2015 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 ArticleIowa needs more skilled workers to expand middle class
Iowa has a shortage of skilled workers. Employers say it’s the No. 1 obstacle to growing our economy. A new report from the Iowa Student Aid Commission highlights the need for training and education...
View ArticleUNI program is leader in innovation and job training
One of the most important jobs of the Legislature is to invest in long-range economic development to ensure future growth across Iowa. When we invest in our state universities, we’re fueling an engine...
View ArticleGiving Iowa businesses first crack at state contracts
Do our state agencies need to buy digital cameras from a Massachusetts company? Why would state government purchase bread and bakery products from Missouri? Why did the state hire a New York company...
View ArticlePreparing skilled workers is a key to expanding middle class
Iowa must focus more attention on training skilled workers if we are going to expand our middle class and help working families recover from the national recession. A skilled workforce is an incentive...
View ArticleSTEM is preparing Iowans for skilled jobs
The Legislature has worked hard to bolster efforts to position Iowa’s young people and the state’s economy for growth in high-skill jobs and industries. This includes efforts to support what is known...
View ArticlePaving a road to growth
The Legislature voted in a bipartisan way to increase funding to improve and maintain Iowa’s roads and bridges. The bill (SF 257) was signed into law by Governor Branstad. Studies show 46 percent of...
View ArticleHigh-speed Internet to expand in Iowa
A 21st Century economy requires good access to the Internet and electronic information. For Iowa to thrive, we must increase access to broadband throughout the state. Broadband– or high-speed Internet–...
View ArticleIowa businesses should get first crack at state contracts
Do our state agencies need to buy digital cameras from a Massachusetts company? Why would state government purchase bread and bakery products from Missouri? Should the state have hired a New York...
View ArticleEnsuring clean air for good health & economic growth
Businesses and Iowans depend on the work of the air quality bureau in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to protect the health of Iowans by ensuring that air emissions meet the standards set out...
View ArticleTaking steps to strengthen middle class
Iowa is doing the right thing to strengthen our middle class after the devastation of the national recession. One of the reasons Iowa has weathered the economic downturn better than other states is...
View ArticleEnsuring clean air for good health & economic growth
Businesses and Iowans depend on the work of the air quality bureau in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to protect the health of Iowans by ensuring that air emissions meet the standards set out...
View ArticleEconomic development budget is good for Iowa workers
Senate Study Bill 1281 contains an Economic Development Budget that will expand Iowa’s middle class and move our economy forward. The state’s Economic Development Budget funds Small Business...
View ArticleOutline of budget deal released: ‘We chose compromise over gridlock’
For immediate release: June 1, 2015 DES MOINES – Iowa Senate leaders today released more details about a joint agreement that balances the state budget responsibly and continues efforts to grow...
View Article2015 Session Highlights
Download a PDF of our 2015 highlights. This year, Senate Democrats fought to provide greater economic security for Iowa families by standing up for workers and investing in skills training, job...
View ArticleArts & rec investments boost economy, middle class
Iowa’s great quality of life is bolstered by arts, culture and recreation. These opportunities are important to community development, enriching local amenities and attracting young professionals. In...
View Article