This was not a legislative session that addressed actual problems in Iowa. We did not see bills advance to address our nursing homes, water, and soil quality, or child care/preschool shortages. Our governor turned down federal money that would have put EBT cards into Iowa families’ hands to assist with feeding children over the summer months when kids don’t have access to school lunch.
But Iowans did show up, and advocate for fully funding public schools and AEAs, and other issues that were important. The legislature ended up cutting funding to AEAs and boosting public school funding by a measly 2 1/2 percent, but several other bills did not move forward because Iowans wrote emails, made phone calls, and raised their questions at town halls.
The following bills failed to advance this year thanks to Iowans who spoke out:
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Personhood bill that threatens in vitro fertilization (IVF) (HF 2575)
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Union busting bill targeting police, firefighters, teachers, and other public servants (SF 2374)
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Removing gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Code (HF 2082)
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Lawsuit immunity for pesticide companies giving people cancer (SF 2412)
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Allows government agencies to bypass a state audit (SF 2311)
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Erase LGBTQ+ Iowans from Iowa code (HF 2389)
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National Anthem required to be sung in schools (HSB 587)
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Not allowing localities to ban conversion therapy (SF 2037)
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Policing our restrooms in public places (SF 2055)
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Voucher expansion to private preschools (HF 2353)
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Schools to employ chaplains services to students (SSB 3092/HF 2073)
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Making it harder to get the abortion pill (HF 2122)
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Changes in nutrient management plans allowing for producers to avoid requirements and pollute waterways (SF 2371, HSB 607)
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U.S. citizenship voting verification (SF 2078)
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State to sell license plates with money going to NRA (HF 2639)Anti-abortion indoctrination of students known as “Baby Olivia” (HF 2617)
