News releases

It’s disappointing that legislative Republicans are even undercutting the Governor’s level of education spending. Senate Democrats will support a robust education funding plan that will make up for inflationary losses over the past two years and provide a modest increase as well. We believe that a 3 percent increase is what Iowa schools, educators and students deserve.

As the Judicial Branch’s website notes: ‘Merit selection is designed to emphasize the professional qualifications of applicants for judicial appointment and minimize partisan politics.’ That’s apparently not good enough for Republican politicians.

State Sen. Pam Jochum (D-Dubuque) was presented today with the Iowa Pharmacy Association’s Good Governance Award during the organization’s annual Legislative Day in Des Moines. The Good Governance Award recognizes Sen. Jochum’s legislative efforts and support for public health and the pharmacy profession.

“The District Court decision sends a strong message to Iowa women that their constitutional rights are important and their health care decisions should be made by them, not politicians…. I want Iowa to be known as the safest place in the country to have a baby.”

New rules being pushed through by Senate Republicans would eliminate the requirement that subcommittees be open to the public and that notification of the meetings go out 24 hours in advance. These changes are a shameful, deliberate attempt to cut more back-room deals and keep taxpayers in the dark about what they are doing.

We are concerned that for the past two years, the Governor and legislative Republicans have pushed everyday Iowans to the back of the line. Republicans have allowed millionaires, big corporations and out-of-state MCOs to cut to the front of the line. Our goal this session is improve the lives of everyday Iowans.

Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen released updated committee assignments today for Democratic State Senators for the 2019 session of the Iowa Legislature. The 88th General Assembly will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, January 14, 2019.

December’s revenue projections are more evidence that the Governor Reynolds and legislative Republicans are putting Wall Street corporations, special interests and millionaires ahead of what’s best for working Iowans.

Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen released committee assignments today for Democratic State Senators for the 2019 session of the Iowa Legislature. The 88th General Assembly will begin on Monday, January 14, 2019.