Warme

DES MOINES — Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh (R-Spillville) announced last week that Sen. Kara Warme (R-Ames), who represents Marshall County in the Iowa Senate, will be chairing the Health and Human Services Committee for the 2026 legislative session. Prior to his election as majority leader, Senator Klimesh was chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and co-chair of the Administrative Rules Review Committee.

“After working with Senator Warme on the Health and Human Services Committee throughout this last legislative session, I am confident she will be a great leader for the committee and the critical work they do,” said Senator Klimesh. “Health care policy is an area Senator Warme is very knowledgeable and passionate about, and I know the committee will continue doing great work with her as the chair.”

Warme, who was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2024, provided additional comments to the T-R in a statement shared on Tuesday.

“I am honored to be appointed chair of the Senate Health and Human Services committee. My hope for a healthier Iowa was one of the main reasons I chose to run for public office. I look forward to working collaboratively with medical and dental professionals, community-based nonprofits, churches, and government agencies to ensure Iowa has the highest quality and most affordable healthcare and human services programs. People are at the heart of delivering these programs and I’ll prioritize policies that help providers recruit and retain a top-notch workforce without unnecessary government regulations in their way,” she said. “Last year the legislature invested $1 million in research to understand Iowa’s above-average cancer rates. I anticipate receiving the results of that study from the University of Iowa College of Public Health and taking action to educate and empower Iowans to be healthier and to reduce cancer cases in our state.”

She also noted that she has left her previous position as the Chief Development Officer at YSS. “I leave YSS of Marshall County in David Hicks’ very capable hands. With three decades of experience, I am confident that under David’s leadership MPACT (Marshalltown Police and Community Team) and the other critical mental health, substance abuse, and supportive programs will continue to assist youth and families in Marshall County,” she said. “Youth and families will be an ongoing priority of mine, knowing that the earlier we can address health and behavioral challenges the greater the opportunities for long-term thriving and self-sufficiency.”

Additionally, Senator Dave Rowley (R-Spirit Lake) will be the co-chair of the Administrative Rules Review Committee.

“I am also happy to be appointing Senator Dave Rowley as the co-chair of the Administrative Rules Review Committee,” said Klimesh. “As a common-sense conservative, I know Senator Rowley will provide a vital perspective on the committee as they oversee the regulation and rule-making process of state government.”

Additional committee updates will be announced at a later date.