Helping hungry Iowans just got harder
As Iowans work to ensure those in need don’t fall through the cracks, we face some real challenges because of cuts in Washington, D.C., that hit low-income families and seniors particularly hard. This...
View ArticleCutting Social Security is a bad idea
In Iowa, we’ve worked together to ensure those who rely on Social Security can stretch their dollars farther. The 2013 tax year is the last year any Iowan will pay state income taxes on Social Security...
View ArticlePreparing all kids to succeed in school & life
We think of education as the great equalizer, and we count on our schools to give every child a fair shot at success as an adult. Unfortunately, some kids face bigger challenges in school than their...
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Hogg: Loss of federal wind tax credit threatens Iowa jobs, innovation & clean...
Senator Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids DES MOINES – Senator Rob Hogg (D-Cedar Rapids) is urging Iowans to contact the state’s congressional delegation in support of Iowa jobs, innovation and clean energy....
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Jochum welcomes federal support of Iowa health care compromise
Senate President Pam Jochum December 10, 2013 Statement by Senate President Pam Jochum, the Senate floor manager of the 2013 Iowa health care agreement “It’s great news for Iowa’s middle class...
View ArticleEnding the year on a high note
As 2013 comes to an end, we cap off a year that has pointed Iowa in the right direction on many fronts. We ensured more Iowans have access to good jobs, great communities, strong local schools and...
View ArticleSession should focus on growing Iowa’s middle class
The 2014 legislative session gaveled in on January 13. This year, strengthening Iowa’s middle class remains our top priority. We can do it by building on the many bipartisan successes of last year. We...
View Article3 ways to strengthen Iowa’s middle class
The United States created the strongest economy in the world by building a large middle class. Unfortunately, it has become more difficult since the Great Recession for lower- and middle-income Iowans...
View ArticleCommunity colleges must remain affordable
Community colleges help Iowans working to improve their skills and their lives. Iowans turn to our outstanding community colleges to take their high school equivalency exam, learn basic skills, train...
View ArticleRemoving barriers to career success
Iowa ranks among the top states in which both parents work. As we look at ways to strengthen Iowa’s middle class, it makes sense that families have access to safe, affordable childcare that allows them...
View ArticleEmergency heating funds will help struggling families
The Senate Appropriations Committee this week approved additional help for low-income Iowans struggling to pay their home heating bills during this exceptionally cold winter. SSB 3137 would provide $2...
View ArticleHow much should students borrow for college?
Iowa Student Loan wants to help students avoid excessive debt by educating them about the risks of over-borrowing and how to reduce the need to borrow. At the Iowa Student Loan website, students can...
View ArticleStrong workforce builds a strong economy
Senate Democrats want to put more Iowans back to work, strengthen our middle class and grow our state’s economy. Several proposals we worked on this week would do just that. 1. Keep childcare...
View ArticleExpanding middle class with apprenticeships & job training
Apprenticeship programs are a proven way for workers to improve their skills and get better-paying work. Apprenticeships are also a great way for Iowa workers to train in the skills of a trade or...
View ArticleFocusing on Win-Wins for Iowa Workers and Employers
Iowa Senate News Release Senator Bill Dotzler: (319) 538-2247 Representative Jerry Kearns: (319)524-1570 For Immediate Release: March 6, 2014 (DES MOINES) House and Senate Democrats today highlighted...
View ArticleBudget should focus on growing middle class
Iowa must continue to be a place of opportunity where those willing to work hard and play by the rules can succeed. That means making smart investments in the economy, education and health care, while...
View ArticleEnsuring Iowans get paid for their work
Iowa workers and honest employers are hurt when some businesses short paychecks, confiscate tips, misclassify workers, take unauthorized deductions and fail to pay overtime. These bad actors cheat...
View ArticleApproved by the Iowa Senate, Killed by the Iowa House
Approved by the Iowa Senate, Killed by the Iowa House March 13, 2014 SF 2077 and SF 2079 Stable funding for local schools In compliance with existing state law since 1995, legislation determines the...
View ArticleEnsuring childcare is affordable for working families
Iowa is third in the nation when it comes to the number of households with children under the age of 6 in which both parents work. That means Iowa families need good childcare, which can come at a high...
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Iowa Republicans join political ‘war on women’ instead of supporting health...
State Senator Joe Bolkcom For Immediate Release: March 17, 2014 Statement by Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City, member of the Senate Human Resources Committee “I’m disappointed Iowa Republicans have...
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