Jan. 12 was the beginning of the second year of the 91st General Assembly. It was exciting to watch the activity taking place in the Capitol as members prepared for the fall of the gavel. more

I often refer to the quote, “The days are long, but the years are fast,” and that sentiment is never more true than today. A year ago, many of you were knocking doors in near-zero temperatures, writing post cards, or making phone calls in support of our campaign. At that time, the days were long, but here we are a year later and so much has changed. more

As we wind down the year, America is winding up to celebrate an important milestone in our nation’s history. On July 4, 2026, the United States of America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. more

It’s Christmas time, and you’ve got the entire holiday package wrapped up in a big, red bow: more

I think about the poor children this time of year, kids in poverty. I won't use the word "underprivileged." That word makes it easier to ignore the physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering of children in a situation they did not construct. It's a word that falsely hints that the group specified has a few of the items your children treasure. It is easier to ignore the fact that basic human needs are unattainable when a group is defined by one sterile word with 15 letters. more

When the legislature returns to Des Moines in 2026, one issue will cut across every community and every income level: property taxes. Whether you live on a farm, in a small town, or in a growing suburb, Iowans’ property taxes are rising faster than their paychecks. more

It’s time to deliver for working Iowa families. That means all legislators working to find common ground and move past nearly a decade of single-party policymaking that has left too many Iowans out in the cold. Iowans deserve true representation and a focus on improving their lives – not culture wars, backroom deals, and corporate giveaways. more

Whatever the unfortunate topic, people think, “Oh, that will never happen to me.” Maybe they believe it, or maybe they are just putting it out into the universe hoping the proclamation will protect them. Either way, I am here to tell you that it absolutely can happen to you — just like it did to me. more

We keep hearing calls to “encourage thoughtful discourse” and “discourage violent rhetoric.” That’s true, and I have. One political party keeps crossing the line, pretending both parties are equally responsible. In fact, the recent surge in political violence is coming overwhelmingly from the left. If leaders want to promote civility, they need to start with the truth. The truth is that the left has a violence problem. more

Why can’t we all just get along? This country is subjected to enough political violence every year to make any sane nation reach a breaking point. We can’t stand idly by as killings and terror become normal in America. Each and every one of us should be doing something to bring Americans together as fellow Americans. more

When six Southern public university systems this summer formed a new accreditation agency, the move shook the national evaluation model that higher education has relied on for decades. more

A cardinal rule as elected officials is not to break things – as in, if it isn’t broken, don’t “fix” it – not unlike the medical profession’s Hippocratic oath: first, do no harm. more

I have spent decades in healthcare, both in clinical settings and in policymaking, and one thing has become crystal clear to me: the best solutions for rural Iowa’s healthcare challenges come from Des Moines – not Washington, DC. more

The 2022 session of the Iowa Legislature began Jan. 10, much as lawmakers have convened for most of the past 175 years: with speeches and ceremony, the reuniting of friends and the renewal of partisan enmity. more