DES MOINES — With the 2024 legislative session in the books, the Courier Des Moines Bureau contacted local lawmakers to get their thoughts on what was accomplished at the Statehouse this year, what remains to be done in the future, and what would have been better left undone. Not everyone answered our call. Here is what those who did had to say.
JEROME AMOS JR.
Jerome Amos Jr., D-Waterloo, represents House District 62. He is a college instructor and in his first term in the Iowa House. Amos is up for reelection in November, running unopposed.
Amos said last year he disapproved of the bills dealing with LGBTQ issues and limiting school library materials.
Key votes
Area education agency overhaul: No.
Income tax cut: No.
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Illegal immigration enforcement: No.
Allowing school staff to carry guns: No.
Postpartum Medicaid extension: No.
Bills worked on
House Joint Resolution 2003: Enshrines collective bargaining rights into the state constitution (did not pass).
Senate File 2123: Allows cities to regulate short-term rental properties (did not pass).
Successes
“Teachers getting an increase in pay, that was a good one from that standpoint. There were a lot of bills out there that were good for Iowans. I figure probably 85% of the bills that were passed were bills that were beneficial to Iowans as a whole. There were a lot of good bills that were passed, and then there were some that were, I guess the best way to put it is not favorable to a lot of Iowans.”
Disappointments
“As a Democrat, some of the things that we brought forward that didn’t get passed, they don’t consider them. Everything is along party lines, pretty much, when you look at the Democrats bringing things forward, they just don’t consider them.
“Trying to get collective bargaining in our constitution, we kind of knew they wouldn’t consider it. But that was the one, with the things that have been going on since 2017, hopefully we can get some of those turned around.
“There was a lot of things that we tried to get passed that weren’t passed. There were a lot of amendments to bills that were actually presented that would have benefited more Iowans that weren’t passed. There’s things that could have been done differently that weren’t, and it’s about who’s in charge, who’s got the power to make things happen.”
CHAD INGELS
Chad Ingels, R-Randalia, represents House District 68. He is a farmer in his second term in the Iowa House. Ingels is the chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. He is up for reelection in November, running unopposed.
Last year, Ingels sponsored a bill to expand the state’s butchery innovation fund and create a dairy innovation fund.
Key votes
Area education agency overhaul: Yes.
Income tax cut: Yes.
Illegal immigration enforcement: Yes.
Allowing school staff to carry guns: Yes.
Postpartum Medicaid extension: Yes.
Bills sponsored
House File 2663: Directs funding toward county veterans service officers to receive national training (passed).
House File 2465: Allows agriculture classes to fulfill a science requirement, and allows tech classes to fulfill a math requirement in high school (passed).
Successes
“Establishing the teacher minimum salary at $47,500 the first year and $50,000 in year two, I think that’s going to be huge for our small schools particularly. So that’s probably the number one win. And then another big win is reducing that income tax down to 3.8%. And the piece that I was advocating for and that was utilizing the taxpayer Relief Fund to pay for at least half of that.”
Disappointments
“Disappointments were a little more specific to a couple bills that I sponsored. I’ve been working on getting scholarships for students in comprehensive transition programs. So programs like the University of Iowa REACH program. We passed that in the House last year and the year before that, and just haven’t been able to get traction to get it done in the Senate, so that’s been disappointing. And then also some extended year funding for ag teachers in schools. Code says that they should be working on a 12-month contract, but they don’t really get paid to do that. And so we were trying to put some funding in place – Representative Latham and I sponsored a bill to do that. And we haven’t got that across the finish line yet. So something we passed in the house, but the Senate didn’t take up.
“I was very disappointed that we didn’t address modernizing the Iowa Grain Indemnity Fund. The Senate passed it unanimously, however, we couldn’t get it brought up in the House. I think now would have been a great time to update that program.”
TIMI BROWN-POWERS
Timi Brown-Powers, D-Waterloo, represents House District 61. She is a therapist and in her fourth term in the Iowa House. Brown-Powers is the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee. She is up for reelection in November, running unopposed.
Brown-Powers sponsored bills last year to address domestic abuse risk assessments and increase dental reimbursements under Medicaid. Read her thoughts on this year’s legislative session below.
Key votes
Area education agency overhaul: No.
Income tax cut: No.
Illegal immigration enforcement: No.
Allowing school staff to carry guns: No.
Postpartum Medicaid extension: No.
Bills sponsored
House File 2427: Creates an advisory council in the HHS department to spend opioid settlement funds (did not pass).
Successes
“Successes of this legislation session for me was the bipartisan work we did on the PMIC (psychiatric medical institutions for children) bed for our children in Iowa rather than sending them out of State which did get attached to the final HHS Budget bill. Still much work needed for child mental health, but this was a step forward. My goal this year was to look for areas I could work on bipartisan legislation to see some progress. Definitely not perfection, but progress.”
Disappointments
“The disappointments were big this year! A personal one to me was the opioid bill. This was worked on all year in a very bipartisan way locally, state wide, and with legislators from other states that had success. In the middle of the night the Senate Republicans gutted the bill and pushed a sine die before we could insist on a conference committee. (The bill died.) This is frustrating because we put a lot of work into the House bill, but devastating because we are once again sitting on this money and it will not be helping Iowans again this year.
“I was very proud of our work on the opioid bill and work on mental health, but by the end of session disappointed to see legislation get gutted and/or die in the last hours of session. The negotiations left good things for Iowa on the table and pushed toxic issues that in the long run will have negative effects on our children, persons with disabilities, rural Iowans, and our environment.”
BOB KRESSIG
Bob Kressig, D-Cedar Falls, represents House District 75. Now retired, he formerly worked at John Deere and is in his 10th term in the Iowa House. Kressig is the ranking member of the House Public Safety Committee. He is up for reelection in November, running unopposed.
Kressig said last year he was happy with the property tax cut lawmakers passed, but wanted to see more work on mental health. Read his thoughts on this year’s session below.
Key votes
Area education agency overhaul: No.
Income tax cut: No.
Illegal immigration enforcement: No.
Allowing school staff to carry guns: No.
Postpartum Medicaid extension: No.
Bills worked on
House File 488: Requiring the registration of “ghost guns” (did not pass).
House File 2115: Creates a pathway for courts to remove firearms from someone who poses a significant danger to themselves or others (did not pass).
Successes
“I’ve worked on mental health issues for several years. The state of Iowa is really not providing the services – I think we’re 51st in the nation with access to mental health services. We’re starting to make some improvements. But we have a long ways to go with that, especially when you look at the two major issues. It’s critical care access – so that means somebody that is dealing with mental health right now in a serious way, getting them access is not really that good. And then early intervention is another big one. At our K-12 schools teachers kind of deal with some students that maybe have been abused, or are dealing with some mental health issues. So, we have a lot more to do to improve access to mental health here in the state. They’re making some improvements to the children’s mental health system, but we’ve got a ways to go yet.”
Disappointments
“I have to say the AEAs, what they did to that, the harm that’s caused. The governor and the Republicans said nothing bad’s going to happen. We’ve already had about 350 employees within the AEAs resign or move on to another career. In Cedar Falls, we have a facility, it’s called River Hills. And it’s run by the AEA. It’s amazing what they do with children with developmental disabilities – they’re able to have a life. And without that system, I don’t really get a sense where we’re going. The governor and the majority party are attacking public ed.”
PAT GRASSLEY
Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, represents House District 57. He is a farmer and in his ninth term in the Iowa House. Grassley is the speaker of the House. He is up for reelection in November, challenged by Democrat Shawn Ellerbroek.
Last year, Grassley led House Republicans in passing property tax cuts.
Key votes
Area education agency overhaul: Yes.
Income tax cut: Yes.
Illegal immigration enforcement: Yes.
Allowing school staff to carry guns: Yes.
Postpartum Medicaid extension: Yes.
Bills sponsored
House File 2586: Creates a permitting process for school staff to carry guns.
House File 2652: Updating school safety infrastructure.
Senate File 574: Creates an economic development fund for business projects in rural Iowa.
Successes
“I’m very proud of our work to raise the starting teacher salary to the 5th highest in the nation. House Republicans also fought very hard to get additional money to raise pay for paraprofessionals included in the final package. Also regarding education, our caucus pushed for our K-12 education system to reprioritize history and civics. I think it’s important our students leave their K-12 education with a fundamental understanding of US/world history, democracy, our rights and freedoms and the importance of civic engagement.
“I am also glad to have sped up the implementation of the flat income tax and lowered taxes for all taxpaying Iowans to 3.8% in 2025. Iowans need more money back in their pockets to deal with the consequences of Bidenomics.”
Disappointments
“House Republicans had a number of policies that passed our chamber to strengthen Iowa families. An unfortunate reality is that the ridiculously high cost of adoption is currently preventing some children from a loving family that wants to give them a home. We passed a bill to raise the adoption tax credit from $5,000 to $20,000. Additionally, we had a bill to deliver property relief for child care providers by allowing them to be taxed at the residential rollback rate rather than the commercial rate. We also had bills to protect our children’s mental health by requiring parental consent for teens to have social media accounts, and to eliminate the use of cellphones in the classroom so they can focus on learning. Unfortunately, all of these bills which would have been great for Iowa families died in the Senate.
“Another bill I supported that died in the Senate would have ensured that no one who is in the country illegally qualifies for public assistance programs. Hardworking Iowa taxpayers should not be footing the bill for individuals who are in the country illegally through any public assistance program. Doing so would only further incentivize Iowa as a destination for illegal immigrants. This bill also would’ve made it illegal to smuggle someone who is in the country illegally and conceal them from law enforcement. This bill seemed like common sense to me, but it didn’t cross the finish line on the other side of the rotunda.”
ERIC GIDDENS
Eric Giddens, D-Cedar Falls, represents Senate District 38. He is in his second term in the Senate. Giddens is the ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee. Giddens is up for reelection in November, and three Republicans are running in the primary to challenge him.
Giddens said last year he was glad to pass a bill to allow teachers to respond to behavioral health issues in the classroom, as well as property tax cuts.
Key votes
Area education agency overhaul: No.
Income tax cut: Yes.
Illegal immigration enforcement: No.
Allowing school staff to carry guns: No.
Postpartum Medicaid extension: Yes.
Bills sponsored
Senate File 493: Requires law enforcement to perform threat evaluations in domestic abuse situations and provide support and resources to victims.
Senate File 2436: Iowa judicial branch budget, provides 5% raise for judges and changes to judicial retirement fund.
Successes
“Boy Scouts settlement: I was glad to see Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate come together to pass Senate File 2431, allowing Iowa survivors of sexual abuse in the Boy Scouts to recover the full awards they’re entitled to as part of the organization’s national bankruptcy settlement. Survivors should not be financially penalized simply because their abuse occurred within the borders of Iowa. Because of this legislation, hundreds of Iowans will have a chance at receiving their full settlement.
“411 Updates: I was proud to support House File 2680, updating Iowa’s municipal police and firefighter retirement and disability system, which is known as the 411 System. The bill made many needed updates to the system, including expanded disability benefits for work-based injuries discovered up to three years after the individual’s retirement; coverage of cumulative injuries that arise over the course of the individual’s employment; and coverage of post-traumatic stress disorder and other work-related mental health issues.
“Child care support: Lawmakers came together on a bipartisan basis to increase support for child care providers participating in the Child Care Assistance Program and to continue a program providing child care assistance for child care workers. Both of these are critical steps toward expanding access and improving the affordability of child care.”
Disappointments
“AEAs. I was deeply disappointed in the major service and funding cuts placed on our Area Education Agencies, which provide critical educational support services in every corner of Iowa – and especially in small school districts and rural areas. This new law turns AEAs into an unstable fee-for-service program that reduces access across the state and consolidates power in Des Moines. We’re already seeing reports of hundreds of AEA educators losing their jobs or leaving the profession – exactly what we warned would happen as a result of this ill-conceived and harmful bill.”
DEAN FISHER
Dean Fisher is a Republican who resides in Mountour and represents House District 53. He is retired and in his sixth term in the Iowa House. Fisher is the chair of the House Environmental Protection Committee. He is up for reelection in November, and three Democrats are running in the primary to challenge him.
Key votes
Area education agency overhaul: Yes.
Income tax cut: Yes.
Illegal immigration enforcement: Yes.
Allowing school staff to carry guns: Yes.
Postpartum Medicaid extension: Did not vote.
Bills sponsored/worked on
House File 2665: Creates a raccoon bounty program in the Department of Natural Resources (did not pass).
House File 2086: Allows a property owner outside city limits to kill a wild animal owner deemed to be a nuisance (did not pass).
Successes
Did not respond.
Disappointments
Did not respond.
CRAIG JOHNSON
Craig Johnson is a Republican who resides in Independence and represents House District 67. He works in business development and is in his fourth term in the Iowa House. Johnson is the vice chair of the House Education Committee and an assistant majority leader. He is up for reelection in November, running unopposed.
Key votes
Area education agency overhaul: Yes.
Income tax cut: Yes.
Illegal immigration enforcement: Yes.
Allowing school staff to carry guns: Yes.
Postpartum Medicaid extension: Yes.
Bills sponsored
House File 2426: Removes some inspection requirements for hotels and motels (passed).
House File 2320: Requires a person be a lawful U.S. resident to be considered for in-state tuition at public universities (did not pass).
Successes
Did not respond.
Disappointments
Did not respond.
DEREK WULF
Derek Wulf is a Republican who resides in Hudson and represents House District 76. He is a farmer and is in his first term in the Iowa House. Wulf is the vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee. Wulf is up for reelection in November, challenged by Democrat Jarred Johnston.
Key votes
Area education agency overhaul: Yes.
Income tax cut: Yes.
Illegal immigration enforcement: Yes.
Allowing school staff to carry guns: Yes.
Postpartum Medicaid extension: Yes.
Bills sponsored
House File 2649: Excludes the sale of certain livestock from being considered in a person’s income tax (passed).
House File 2483: Requires foreign owners of farmland to report more information (passed).
Successes
Did not respond.
Disappointments
Did not respond.
BILL DOTZLER
Bill Dotzler is a Democrat who resides in Waterloo and represents Senate District 31. He is retired from John Deere and in his sixth term in the Senate after three terms in the House. Dotzler is the ranking member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.
Key votes
Area education agency overhaul: No.
Income tax cut: Yes.
Illegal immigration enforcement: No.
Allowing school staff to carry guns: No.
Postpartum Medicaid extension: No.
Bills sponsored
Senate File 2245: Creates a pathway for courts to remove firearms from someone who poses a significant danger to themselves or others (did not pass).
Senate File 2257: Creates a state child tax credit (did not pass).
Successes
Did not respond.
Disappointments
Did not respond.
ANNETTE SWEENEY
Annette Sweeney is a Republican who resides in Iowa Falls and represents Senate District 27. She is a farmer and in her second term in the Senate after two terms in the House. Sweeney is the chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee.
Key votes
Area education agency overhaul: Yes.
Income tax cut: Yes.
Illegal immigration enforcement: Yes.
Allowing school staff to carry guns: Yes.
Pospartum Medicaid extension: Yes.
Bills sponsored
House File 2249: Allows a person under 16 to trap fur-bearing animals without a license when accompanied by an adult with a license (passed).
Senate File 2309: Increases fines for failing to stop at a stop sign in a school zone (did not pass).
Successes
Did not respond.
Disappointments
Did not respond.
DAN ZUMBACH
Dan Zumbach is a Republican who resides in Ryan and represents Senate District 34. He is a farmer and in his third term in the Senate. Zumbach is the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He is up for reelection in November, running unopposed.
Key votes
Area education agency overhaul: Yes.
Income tax cut: Yes.
Illegal immigration enforcement: Yes.
Allowing school staff to carry guns: Yes.
Postpartum Medicaid extension: Yes.
Bills sponsored
Senate File 2204: Requires foreign owners of farmland to report more information (passed).
Senate File 2418: Updates requirements for fuel retailers to transition to E-85 infrastructure (passed).
Successes of the session
Did not respond.
Disappointments from the session
Did not respond.
This story has been updated with the votes and bill sponsorships of legislators who did not provide comments on the session.