Iowa has proven something many states are still struggling to figure out: you don’t have to choose between public safety, accountability, and rehabilitation. You can have all three. more

According to Albert Einstein: “The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.”  True Enough.  But what if that library is controlled by those with a political agenda?  People blinded by the certainty of their own beliefs.  People who presume opinions contrary to their own shouldn’t even be considered by others.  How valuable is that library?  In a world overwhelmed by Internet access, it’s odd that anyone would believe they can control the flow of ideas.  Even odder they believe themselves qualified, much less entitled, to make such decisions.  more

After spending Easter weekend with our families, the thirteenth week of session was busy as we worked through several important issues in the Iowa Senate. One of the major bills debated this week was House File 2254, which requires the Board of Regents to develop a policy prohibiting the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from including noncompete clauses in contracts with physicians. The bill applies to employment contracts between UIHC and advanced registered nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, registered nurses, and physicians that are entered into, extended, or renewed on or after the bill’s effective date. This is a huge win for rural hospitals, our health care workforce, and Iowans seeking care. We have passed several pieces of legislation in recent years to support our health care workforce, and this bill continues that effort. more

This week was the twelfth week of session, meaning we are nearing the end of session. The remainder of session will consist of debating any remaining legislation, particularly bills coming back to us from the House after amendments, and bills coming from the Appropriations and Ways and Means committees. more

We entered this session with one issue top of mind for everyone – property taxes.  It is the most issue we hear about.  Weeks ago, House Republicans released our property tax proposal, as did the Governor and Senate Republicans.  We have been having productive conversations to move toward a final compromise.  Last week, the House passed an updated version of our proposal.  Our revised version included ideas from the other two.  The major components of the updated bill include: more

This week at the Capitol, the Legislature continued shifting its focus toward finalizing the state budget. Appropriations work is now underway, with each subcommittee chair receiving target numbers to guide spending decisions for the upcoming fiscal year. Below is an update on several key issues and bills discussed this week. more

Spring has arrived, and the eleventh week of the legislative session marks that we have passed both funnel deadlines. With those behind us, our attention now turns to the remaining legislation eligible for consideration this session. Much of our time is now focused on floor debate and working to finalize bills for consideration in the Senate. more

A March 10, 2025, American Medical Association report indicated that 56 out of 99 Iowa counties do not have access to an obstetric facility. Iowa can now add another county to the list. On Friday, March 27, MercyOne Clinton Medical Center announced it would no longer offer labor and delivery services. Expectant mothers in Clinton and the surrounding areas, on both sides of the river, will need to travel to Dubuque (1hr, 15min), Davenport (50 min), or Silvis, Ill. (50 min) to deliver their baby. more

The tenth week of the legislative session began as we approached the final major legislative deadline. The last “funnel” deadline falls this week and narrows the focus to the bills that will be considered for the remainder of the session. This deadline brought a high level of activity in subcommittees and committees as we worked through proposals in both chambers. With this deadline now behind us, attention turns to reconciling legislation between the House and Senate. While the funnel process reduced the number of active bills, several major priorities remain. Legislators will continue working toward agreement so that these measures can be sent to the governor’s desk. If you have questions about legislative activity or specific bills, please feel free to reach out. more

As we conclude week 10 of the legislative session, I’m pleased to present our weekly wrap-up of actions taken. This week was particularly significant for me, as the Chairman of Public Safety, I had the honor of floor managing HF2133, an act aimed at scheduling and banning Kratom in Iowa. This bill received considerable attention and ultimately passed with a vote of 69 to 26 after thorough debate. more

This week the house ways and means committee passed House Study Bill 596. This property tax reform bill contains multiple divisions and covers a wide array of topics that holds the property taxpayer’s interests at heart—not the government’s. more

One of the most, if not the most, important functions of the legislature is to pass a budget, and each year, the legislature uses information provided by the state’s Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) to help build that budget. more

Every Iowan deserves clean, safe drinking water. That’s not negotiable. It’s fundamental to our health, our communities, and our quality of life. As Secretary of Agriculture, protecting our natural resources while keeping Iowa agriculture strong has been one of my top priorities. Those goals are not conflicting – they go hand in hand. more

Every Iowan, every human, needs water to survive. Whether to drink, to grow plants, to fish, swim, kayak, and paddle, or to uplift amazing local breweries, wineries, and cideries, the water we access simply must be healthy and plentiful for us to have a future. more

This week, we learned the tragic news that two Iowans were killed in action in Kuwait on March 1. Major Jeffrey O’Brien of Waukee and Sergeant Declan Coady of West Des Moines made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country and protecting our freedoms. Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and loved ones as they face this unimaginable loss. The men and women who serve in our armed forces represent the very best of our nation, and their courage and dedication remind us of the true meaning of service. The Senate stands in support of Major O’Brien, Sergeant Coady, and all Iowa service members during this difficult time. We are forever grateful for their commitment to our state and our country. more

This past week the Iowa House passed HF 2719, which is designed to provide voters with transparency regarding the performance of district court judges.  Prior to every general election the same question comes up, "How do I vote on the judges?" more

More than ever, I affirm, and we in our American society and in our mutual exchange, remain committed to the cherished and reliable America, to its nature and culture, and last but not least, to our friends and friendships “over there.” There are so many dear people across the Atlantic who, in all the current upheaval caused by the present U.S. administration, are worth continuing to share our partnership with. To share this – that is what needs to be said. more

The University of Northern Iowa won, for now, a big one. No, it was not a three-point shot at the buzzer by the women’s basketball team or a two-point conversion on a trick play to secure a victory by the football team. This is bigger than all of those by far. more

Human trafficking might not be a crime you think of every day, but it’s happening all around the state from small towns to the big cities. Without help from across the state, many of these victims never receive justice. The House Judiciary Committee worked on two key pieces of legislation to catch the traffickers and help victims. more

As we conclude Week 7 of the Iowa legislative session, we reflect on a week rich with discussions and debates surrounding legislation that has survived the first funnel of session. Our legislative body has discussed all thoroughly, addressing key issues that impact our communities and state. As we transition into the second half of the session, there will be an uptick in our debate schedule, ensuring that our legislative works receive the attention they deserve. more