighting for the Iowa values we all share.

September is College Savings Month and serves as a reminder of how impactful investing in a 529 plan like Iowa’s College Savings Iowa can be. According to educational researchers, children are six times more likely to attend an institute of higher education or training if they have a savings account in their name.

College Savings Iowa was created in 1998 as a tax-advantaged way to save for the costs of education on behalf of a child. This essentially ensured qualified withdrawals such as tuition, room and board, supplies, and technology.
 
In 2022, an Iowa taxpayer with a College Savings Iowa (or IAdvisor 529 Plan account owner), can deduct the first $3,522 they contribute per beneficiary account from their state taxable income. Married participants who contribute to separate accounts on behalf of their two children can deduct up to $14,088 on their 2022 Iowa taxes.
 
Iowa Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald is encouraging more people to open a dedicated savings account for education. Learn more at: collegesavingsiowa.com.

• Pregnant women (by getting vaccinated when pregnant, the woman not only protects herself during this vulnerable time, but she will pass on protection to her newborn who is too young to receive a vaccine).
• Children, especially those younger than two years of age.
• Older adults, especially those aged 65 years and over.
• People who have certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease.

STATE PARK VOLUNTEER DAY SEPT. 24: Several state parks and forests are hosting volunteer events with a variety of projects such as litter pick-up, staining or painting buildings, planting trees, clearing trails and more. Fifteen parks across the state will have projects ready for volunteers on September 24th. People of all ages are encouraged to participate. To find a park near you to volunteer at, visit: iowadnr.gov/volunteer.


IOWA COURTS PROVIDE RESOURCES TO STUDY CONSTITUTION: The Iowa Judicial Branch, in working with the Iowa State Bar Association, has released resources for students and social studies teachers in the state to better understand the state and federal Constitutions. The educational options include links to a case the Iowa Supreme Court is currently deciding that involves both the state and federal constitution. There are also links to the Judicial Branch podcast, In the Balance, that include episodes comparing the state and federal constitution, how the constitutions’ impact the courts, and how the supreme court decides cases. The resources were released as part of Constitution Day on September 15th. Constitution Day recognizes the ratification of the federal United States Constitution on September 17, 1787. Iowa was the first state to celebrate Constitution Day in 1911. Additional information on the Iowa Judicial Branch resources celebrating Constitution Day can be found at: iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/supreme-court/constitution-day-2022/.  


STATE FOOD INSPECTION CHANGES: A new change is allowing for food inspections to happen less frequently. Proposed by the Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA), it would change inspections from once every three years to once every five years. They would still respond to complaints of an establishment prior to the five-years as needed. The change was prompted by the passage of House File 2431, which made changes to the home baked goods or cottage food industry in Iowa. That law did not change the food inspection schedule, however due to the increased staff that will be needed to address those changes, DIA felt it needed to relax the regulations on food inspections. DIA needs increased funding to move the inspections back to once every three years, but they indicated that they are not planning to seek that additional funding at this time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne illness affects 48 million Americans, causes 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths annually. Anyone who suspects that they may be a victim of food poisoning, should call the helpline at 844-IowaSic.