Iowa Senate Democrats
@iowasenatedems.bsky.social
The official Bluesky account of the Iowa Senate Democrats.
Making a positive difference: this proposed expansion of an addiction recovery center, funded in part by a portion of Iowa’s opioid settlement funds, can replicate a successful project in Fort Dodge and aid in addiction recovery: tinyurl.com/328fnxn6
We surveyed Iowans and asked where you've seen the biggest jumps in monthly costs. Food, transportation, healthcare, and housing were the top responses.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of celebration! Iowa's Hispanic communities have deep roots and beautiful, vibrant histories. Find an event near you and join in the festivities: tinyurl.com/ye889e7k
Reminder: Early in-person voting begins in less than three weeks on October 14!
Another of Iowa’s universities is working to improve Iowans’ lives. The legislature has taken positive steps in increasing cancer protection for Iowa's firefighters, but there is always more to be done. Read more about ISU’s research here: tinyurl.com/4s822eas
A new report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association estimates that home heating costs will rise by 8.7% this winter compared to last year, adding significant strain to Iowans' budgets. Read the report here: tinyurl.com/4ze9sj6s
Fall in Iowa means cool weather, football weekends, beautiful colors. Click this link to visit the Iowa DNR's map of the best times to view Iowa's fall foliage: tinyurl.com/3sbvh6rc
It's not snow season yet, but the Iowa Department of Transportation is already preparing for winter weather. The DOT has partnered with IowaWORKS to search for plow drivers. Interested in applying? Learn more here: tinyurl.com/varsmh95
The University of Iowa's new Institute for Cancer Drug Discovery and Development will aim to accelerate the discovery of new cancer treatment, a much needed endeavor amid Iowa's ongoing cancer crisis.
Wishing a meaningful Yom Kippur and an easy fast to all who observe.
Gas prices are on the rise again, forcing Iowans to spend more and more money on transportation costs. Will prices hit Iowa's record high?
Repeated efforts to fix Iowa's shameful statute of limitations laws in child sex abuse cases have run into Republican resistance in the Iowa Senate. But the fight isn't over. Learn more at www.survivorimpact.com
According to a report released by the state auditor, in the past 10 years, salaries for employees working in the governor's office have risen by 35%, far outpacing the rest of the executive branch. If only all Iowans were so fortunate!
The newest monthly data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index database shows that Iowans are paying nearly $1,500 more per month than they were in 2020, driven largely by higher prices for housing, transportation, and food.
Iowa's cancer crisis impacts the whole state, but its damage is especially significant in the state's more rural counties. Read more of the story here: bit.ly/4xTsVcR
The Iowa Department of Education is making grants available for public school districts and childcare centers to test water quality. The application period will remain open for as long as the funding is available. For more information, visit bit.ly/4y3oImY
Just a day after this headline ran, the price of diesel in Iowa rose again to a new per gallon record, squeezing farmers' pockets even more.
While we're on the subject of voting: here's your reminder that you can now request your absentee ballot for November's elections! Visit voterready.iowa.gov to learn more today!
Did you know that as many as one in four Americans aren't sure if they're registered to vote? Well, what better time to find out than National Voter Registration Day? Visit vote.gov/register/iowa to check your status and register before November's elections!
Read more about Sen. Art Staed's effort to see paraquat banned in Iowa at Axios Des Moines. Link in comments.
Statehouse Republicans rolled back child labor protections in 2023. New data shows that our state accounted for 9.7% of the country's federal child labor violations in 2025, despite Iowa making up less than 1% of the total US population.
AUDIO: Public schools face a number of headwinds this year, including inadequate state funding, declining enrollment, and shrinking budgets. Listen to this Talk of Iowa episode to hear more from school district officials: bit.ly/3SCqkos
Decisions made at the federal level, with support from Iowa's Republican lawmakers, have hit Iowa's businesses and raised costs for Iowa's consumers.
Today marks 25 years from the devastating attacks on September 11, 2001. We honor and remember all the American lives lost that day and in the days to follow.
Thousands of Iowans are now without the healthcare coverage they once relied on. The Republican double whammy of lapsing premium tax credits and a statewide HMO tax increase led to a 10% enrollment drop since December 2025. Read more here: tinyurl.com/mry9jvrw
High-risk pregnancies are on the rise while Iowa continues to lose labor and delivery units. Expectant mothers in rural Iowa are particularly affected. Read more here: tinyurl.com/4794mvrr
When Republican lawmakers at the state level move to consolidate power they strip local governments of their ability to be responsive to local needs. Iowans aren't fans.
