Warme

We have completed the fifteenth week of the legislation session, and Tuesday marked the 100th (and final scheduled) day. As predicted and with important work still to be completed, we continue working and are excited to deliver for our constituents and our state.

One big victory this week was funding for pediatric cancer research. Senate File 2480 implements a tax on alternative nicotine products like nicotine pouches and vapes and appropriates $3 million to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, home of the world-famous wave during Hawkeye football games. We heard, in multiple subcommittees on this bill, moving testimony by parents whose children battled cancer. While Iowa’s pediatric cancer rate is not higher than the rest of the country, every story of a kid with cancer is heart-wrenching and Iowa’s cancer investments so far have focused on adults. SF 2480 creates a designated, sustainable funding source specific to pediatric cancer for research, clinical therapies and physician-scientist leadership at the University of Iowa.

Vaping is a significant issue among youth and while the level of tax we’re adding is not likely to be enough to deter usage, it is enough to create a transformational investment in pediatric cancer research, with remaining funds going to the health care trust fund for funding Medicaid in our state — which is also impacted by the costs of these addictive products. Some say it’s a tiny step forward. But for families who have a little one with cancer, they are begging and pleading and praying for their little one to take a tiny step forward and this new tax will fund those opportunities.

This week we also passed Senate File 2428, which addresses discipline for student-caused nonviolent or violent disruptions in school classrooms. The idea came from teachers having issues in their own classrooms and getting hurt when they want to focus on teaching. As teachers work to prepare Iowa students for success, it is crucial they can do so in a safe environment, for both themselves and their students. This bill will help protect students and teachers and ensure the classroom can be a safe place for learning.

Our beautiful capitol building has been full of student field trips, and I always enjoy connecting with classes from our district. While most groups are 4th or 5th graders, we had a number of high schoolers visit to claim their Carrie Chapman Catt Award trophies. Sponsored by Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, this award recognizes schools for outstanding voter registration efforts. To qualify, at least 90% of the senior class must register to vote.

There are less than 40 days until the June 2 primary election, are you registered to vote? This year we will elect new leaders to represent us as Governor, U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative. Story County will select County Supervisors in districts for the first time, ensuring rural representation. Up and down the ballot, consequential decisions will be made and now is the time to get informed and get involved. Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain!

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