From the Desk of Senator Bennett

Headed to Overtime

In a sporting event, the prospect of overtime can be thrilling. It means you’re watching a particularly close and entertaining game with evenly matched competitors and tense action. In the world of state politics, however, overtime indicates disarray and inaction, disagreement and delays.

The Iowa Legislature is officially headed to overtime.

Despite a governing trifecta, with supermajorities in both the House and Senate, Republican lawmakers have been unable to get on the same page and move us to a timely finish. Our projected end date was May 2, but the Legislature still has unfinished business. Chief among that unfinished business is finalizing the state’s budget.

This week, Senate Republicans teamed up with Gov. Reynolds to release a budget deal that excluded the House. House Republicans later released their own, different budget numbers. Both sets of numbers are largely what we expected. The governor and Republican lawmakers have started down a deficit spending path as they plan to spend more than the state will take in through revenues.

Senate Republicans’ plan would set the state budget at $9.417 billion, while House Republicans have proposed a $9.453 billion budget.

The individual budgets are working their way through the legislative process now – they have to go through the same subcommittee and committee process as any policy bill would – but a few elements stand out at first glance.

One of the largest differences between the two sets of budget numbers comes in the education funding targets. House Republicans have proposed to spend $10.8 million more than Senate Republicans. The Senate version fails to increase funding for Iowa’s community colleges, Regents universities, or the Iowa Tuition Grant. Neither budget will be sufficient to hold down tuition increases.

Another eye-catching detail is that the budgets for victim assistance will remain at the same status quo level they have since the massive cuts Republicans instituted when they took control eight years ago. Victims of domestic abuse and sexual abuse will continue to have access to fewer advocacy services, deficient investigations and prosecutions, and reduced medical and court responses. These budgets have real world down-stream effects for Iowans all over the state, and some of these numbers make clear that Republican lawmakers’ priorities are truly misplaced.

We’ll continue to learn more as the budgets move through their respective chambers, but, as always, please reach out to me with any questions or concerns as we near the end of the legislative session.

Quick Updates

Decreased Bullying Protections: HF 865, passed this week by Senate Republicans, strips specific protections for students from our anti-bullying laws and raises the bar for enforcement, leaving kids more vulnerable and giving educators fewer tools to respond. This bill moves us in the exactly wrong direction.

Ideology Over Facts: A bill passed this week by Senate Republicans would put politics and ideology before fact-based learning, politicizing health classes all across Iowa. The bill (SF 175) requires teachers to show a computer-generated, scientifically inaccurate video depicting fetal development “starting at fertilization” in health and human growth classes. It also prohibits any book, article, outline, handout, video, or other educational material that is produced or provided by an entity that makes referrals to an entity that provides or promotes abortions – this language would exclude information from an entity like the Mayo Clinic, UIHC, or even Mercy Hospitals.

Seizure Training for Schools: A bill passed unanimously by the Iowa Senate this week, SF 368, would require at least one employee at each Iowa school be trained to administer aid or properly administer medication in the event of a seizure on school grounds, and requires every Iowa school to provide training to ALL school personnel on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of seizure and the appropriate steps for seizure first aid. This is an important step to keeping our kids safe while they’re away from home, and I’m proud to have supported it.

A Lack of Transparency: State Auditor Rob Sand released a report this week that shows, in response to an official request from a member of the Legislature, the state’s Department of Management withheld relevant public records from the legislator and encouraged state agencies to withhold information required for audits. This is further evidence of an ongoing pattern of obstruction and withholding from departments under the authority of Gov. Reynolds. I believe Iowans deserve transparency from their state government and these tactics prevent that transparency while disrupting the efficient operation of state government.

Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame: The Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame is the most prestigious state-level honor volunteers can receive. Inductees were recognized during a special ceremony held at the Capitol last week and their names are engraved on the Volunteer Hall of Fame plaque on permanent display in the State Historical Museum. Since the award’s inception in 1989, nearly 200 Iowans have been honored.

Sally Reck is a retired elementary school librarian and educator who dedicated 36 years to volunteering at the Marion Public Library (MPL) through significant challenges, including the August 2020 derecho that destroyed the library and a $3 million capital campaign to rebuild it. She has volunteered for over 40 years at her church, most recently helping prepare meals for Mission of Hope in Cedar Rapids. Her involvement in community projects reflects her compassion and dedication to helping others. Congratulations, Sally, for your induction into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame and thank you for all your service to our local community!

Urban Water Quality: The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has announced investment in 14 urban water quality projects across the state. These urban conservation projects include water quality practices like bioretention cells, bioswales, native plantings, permeable pavers, rain gardens, tree trenches, native landscaping, sediment forebays, oxbows, and wetlands among many other proven practices.

Morgan Creek Wetland
- Linn County Conservation Board will construct a wetland/pond hybrid at Morgan Creek Park. This practice benefits Morgan Creek and the Middle Cedar River by treating 149 acres of agricultural runoff and future development. It addresses erosion, improves water quality, and offers flood reduction and source water protection.

Paddling Safely: With unpredictable spring weather and fluctuating temperatures and river levels, it’s important to take extra precautions to stay safe while on Iowa’s waters. Check your canoe or kayak for any needed repairs or maintenance, always wear a life jacket, and dress for the water temperature. Get more tips for planning a fun and safe paddling trip here.

Avoid Disease, Clean Your Feeders: Iowans who set out bird feeders and waterers are encouraged to include regular cleaning as part of their annual to-do list to avoid unintentionally spreading disease among birds that frequent these feeders. Clean bird feeders and waterers with a 10 percent bleach solution about once each month and make sure the feeder is dry before refilling it with seed.

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