State Sen. Eric Giddens (D-Cedar Falls)

Another week has passed this session, and I wanted to update you on some recent happenings in the Senate.

Unfortunately, late Monday night (Jan. 23), the Senate passed Governor Reynolds’s voucher bill, which I voted against. I made a speech highlighting the importance of public schools and the lack of public oversight of private schools that will now receive taxpayer funds. My efforts weren’t enough to sway my colleagues across the aisle, but I’ll continue to do all that I can to support our public schools that begin to be impacted as this new program is phased in.

I will not let this setback discourage me from fighting for the issues that matter to you. The morning after the voucher vote, I toured three local union apprenticeship programs with the BlueGreen Alliance, an organization committed to environmental sustainability, climate action, and quality jobs. These programs are a shining example of how we can create opportunities for Iowans while also protecting our planet for future generations.

I believe that by working together, we can create a brighter future for all of us. I will continue to fight for policies that invest in our communities, create good-paying jobs, and protect our environment. Thank you for your continued support, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Vouchers are a done deal

Gov. Kim Reynolds and statehouse Republicans rammed their private school vouchers bill through the legislature this week, using an unprecedented array of political maneuvers and parliamentary tricks to pass it into law as quickly as possible.

In the House, Republican leaders created an entirely new committee to consider voucher legislation, shutting many of their own members out of the discussion, and then tweaked the rules to dodge any scrutiny into the financial implications of the plan.

In the Senate, the GOP used a legislative trick to block any amendments to the bill – from Democrats or Republicans – that could’ve been offered to make it less harmful to public schools and rural communities.

The governor welcomed national school voucher lobbyists to the Capitol late Monday night for the bill’s final passage, and then rushed to sign it into law less than 12 hours later.

The final Senate vote was 31 to 18, with three Republicans joining 15 Democrats in opposition. Now, private school vouchers are the law of the land, beginning an unprecedented diversion of taxpayer dollars to exclusive private schools.

The plan is projected to pay private school tuition for 41,687 Iowa students at a cost of $341 million a year once fully phased in – while slashing funding to public schools by $46 million per year.

Senate Dems support family leave

Last week, every Senate Democrat signed on as cosponsor to SF 95, a bill establishing paid family leave for Iowa’s working families. Senate Democrats’ number one priority is supporting working families, lowering costs, and creating opportunity, and paid leave is essential to accomplishing those goals.

License to Kale

The Senate Local Government Committee advanced a bill to open up farmers markets vendor licenses on a statewide basis. That means your favorite stand could have an easier time covering multiple locations this summer.

Cold Cases at DPS

The Senate held a hearing this week on the creation of a cold case investigation unit in the Department of Public Safety. Solving cold cases gives closure to victims and is a huge morale boost for a police force.

Hands-free driving

A bill banning handheld devices while driving advanced in the Senate Transportation Committee this week. SF 60 is aimed at keeping Iowa’s roadways safe by preventing distracted driving. Under the bill, using a device while driving would be a moving violation subject to a $100 fine and could lead to a suspension of your license.

Insulin relief is on the way

Medicare beneficiaries who need insulin will see tremendous relief with the implementation of price caps included the federal Inflation Reduction Act. That’s great news for Iowa, which currently faces the second-highest out-of-pocket insulin costs in the nation.

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.