Trending
The 2023 legislative session has finally come to an end. I would like to use my last newsletter of the session to summarize the bills that will have a major impact for Iowans.
Health Care
• SF 538 is a bill that will protect children from irreversible, life-altering surgeries.
• SF 561 allocates over $1 million to More options for Maternal Support or MOMS.
• SF 76 will help stabilize and keep hospitals open in rural communities.
• HF 161 will limit malpractice lawsuits to ensure Iowa has affordable healthcare.
Education
• HF 68 provides school choice to parents and students to find the highest levels of achievement.
• SF 496 protects parents rights and increases transparency in the classroom.
• SF 482 ensures K-12 students use the bathroom of their birth sex.
• SF 391 provides more flexibility to Iowa schools to help districts best meet their needs.
Taxpayer relief
• SF 181 protects property tax payers from a nearly $120 million property tax increase.
• SF 494 streamlines and updates the welfare eligibility system to ensure those who truly need assistance are the Iowans getting it.
• SF 445 provides efficiency for boards of review to hear property tax assessment protests.
• SF 514 will streamline, modernize and slim down Iowa's government.
Workforce
• SF 318 helps people develop the skills needed to help alleviate workforce challenges.
• SF 614 eases restrictions for teachers wanting to teach in Iowa.
• SF 542 provides more opportunities for Iowa youth to gain hands-on experience in the workforce.
• SF 228 provides balanced awards for people injured in commercial vehicle accidents.
While the above listed bills are just a high-level summary of the work accomplished this year, it does show we are continuing to keep our promises to Iowans. Keeping our promises to ensure you have more of your hard-earned money in your pocket, while responsibly funding your government.
I appreciate all of the text messages, phone calls and emails this session and I look forward to continuing the conversations into next year.
------
Jeff Edler, a Republican from State Center, represents District 26 in the Iowa Senate.