State Sen. Eric Giddens (D-Cedar Falls)

Greetings friends and neighbors! Our work in the Iowa Senate last week was focused on consideration of bills in the full chamber that have passed out of their respective committees. In between our debates and other meetings, though, I made time to meet with various groups visiting from our district.

Visit Your State Capitol!

Every day of the Iowa legislative session, the Capitol is full of Iowans. From organizations holding lobby days to school groups on class trips to sightseeing families and tourists, every visitor is a welcome reminder of the people and places we represent.

We’d love to see you at the Capitol! Here are a few tips if you’re planning a trip to the Golden Dome.

When to come: The Iowa State Capitol is open year-round 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. But if you want to meet your legislators and see the Legislature in action, you’ll need to plan ahead. The House and Senate are typically in session Monday through Thursday from January through late April or early May – that’s when the action is happening, and the best chance you’ll have to see your government up close.

Take a tour: Our Capitol is a beautiful place, full of art and history. Capitol guides lead tours multiple times a day (always on the half-hour) and provide numerous options for self-guided audio and video tours. To schedule a tour for 10 or more people: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/resources/tourCapitol/request

Watch a debate: If you happen to visit on a day the Senate is debating legislation, you can watch the discussion and tally the votes in person from the third-floor galleries overlooking the chamber.

Meet me in the rotunda: Come say hi! You can always ask to meet me or another senator while we’re in session. Outside the Senate chamber in the second-floor rotunda, you’ll find a pad of “pink slips” where you can write a message and provide your contact information. Hand your pink slip to the Sergeant at Arms or a page at the Senate door and they’ll hand-deliver it to me or the senator on the floor. When there’s a break in the action, we’ll come out to say hello, hear your concerns, answer any questions, and pose for a photo.

Let’s make a plan: If you’re going on a visit to the Capitol – especially with a group – please reach out and let your senator know in advance. If we know you’re coming, we can set aside time to meet and even formally recognize you from the Senate floor.

New voting video series

Have you ever wondered how Iowa’s voting process REALLY works? In the age of mis- and disinformation, Iowans increasingly need trusted facts about our elections process. The Iowa Secretary of State is launching a new video series answering key questions about voting in Iowa. Visit VotingProcess.iowa.gov for more information.

Iowa Fraud Fighters Tour

Iowa’s Department of Insurance and Financial Services, the state Attorney General’s Office, and AARP-Iowa have launched a new Stop the Scammers tour with upcoming events in 18 cities across the state. As technology evolves, con artists are coming up with ever more aggressive and elaborate ways to target Americans – especially those aged 60 and older. The tour aims to educate Iowans on the ways they can protect themselves and loved ones from scams while also educating them on the tools and resources available through the department and Attorney General’s office. More information: https://iowafraudfighters.gov

Don’t prune that oak tree

Due to unseasonably warm temperatures this winter, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is recommending Iowans finish pruning oak trees immediately to prevent the spread of oak wilt, a dangerous fungus. A healthy tree can be infected with oak wilt through open wounds during the growing season, when the fungus is carried from a diseased tree to a healthy tree by beetles or root grafts between oak trees of the same species. DNR usually recommends cutting off pruning by March 15.

Land donors to be honored

Donors responsible for permanently protecting more than 950 acres of Iowa land in 14 counties with an estimated value of more than $3.9 million through conservation donations will be recognized during a ceremony at 2 p.m. on March 14 at the State Capitol in Des Moines. Landowners in attendance will be honored individually for their donations.

Dementia support

Iowans living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment are invited to participate in Supportive Conversations, a safe, small-group space to share experiences with one other and UNI Dementia Simulation House staff and students. Facilitators emphasize listening, making connections, and offering support. Supportive Conversations takes place at the Diamond Event Center at Western Home Communities, 5307 Caraway Lane in Cedar Falls. Upcoming meetings are at 10:30 a.m. on April 1 and May 6.

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.