From the Desk of Senator Bennett

Greetings, friends and neighbors!

It’s been a busy month for all of us, I’m sure. My primary concern has been advocating for Congress to fund SNAP, and with my Senate colleagues, I advocated for a “worst-case-scenario” plan, which you’ll read about below.

In addition to SNAP and Healthcare updates, I wanted to give you all a little update on some of the work I’ve been doing as the Ranking Member of the Senate IT (Information Technology) Committee.

In early October, members of the House and Senate met virtually to discuss the state of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and what we might do to protect Iowans in this upcoming session. It can be somewhat difficult to regulate AI at the state level, however we are keeping an eye out for any opportunities. Previously, we’ve been able to work together on legislation protecting minors from online exploitation via AI deepfakes and we may be able to expand protections in this area.

Over the past year, I’ve invested time in learning more about cybersecurity. It is important for legislators to develop basic knowledge in this area, otherwise we are captive to lobbying interests.

In June, I attended the Layer 8 conference in Boston, which focused on the human aspects of cybersecurity.

In October, I traveled to Madison, WI to attend Cyber Volunteer Day; an event organized by the UC Berkeley Center for Longterm Cybersecurity. This event explored how state emergency management agencies can partner with entities like the National Guard, colleges and universities, and skilled individuals from the private sector, for the purpose of education and rapid response. There are many small organizations, many rural, who may not have the funds to devote to cybersecurity audits, OR who may have implemented best practices but still suffer from data breaches or ransomware attacks. A Cyber Volunteer Corps can help prevent and ameliorate such attacks.

Once I was finished in Madison, I came back home and hopped a plane for Colorado Springs, CO, where I attended the BSides Colorado Springs Conference. Held at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Cybersecurity campus, this conference hosted a range of workshops on the cutting edge of cybersecurity. Prior to the conference, one of the organizers asked me to volunteer for a workshop on deepfakes and let me tell you: it was scary. The presenter used the same application used by Chinese scammers and was able to project the image of another person over me. I could speak in real time and when I shook my head, my hair appeared to move naturally. Pretty unbelievable.

With this in mind, let’s talk about one small way we can keep ourselves and our families safe from scammers who can reproduce our voices and even our images. Consider developing a family “password.” You may be familiar with scams wherein someone calls pretending to be a family member who is in some sort of trouble or danger and requests money. Scammers are experts at playing on our emotions and when we’re scared, we might not think straight. Implementing a novel, uncommon word or phrase to provide identity in the case of emergency might feel strange, but it’s a smart practice in this day and age. Read more here.

Fighting to Keep Iowans Fed

When the federal government shut down over a month ago, we knew there would be immediate consequences. Federal workers would be furloughed, wait times for services would increase, resources would dwindle without federal funding, and many Americans would be forced to tighten their belts to weather the storm. What was harder to foresee, was just how much pain and suffering Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration were willing to allow.

On Nov. 1, for the first time ever, federal funding for SNAP benefits lapsed, leaving tens of millions of Americans, and hundreds of thousands of Iowans, wondering how they were going to put food on the table.

In anticipation of this possible outcome, Iowa Democrats presented a path forward. The entire membership of both the Iowa Senate Democratic Caucus and Iowa House Democratic Caucus joined together to urge Gov. Reynolds and Attorney General Bird to take action. We asked the governor to tap into $107 million in accrued interest from the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (remaining federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act) to cover the gap in SNAP benefits so Iowans wouldn’t go hungry. This temporary measure was designed to hold Iowans over until a federal lawsuit, which we urged AG Bird to join, would compel the USDA to fund SNAP benefits using emergency contingency funds.

It appears likely that by the time you read this newsletter, the federal shutdown will have ended and the slow process of restarting the government will have begun. That does not mean, however, that federal dollars will begin to flow immediately to the people who need them. Nor does it mean that Iowans are out of the woods.

These past 40+ days have been overwhelming, and the future is still murky. It can be hard to find silver linings during these difficult experiences, but I am proud of the way regular Iowans came together to support one another. There will undoubtedly be more tough times ahead, but I am confident we can weather them together. In the meantime, if you are looking for more ways to help folks here at home, I’ve included a few links and pieces of information below.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need assistance in any way. I’m always here to help.

This FAQ sheet from Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services has up-to-date information on SNAP with an Iowa focus.
This list gives the names, addresses, and websites for Iowa’s six regional food banks. You can use this list to find out how to donate to a food bank, find a local partner organization or food pantry in your area, or learn how to sign up to volunteer.
This interactive map from the Food Bank of Iowa can help you find local partner organizations.
If you are interested in contributing to a local organization, donating money and/or time will often go further and help do more good than donating food. That being said, if you are interested in donating food: please focus on non-perishable, healthy, in-date, and unopened items.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The holiday season is upon us, and I want to take a moment to say thank you to you all. It is an honor to serve as your state senator and I am thankful for every call, every email, every letter, and every opportunity to chat.

I know the holidays can be overwhelming, so I encourage you all to take a moment to yourself to remember and acknowledge the people, moments, and memories you’re grateful for this year.

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!

Quick Updates

Thank You to Iowa’s Veterans: Veterans Day, which took place earlier this month on November 11, is a time to remember the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who signed up to serve our country. Thank you to the many thousands of brave and committed Iowans who put their lives on the line to protect our home.

200+ Public Unions Re-Certified in October Elections: Congratulations to the more than 200 public unions in Iowa that voted YES to maintain union representation in October's recertification elections! Iowa's public unions represent teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and public workers of all types. They educate our kids, maintain our roads, and keep our communities safe. In voting to recertify, Iowa's public workers ensure they have a collective voice at the table when it comes to fair wages and safe workplaces – something every Iowan deserves. In solidarity!

Addressing Local Cancer Rates: The Iowa Cancer Registry and University of Iowa College of Public Health, in collaboration with the Iowa Cancer Consortium, University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Iowa Rural Health Association, is hosting the Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project to present county-specific cancer information and address community concerns in each of Iowa’s 99 counties. Iowa has the second highest rate of new cancers in the U.S. and the 99 Counties Project is a public health initiative aimed at enhancing cancer education and community engagement across the state. Representatives from the 99 Counties Project are working with public health directors and health systems to schedule meetings in every county. Those dates and locations (online or in-person) will be posted online when available. For more information reach out to [email protected].

Social Study Standards Review: The Iowa Department of Education is currently seeking representatives to serve on the official revision committee for the state’s Social Studies Essential Elements, which provides standards for students with significant cognitive disabilities who are participating in alternate assessments. Iowa K-12 social studies educators, K-12 special education teachers, district-level staff, parents, community members, and representatives from higher education institutions are encouraged to apply to serve on the committee. Applications for the Social Studies Essential Elements revision committee will be accepted through Nov. 24.

Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period Open Until Dec. 7: Iowans on Medicare have until December 7 to join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D (prescription drug) plan. Costs, benefits, provider networks, and what prescriptions a plan covers in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan can change each year. Comparing and evaluating options can help you find the best coverage – and possibly even save money. Through the Plan Finder you can create an account and compare plan options available in your zip code for 2026. Help from Medicare is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays, at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Apply for Utility Service Assistance: The application period for LIHEAP is open April 30 for households with a resident aged 60 or older, a disabled resident, those who are in housing crisis, and all other renters and homeowners who fall within federal poverty guidelines. Customers facing hardship in paying for utility service can work with their local community action agency to apply for LIHEAP energy assistance funds, which also protect those customers’ households from utility disconnection. Information on LIHEAP and community action agencies is available on the Iowa HHS website, or find out more about how to apply on the IUC website.

Find a Redemption Center Near You: Iowa has over 300 can and bottle redemption centers ready to recycle your empty beverage containers. This website can help you find a redemption center near you.

Women in Ag Leadership Conference: The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Leadership Conference is open to all. This year’s theme, “Leading with Resilience,” reflects the strength, perseverance, and innovation of women who are shaping the future of agriculture. The two-day event begins on Wednesday, Dec. 3 and continues Thursday, Dec. 4 in Ames. Click to view the full event program.

16th Annual Keep Iowa Beautiful Photo Contest: Grab your camera! Enter your photo in Keep Iowa Beautiful’s Annual Photography Contest aimed at raising awareness of Iowa’s rural and urban beauty. This photo contest offers both amateur and experienced photographers an opportunity to tell Iowa’s story in a fun, engaging way. To submit photos, visit https://keepiowabeautiful.org/photography-contest/.

Furbearer Season Open: Iowa’s furbearer season began November 1 and state wildlife experts say most species populations are in good shape. Indicators show the muskrat population might be higher this year due to water in the wetlands from early spring rains. Water levels vary across the state, but in general, marshes, streams, and rivers are better than last year. Roughly 15,000 Iowans participate in the fur harvest season, and that number has been steady since 2020. Iowa has seen an uptick in trapping interest, thanks to the Iowa Trappers Association and the Iowa DNR’s Hunter Ed Program.

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