How Can I Help?

The legislative session may be over, but my work as your state senator is far from finished.

A big part of my job – and the best part of my job – is to help you. Senate Democrats take constituent service seriously, and we’re available to help you solve problems and access services through our state government.

Here are just a few of the things we regularly help constituents with:

Accessing Medicaid, Hawk-I, and other state-sponsored healthcare services
Connecting with veterans’ services
Navigating Iowa Workforce Development and other state offices
Obtaining a flag flown over the Iowa state Capitol
Capitol visits and dome tours
Class visits, Q+A sessions, and presentations on your state government

Helping constituents and ensuring prompt, meaningful responses from our state government is literally what I signed up for as an Iowa state senator. Please feel free to call on me anytime you need help with these items or anything else.

Quick Updates

Remember the “memorial” in Memorial Day. This weekend, we honor and remember the men and women in uniform who died defending our country. As you celebrate the beginning of summer, please take a moment to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day and the sacrifices made by generations of Americans to ensure our freedom.
It’s Time to Vote! Voting for Iowa’s June 4 primary election is underway! Early in-person and absentee voting began May 15, and continues through June 3. Election Day is June 4. If you haven’t already requested an absentee ballot by mail, you can vote early at your county election office. Mail-in votes must be received by June 4. If you plan to vote on Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Find your voting location here.
Take the Aging survey. Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services is requesting Iowans to complete a survey to inform a newly launched project called Iowa Solutions for Aging with Independence and Longevity (SAIL). The survey seeks information on concerns and challenges facing aging Iowans and accessing care, as the department seeks to create a long-term plan on aging.
Inaction on opioids. Take a moment to read Sen. Janice Weiner’s op-ed on Republican lawmakers’ continuing failure to support opioid relief efforts in Iowa. After two years of inaction, the truth is clear: they just don’t think addressing the opioid crisis is a priority.
Tuition hike likely. The Iowa Board of Regents has proposed raising tuition for the coming school year by 3 percent for in-state students at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University and by 2 percent at the University of Northern Iowa. The universities propose varying tuition increases for nonresident, graduate, and professional students. To find out how you can access financial assistance in paying for college, visit Iowa College Aid.
Good News for Iowa 529s. Recent state legislation has boosted the tax deduction on contributions to Iowa’s two 529 education-savings plans as well as Iowa’s Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) plan – it’s now $5,500. The state has also cut the fees associated with College Savings Iowa’s investment options, dropping them to 0.17% -- that’s $1.70 per year for every $1,000 invested. Click here to learn more.
Summertime is reading time. The school year is ending but parents can combat the summer slide by encouraging kids to read over the summer. Reading during the summer doesn't need to feel like a chore: Get kids their own library card and make it a fun weekly date to go pick out books together. All across Iowa, local libraries are hosting a range of free activities for children, teens, and adults to encourage and support a love of reading. Check out your town’s library for a list of events, reading challenges, and other activities! The Iowa Reading Center at has compiled a list of favorite books that have been adapted into movies for all ages, along with resources to help parents discuss main themes and plots with their kids this summer.
Make math fun. Math skills are particularly susceptible to the “summer slide,” so it’s especially important for students to stay in practice outside of school. Parents and caregivers can introduce math concepts in fun ways during the summer that don’t feel like “homework.” Here are a few ideas:
- Cook and bake together, which will require your child to calculate measurements.
- Play card games or board games that encourage math skills for fun.
- Encourage your children to pursue “math in the wild” by asking them to calculate the tip, tax, or change required when paying for items.

Contact Senator Liz Bennett at [email protected] or follow her on social media.
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