State Sen. Eric Giddens (D-Cedar Falls)

The 2023 legislative session is underway and it’s great to be back to work on behalf of my constituents. This week has been dominated by discussion of Governor Reynolds’ school voucher bill, and I have heard from hundreds of people in Black Hawk County, Tama, and Benton counties who have voiced their thoughts and concerns about the bill. I appreciate hearing from you, so please continue to reach out!

A variety of groups and individuals visited the Capitol this week to share their priorities with legislators. I had the pleasure of meeting with Maureen White of Cedar Falls and Kathie Farris of Indianola who came to advocate against a bill that would eliminate the gender balance requirement on state boards and commissions. I also met with members of the Civil Air Patrol and the Iowa Youth Congress. It’s inspiring to hear the passion and dedication these young people have for their respective causes.

I am committed to listening to the concerns of my constituents and working to represent you as best I can in the Iowa Senate. I will continue to keep you updated on the progress of important issues that are flowing through the legislature. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your State Senator.

Tell Us What You Think About School Vouchers

This week Senate Republicans continued their push on private school vouchers, passing the bill through committee with no substantial debate or changes, even after an outpouring of opposition from Iowans concerned about the impact on our public schools.

The bill could be debated on the Senate floor as early as next week.

This bill will divert an estimated $900 million in public funds to private schools over the next four years alone, largely handing over taxpayer money to families who have already chosen to send their kids to private school.

I oppose this bill, and I stand with the majority of Iowans who believe public dollars belong with public schools.

This week represents a disappointing start to the 2023 legislative session, but the fight isn’t over yet. I will continue working to defeat this extreme and costly scheme to weaken public education.

State Senator Eric Giddens represents Iowa Senate District 38 including Cedar Falls, Hudson, Traer, Dysart, Evansdale, Elk Run Heights, Gilbertville, Washburn, LaPorte City and Mount Auburn. Contact Sen. Giddens at 319-230-0578 or eric.giddens@legis.iowa.gov.