The 32 Democratic members of the Iowa Senate gathered Nov. 16 at the Iowa Statehouse. While choosing their leaders, the group agreed to focus on responsible budgeting and keeping commitments made on education, jobs and health care. The 32 to 18 Democratic majority is the largest in state history. From left to right: Senator-elect Steve Sodders of State Center, Majority Whip Tom Courtney of Burlington, Senator-elect Mary Jo Wilhelm of Cresco, and Senator-elect Pam Jochum of Dubuque. (11/16/08)

Democratic Senate will keep focus on responsible budgeting and keeping commitments

(Des Moines)  The 32 Democratic members of the Iowa Senate met Sunday in Des Moines to elect their leaders for next January’s session.  They also agreed to focus on responsible budgeting and keeping commitments made to Iowa families. 

In the November election, Iowans elected the largest Democratic majority to the Iowa Senate in the state’s history, just two years after putting Democrats in charge of the Senate for the first time since 1997.  

“The credit for this historic event goes first and foremost to our successful candidates,” said State Senator Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs, who was reelected to Senate Majority Leader on Sunday.  “Every one of them is already an active leader closely connected to their communities.  These are men and women who work with everyone, regardless of party, to solve problems. 

“Our incumbents were re-elected because Iowa voters responded to their record of responsible budgeting and keeping their promises,” said State Senator Jack Kibbie of Emmetsburg, who was reelected Senate President. 

Senators Staci Appel of Ackworth, Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City, Bill Dotzler of Waterloo, Jack Hatch of Des Moines, Bill Heckroth of Waverly, and Amanda Ragan of Mason City were elected Assistant Democratic Leaders.  Senator Tom Courtney of Burlington was elected Democratic Whip and Senator Jeff Danielson of Black Hawk was re-elected Senate President Pro-Tempore. 

Gronstal said Senate Democrats were looking forward to the upcoming session, despite concerns generated by the Bush recession.

“Thanks to our work during the last two year, Iowa’s state budget is in much better shape than those of other states,” Gronstal said.  “Our budget is balanced and our reserve funds are at record levels.  We will make the tough choices required to keep state government financially sound while continuing to move forward on jobs, education and health care.”

“We are fired up and ready to go,” said Kibbie.

-- end --

Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs (left) watched as Senator Jack Hatch of Des Moines (right) describes the broad outline of a health care reform agreement which will result in health care insurance for all Iowa kids.  Democrats have agreed to spend $25 million over the next three years to expand coverage to almost 40,000 Iowa children who currently do not have health insurance.  (4/4/2008)

Major step forward in
insuring all Iowa children

News Release

Senator Jack Hatch on health care - 0:25 MP3

Senate President Jack Kibbie on ISU, wind energy and anhydrous ammonia - 0:44 MP3

Transcript of audio:

Hatch:

We are looking at a commitment of 25 million dollars over three years, so that our children can be fully covered.  We start off with a little under 5 million dollars this year and add 10 million over the next two years. 

That’s achievable, that’s practical, and that’s this state’s commitment to ensure that every child has healthcare coverage.

Kibbie:

This morning, talking with President Geoffrey (of ISU), there’s a new research project that some people in Spirit Lake, Iowa, working with Iowa State, hope to make anhydrous ammonia from wind energy.

President Geoffrey, being the chemist, showed me how that would work.  They think this will cost, once it’s developed, about 350 dollars a ton for anhydrous made from wind energy.  Where today it costs 500 dollars a ton from natural gas and crude oil.  We won’t have to import as much of that product. 

Danielson recognizes law enforcement response to UNI lockdown

4:52 MP3 recorded on the floor of the Iowa Senate on Wednesday, March 12

Legislative leaders outline fiscally responsible, pro-economic growth budget that keeps commitments to Iowans

Release

Fact Sheet (pdf)    

2:09 MP3 AUDIO FILE with Senate Leader Mike Gronstal
(Transcript)

PHOTO CAPTION: On Thursday, January 14, Iowa Legislative leaders continued to make progress on restoring Iowa's financial health by outlining a fiscally responsible, pro-economic growth budget.  The proposal puts a record $616 million in Iowa's rainy day funds and continues repaying the Senior Living Trust Fund while keeping commitments to education, health care and economic development.  From left to right: Rep. Jo Oldson of Des Moines, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, and Sen. Bob Dvorsky, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Audio file (7:48) recorded Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at the Iowa Statehouse.  The following speakers discussed the legislative activities and priorities of the Clinton County visitors

• Roger Holm, Mayor of Clinton
• Julie Allesee, Acting Chamber President for the Clinton Chamber of Commerce
• Senator Roger Stewart
• Senator Frank Wood

7:48 MP3  Discussion at Iowa Statehouse

On Tuesday, February 5, leaders from the Iowa House and Senate released legislation which aims to make Iowa the first state in the nation in which all children have health insurance.  From left to right, Representative Representative Ako Abdul-Samad (Des Moines) and Representative Ro Foege (Mount Vernon).

Health Care for All: Beginning with Iowa’s Children

On Tuesday, January 5, leaders from the Iowa House and Senate set a goal of becoming the first state in the nation in which all children have health insurance.

Press release

0:17 MP3  Representative Ro Foege (Mount Vernon)
1:17 MP3  Tina Hull, parent of an uninsured child
1:33 MP3  Senate Leader Mike Gronstal (Council Bluffs)

Audio transcripts

youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCRuIDLVgmg

Personal Point on Payday Loans

Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City took to the floor of the Iowa Senate on Wednesday, January 30, to discuss payday loans.  MP3
 

Energy Efficiency Proposal

A bipartisan group of legislators called for a ten year focus on improving energy efficiency, saying it would boost Iowa's economy and save money.  News Release - Energy Efficiency Proposal

Top Photo, left to right: Senator Mary Lundby (R-Marion), Senator Rob Hogg (D-Cedar Rapids), and Rep. Brian Quirk, New Hampton.

Middle Photo: Simon Lindner, 2007 graduate from Iowa Central Community College; Bill McAnally, Chair of Industrial Technology at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge; Senator Rob Hogg (D-Cedar Rapids)

Bottom photo, left to right: Senator Mary Lundby (R-Marion); Bill McAnally, Chair of Industrial Technology at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Simon Lindner, 2007 graduate from Iowa Central Community College; Senator Rob Hogg (D-Cedar Rapids); Representative Nathan Reichert (D-Muscatine); Senator Joe Bolkcom (D-Iowa City), Representative Bob Kressig, (D-Cedar Falls, and Representative Brian Quirk, (D-New Hampton).

Audio: 

MP3  (0:42)  Senator Rob Hogg, Cedar Rapids

MP3  (0:48)  Bill McAnally, Chair of Industrial Technology at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge

MP3  (0:36)  Simon Lindner, 2007 graduate from Iowa Central Community College Carpentry Program
 

2008 Veterans Day at the Iowa Statehouse

MP3  0:42     Lee Roepke of Independence speaks to Senator Brian Schoenjahn about expanding the Veterans Trust Fund.

MP3  0:57     State Senator Brian Schoenjahn of Arlington on the strong bipartisan support for the $20 million renovation of the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.

Recorded Wednesday, January 16, in the Iowa Senate Chambers at the Iowa Statehouse with the help of Senate Intern Seth Leopold.
 

Senate Leader Gronstal opens 2008 session

"We will keep our commitments"   MP3  0:51

(Transcript)

Complete address  MP3  5:40 

(Text)

Statewide commission announces bold plan for affordable, accessible health care for all Iowans

"Lack of health insurance acts like a cancer"   MP3  0:35
Dr. David Carlyle, 515-239-4753, is a family doctor at the McFarland Clinic in Ames. 

"We want all children in Iowa to be covered"  MP3  0:34
Commission Co-Chair Ro Foege, State Representative from Mount Pleasant

"This is an extraordinary step"  MP3  0:46
Commission Co-Chair Jack Hatch, State Senator from Des Moines. 

Transcripts
 

House and Senator Leaders discuss upcoming session goals: Fiscal responsibility and standing up for middle class:

Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal (Council Bluffs)
"Lowest college tuition increases since the 1980s"  0:47 MP3

House Speaker Pat Murphy (Dubuque) 
"Keeping our fiscal house in order"  0:30  MP3