Branstad documents needed to resolve issues regarding care for troubled children
Session can’t end until care of troubled boys and girls is resolved: Governor needs to comply with document request Statement by Senator Steve Sodders of Marshalltown on the floor of the Senate...
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Ed Budget will open doors and grow Iowa’s middle class
Senator Brian Schoenjahn April 3, 2014 (Des Moines) House and Senate Democratic Leaders today said the bipartisan agreement on the Education Budget will open doors to higher education and help grow...
View ArticleProtecting the wages of Iowa workers
As companies work to modernize their operations, many turn to outside services to handle their payroll and human resources functions. Some employers now pay their employees using payroll debit cards....
View ArticleGood housing for working Iowans
Iowans deserve housing that is affordable, safe and high quality. House File 2448 seeks to increase good housing for middle-class families throughout the state by providing incentives to build and...
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Statistics indicate Branstad Administration wrongly fired and blacklisted...
Statement by Senator Steve Sodders of Marshalltown Governor, today at your Monday news conference, you said want to “make sure people’s civil rights are not violated.” Governor, the way your...
View Article2014 Session Successes
STRENGTHENING IOWA’S WORKING FAMILIES Prepared by the Senate Democratic Staff May 1, 2014 (PDF of 2014 Highlights) This year, we built on efforts to provide greater economic security for Iowa families...
View Article2014 Session Successes – UPDATED
STRENGTHENING IOWA’S WORKING FAMILIES Prepared by the Senate Democratic Staff Updated with Governor’s vetoes, June 26, 2014 (PDF of updated 2014 Highlights) This year, we built on efforts to provide...
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August 26 & 27: Oversight Hearings on pressuring judges to rule against...
August 26 and 27 Senate Oversight Committee Hearings Did Branstad officials pressure judges to rule against Iowans seeking unemployment benefits? The Branstad Administration’s response to overpayments:...
View ArticleWorking families: Foundation of a strong Iowa economy
September kicks off with Labor Day, a time to celebrate the achievements of working families as the foundation of a strong economy. Here in Iowa, we’re always looking for ways to make our state the...
View ArticleState senators take the minimum wage challenge
The Burlington Hawk Eye reports that State Sen. Tom Courtney, D-Burlington, is one of three elected officials who have accepted an offer to live the next seven days on $77 - the amount a typical Iowan...
View ArticlePublic meetings on Iowa Park & Ride plan
The Iowa Department of Transportation will hold public input meetings around the state to identify locations for park and ride facilities to serve commuters. DOT personnel will make a presentation on...
View ArticlePutting money back in your pocket
Iowa’s fiscally responsible approach to the state budget is also putting money back into the pockets of Iowans through a tax credit for all who have a state income tax liability starting this year. The...
View ArticlePetersen: “Reforms that will clean up state government”
September 30, 2014 Prepared Statement by Senator Janet Petersen, chair, Iowa Senate Oversight Committee Last spring, when the Iowa Senate debated reforms related to various scandals involving state...
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Ed Budget will open doors and grow Iowa’s middle class
Senator Brian Schoenjahn April 3, 2014 (Des Moines) House and Senate Democratic Leaders today said the bipartisan agreement on the Education Budget will open doors to higher education and help grow...
View Article2015 Iowa Senate Democratic chairs and members
Democratic Members of the Iowa Senate’s Standing Committees Effective January 12, 2015 Agriculture 13 members Seng –Chair Ragan –Vice Chair Bowman Brase Hart Kinney Sodders Taylor Appropriations 21...
View ArticleExpanding economy, growing middle class are focus for 2015
Senate Democrats are preparing for the 2015 legislative session, which runs January 12 through early May. After the 2014 election, Iowa will continue to have a divided state government. The...
View ArticleNew year to focus on job creation, fiscal responsibility
As 2014 ends, we’re capping off the year with promising news on the economy. That means we can continue to make both fiscal responsibility and job creation top priorities in 2015. The latest review of...
View Article2014 Session Focus: Bipartisan work will move Iowa forward
The Democratic leaders of the Iowa Legislature toured the state on Monday to discuss their goals for the 2015 legislative session which begins on January 12th in Des Moines. “Right now in Iowa,...
View ArticleGrowing Iowa’s middle class in 2015
The Iowa Legislature gaveled in on January 12 for the 2015 session. We look forward to a great year devoted to helping build an economy that works for all Iowans. Many of our friends and neighbors are...
View ArticleStrengthen our middle class by ensuring Iowans get paid for their work
All Iowans deserve to get paid for the work they do. Strengthening Iowa’s middle class depends on it. Sadly, $600 million in wages are stolen from Iowa workers each year. Iowa’s wage theft laws are so...
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