Last week, the Iowa Legislature reached the halfway point of the 2025 session, marking the first legislative deadline known as the “funnel.” This process helps streamline the number of bills eligible for debate as we work toward adjournment in May. Democratic lawmakers remain committed ...
We have now completed our first legislative funnel week. With some exceptions, like Ways and Means, a bill must be passed by a full committee in the House or the Senate at this point in order to remain alive for this session. I’m pleased to report several bills that I introduced or ...
Nine years ago, on Jan. 31, 2016, tragedy struck the Root family. 21-year-old Sarah Root, who was driving home to celebrate with her family and friends after graduating from Bellevue University in Nebraska, was hit and killed by an egregiously drunk driver. Instead of answering for his crimes, ...
This week, several council members and I attended Local Leaders Day at the Iowa State Capitol. This is an event organized by the Iowa League of Cities to facilitate connections between city leaders and their legislators. We had the pleasure of meeting with our state legislators, Sen. Kara Warme ...
This week, I had the opportunity to attend President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress as a guest of Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. The energy in the room was palpable ... at least on the Republican side. But while Republicans celebrated their 2024 election victory and ...
What do you consider is the driving force behind reaching your goals? What is the one thing that will get you to where you want to be? Many people look for motivation to push them toward their destination. But what happens when that motivation wears off? How can you stay committed on those days ...