What a week! The 2026 legislative session has begun, and we are off to the races. The first week of session is mostly pomp and circumstance, with numerous speeches from legislative leaders, Governor Reynolds, and the Chief Justice. The speeches outline hopes for the year ahead of different policy proposals. I'll do my best to highlight these objectives throughout the year in my newsletters or on social media.
History was made this week as Renee Hardman was sworn in as the first Black woman Senator. Renee won her election on December 30, 2025, to replace the late Claire Celsi. It was incredible to watch history in action. Renee had tremendous support from the community and dozens of folks showed up to cheer her on during the swearing in. I'm glad to call her a colleague and we’ll be fighting for a better Iowa together.
Below you will find how to stay in touch throughout session and an overview of the Governor's Condition of the State.
Here is to a good 2026!
Opportunities to Connect
Staying in Touch During Session
We’re back! The 2026 legislative session kicked off this week in Des Moines with all sorts of pomp and circumstance, speeches and interviews, meetings and events, and even the start of committee work. Over the next few months, I’ll be working hard to ensure our district is well represented at the Capitol.
Every week during session, I’ll use this newsletter to talk about what’s happening in the Legislature, the issues and legislation moving through the Senate, Senate Democrats’ priorities, and more. You’ll see me talk often about affordability and lowering costs for working families because I believe the Legislature’s priorities are in dire need of a reset, away from the special interests and exceedingly wealthy and back toward the everyday Iowans who make our state run.
I’m so proud to represent our shared community, and I want you to know that you can always reach out to me with any questions, comments, concerns, or just to say, “Hey!” So, in addition to staying in touch through this weekly newsletter, you can reach me at [email protected], 515-422-6610, or on social media at the links below.
There will also be plenty of information available through our website, so be sure to check that out when you can!
On Tuesday night, Gov. Kim Reynolds gave her annual Condition of the State address to a joint session of the Iowa Legislature. As you know, the governor has decided not to run for re-election, so this was the second-to-last time she will brief the Legislature on the condition of the state.
The governor used her speech to highlight some of her “accomplishments,” introduce some final legislative proposals, and to memorialize some Iowans who are no longer with us. If you are so inclined, you can read the full text of the governor’s speech on her website. I’ll just leave you with a few quick thoughts.
As has been the case for each previous iteration of this speech, the governor has presented an awfully generous, rose-tinted version of her tenure in office.
She spoke about needing a government that will live within its means but neglected to mention the $1.26 billion budget deficit Republican lawmakers passed with her approval in 2025 – or that she plans to run another this year.
She proudly announced federal funding that will be directed to cancer prevention but failed to mention that it was a drop in the bucket compared to what the federal government had been providing to Iowa but cut under President Donald Trump.
She talked about nutrition, healthcare, and new requirements for Iowa doctors, but didn’t introduce anything that would help improve Iowa’s patient-to-physician ratio which currently ranks 44th in the country and is a full 30% below the national average.
She referenced Summer EBT as a way to provide a nutrition first focus and a “new era of accountability and health,” but conveniently left out the fact that Iowa will only be back in the Summer EBT program next summer after she withdrew us from the program the previous two years.
She talked about education, referencing carefully selected statistics to demonstrate growth, but left out how far our per pupil funding has fallen under her watch, how much money is being diverted to unaccountable private schools, or how, for the better part of a decade, her administration has asked public schools to do more with less – despite educating over 90% of Iowa’s students.
The reality is that single-party control has led Iowa down the wrong path. Iowans aren’t better off than they were a decade ago. A recent report ranks Iowa dead last in economic growth. We rank 48th in the country for personal income growth. Moody’s has said that Iowa is in or near a recession. We are the seventh most outbound state in the country – meaning folks are leaving the state for better opportunities elsewhere. The status quo isn’t working for working Iowans.
The condition of our state is deteriorating and it’s time for a change.
Quick Updates
Hunting, fishing licenses on sale: Iowans now can buy 2026 resident hunting, fishing, and other licenses. Licenses purchased for 2025 expired on Jan. 10. License options include the popular Outdoor Combo annual resident hunting/fishing/habitat combo license for $55; the Angler’s Special three-year fishing license for $62; and the Hunter’s Special three-year hunting license with habitat included for $101. Licenses are available at 650 locations across the state, and online at www.iowadnr.gov/GoOutdoorsIowa.
Enjoy Winter Getaway in a State Park: Winter can be an excellent time to view wildlife, especially in a cabin at one of Iowa’s great state parks! Get 20% off your stay with promo code Cabin2026 when you book now for the months of January or February 2026. Enjoy the pristine beauty and outdoor fun of winter in an Iowa state park!
Recreation Mini-Grants Available: The Iowa Foundation for Parks & Recreation is accepting applications for mini grants, which provide funding to support leisure facilities, activities, events, and programs that enhance recreational opportunities and amenities for citizens in small Iowa communities (those less than 10,000 in population). Applications are due January 31, 2026.
Anxiety disorders affect approximately one in four adolescents and one in twelve children, making them among the most prevalent mental health conditions in children. The University of Iowa’s Scanlan Center for School Mental Health will host a webinar for anyone seeking to learn more about anxiety disorders, common symptoms in youth, and evidence-based strategies for supporting students in both school and home settings. The session will also introduce Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). This online event is free and open to the public. It will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. Register for the “Supporting Anxious Students” webinar.
Student Member for State Education Board: Applications are being accepted for the 2025-26 student member of the Iowa State Board of Education. The term of the student member starts May 1, 2025, and ends April 30, 2026. The State Board meets 12 times during that term, with most meetings taking place in the Grimes State Office Building in Des Moines. The deadline for submitting an application is Feb. 28, 2025 and can be found at Membership on the State Board of Education.
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