State Sen. Eric Giddens (D-Cedar Falls)

I want to thank everyone who reached out this week to advocate for legislation in the Senate. I had some insightful conversations that taught me a lot about the concerns from various industries across our district and the state. As you know, the legislative session is in full swing, and bills are working their way through the process. With some larger controversial bills being considered, it’s also important to remember and appreciate the smaller, completely bipartisan legislative accomplishments where we find common ground and get good things done for Iowans.

For example, I voted to pass a bill out of the Transportation Committee that would require cell phones to be used in hands-free mode while driving. This bill has been one of the highest priorities of our law enforcement community for several years now, and I’m hopeful that we can get it across the finish line this year. We also passed a bill out of the Senate unanimously this week that allows a driving instructor who has been working with a student to administer that student’s driver’s license exam. This bill will particularly help rural students who have less access to traditional driver’s license exam administrators.

Thank you for your continued support and for allowing me to serve as your Senator. If you have any questions or concerns, know that I am here to assist in any way that I can, so please do not hesitate to reach out.

School funding update

This week, the House passed a Republican plan to boost school funding by 3%, or about $107 million, and Gov. Reynolds signed that increase into law. Senate Democrats fought for an increase of $267 million to help schools meet rising costs, hire more teachers, and expand mental health services for kids. Supporting Iowa families and high-quality public education remains our top priority.

Justice Denied

Senate Republicans passed House File 161 on Wednesday, placing strict limits on damages in medical malpractice cases. Senate Democrats opposed the bill because it empowers politicians – not juries – to decide the value of a human life. SF 148 will not improve medical care in Iowa, but it will pad insurance company profits while denying justice for injured Iowans.

1,550 pages of government reorganization

We’re keeping a close watch on Gov. Reynolds’ government reorganization proposals, now moving through the legislature as HSB 126 and SSB 1123. We’re all for finding efficiencies and improving service in state government, but we’re concerned these 1,550-page bills may include power grabs that make Gov. Kim Reynolds’ administration less accountable to Iowans. The first of several subcommittees met this week to review changes to the Department of Revenue, the Iowa Lottery, the Alcoholic Beverage Division, and community-based corrections, among many other agencies. We’re going to do our due diligence and ensure these changes are good for Iowa, not just the governor’s office.

Ending wage theft

I recently joined all my Senate Democratic colleagues in cosponsoring a bill to help stop wage theft. SF 122 ensures that employers who rob workers of earned wages are held accountable. Wage theft affects thousands of Iowans annually, robbing them of hundreds of millions of dollars. Protecting working Iowans is a top priority for Senate Democrats.

Request a ballot

Special elections will take place for some local jurisdictions in approximately 60 counties on March 7. Iowans wishing to vote absentee by mail can request a ballot now at VoterReady.Iowa.gov. For more information on elections in your area, including information on your polling place, visit your county auditor’s website.

Be a poll worker

Speaking of upcoming elections, county auditors are always looking for poll workers to help check in voters, answer questions, and ensure elections run smoothly. In addition to those local elections on March 7, city-school elections will be held statewide this November. Being a poll worker is a great way to serve your state and nation, and you get paid! To learn more, visit Pollworker.Iowa.gov.

Texts from court

You know how your dentist, your doctor, even your favorite restaurant will text you a reminder of an upcoming appointment? Starting soon, so might your court. The Iowa Judicial branch is launching a pilot program to test free text reminders of court dates and payment plan due dates. This convenient service could save Iowans on inadvertent penalties and break the cycle of fines assessed on top of fines.

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.