Warme

This week at the Capitol was busy and productive, with meaningful conversations happening both inside and outside the Senate chamber. Wednesday was one of the most active days so far this session with “Day on the Hill” for Veterans, FFA, 4-H, Tourism and YMCAs. I was especially happy to see and thank veterans from across the state and visit with students from FFA and 4-H in our district. It was encouraging to see young people engaging in the legislative process, discussing agricultural issues, and learning firsthand how state government works.

One of the most discussed issues at the Capitol continues to be private property rights and carbon capture pipelines. Protecting Iowa landowners while allowing our state to grow economically is a priority I take seriously. Two Senate bills filed this week, SF 2067 and SF 2069, aim to strengthen private property rights while moving Iowa further down the path toward long-term economic growth and income tax elimination.

SF 2067 establishes a voluntary easement corridor for hazardous liquid pipeline projects, significantly limiting the use of eminent domain and ensuring landowners have the right to say no to contracts being offered. At the same time, it respects the choices of those who wish to participate. Most constituents I hear from support this approach and more than 80 percent of impacted Story County landowners have already signed voluntary easements (current projects don’t pass through Marshall County).

Agriculture remains the backbone of Iowa’s economy, and our policies must reflect that reality. By lowering the carbon intensity of Iowa ethanol, farmers could see up to a $1 increase per bushel of corn by opening new domestic and international markets. With corn prices falling and input costs remaining high, these opportunities matter to farm families across our state.

Captured CO2 also plays a role beyond sequestration. It can be used for enhanced oil recovery, a process that has been safely utilized since the 1970s to extend the life of existing oil wells and strengthen domestic energy production. Increased production from U.S. based wells helps reduce reliance on foreign oil and can lead to savings at the pump for Iowans.

This is a complex issue, and discussions are ongoing with the House and Governor Reynolds. I believe these bills strike a better balance, strengthening landowner rights, increasing oversight of pipeline companies and supporting Iowa s long-term prosperity.

On the Health & Human Services front, I was proud to advance my first committee bill, SSB 3016, through both subcommittee and committee. This legislation updates foster parent training requirements by directing Iowa HHS to tailor training based on a foster parent s experience and the specific needs of the child being considered for placement. Our foster care system must modernize to better support children while removing unnecessary and duplicative barriers for those willing to open their homes. This bill reinforces competency-based training and helps ensure more families can step forward to serve Iowa s kids.

I’m here to listen, to work, and to represent you at the Capitol. As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve.

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Kara Warme, a Republican from Ames, represents District 26 in the Iowa Senate.