On Tuesday, the Senate held its first floor debate of the year, which is always an important milestone as we move from discussion to decision making. I was thrilled that the first bill debated and passed was my first bill as HHS committee chair, Senate File (SF) 2096. This legislation updates foster parent training requirements by allowing more flexibility while reinforcing competency-based training. It reduces unnecessary duplication in the application process while maintaining strong screening and background checks to protect children. This bill represents one step toward modernizing Iowa’s foster care system and expanding opportunities for families who want to open their homes. I was grateful for the thoughtful discussion on the floor and for the bipartisan support that led to its passage by a 37 to 9 vote.

Education was also a central focus of the week. The Senate debated SF 2201, our proposal for K-12 education funding for the next fiscal year. This plan increases state funding by nearly $100 million and brings total state investment in K-12 education to $4.35 billion, almost half our entire state budget. Under this proposal, the state would provide $8,133 per student, not including local or federal funding. When all sources are combined, taxpayers are investing more than $19,200 per student at public schools. The proposal also increases the state’s share of education funding, helping reduce pressure on local property taxpayers. These decisions are about finding the right balance between supporting students and being responsible with taxpayer dollars.

Public education is deeply personal to me. My husband and I are products of public schools, our daughters attend public schools and I have served as a substitute teacher in multiple districts. I also volunteer weekly as a school-based mentor. I wish we could fund every worthy idea that comes across my desk because our kids deserve the very best. At the same time, I feel a responsibility to make careful choices when Iowa farmers, small business owners and families are feeling the strain of higher costs and inflation. I have great respect for the educators across our state who continue to innovate and improve outcomes, often in ways that are not about money alone. Partnerships with local businesses for work-based learning, setting limits on cell phones so students can focus, and collaborating with nonprofits to support mental health are meaningful examples of progress happening in our schools. We are all working toward the same goal of helping Iowa’s kids grow, learn and succeed.

Are you a Chicago Bears fan? One bill that sparked plenty of chatter across the state was SF 2252, which would expand an existing economic development program to include football stadiums. That has led to some buzz about whether Iowa could one day be home to a professional team like the Chicago Bears. While this idea is still in the discussion phase, it reflects the broader work being done to think creatively about Iowa’s future. Investments like this could bring jobs, tourism, and new entertainment opportunities to our state and it is always worth having conversations about how Iowa can continue to grow and compete.

As always, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you. I am here to listen, to learn, and to represent the people of our district. Please never hesitate to reach out with your thoughts or concerns.