Protecting Iowa’s farming future
Healthy soil and water are key to maintaining Iowa’s place as the agricultural heartland. Our state has 100 soil and water conservation districts that work with farmers and landowners. Local offices...
View Article2014 Session Successes
STRENGTHENING IOWA’S WORKING FAMILIES Prepared by the Senate Democratic Staff May 1, 2014 (PDF of 2014 Highlights) This year, we built on efforts to provide greater economic security for Iowa families...
View Article2014 Session Successes – UPDATED
STRENGTHENING IOWA’S WORKING FAMILIES Prepared by the Senate Democratic Staff Updated with Governor’s vetoes, June 26, 2014 (PDF of updated 2014 Highlights) This year, we built on efforts to provide...
View ArticleSeeking submissions for Agriculture Art Award
Through July 15, Iowa artists are invited to submit their 2D art work for the 2014 Celebration of Iowa: Agriculture Art Award. This year’s theme, “Global Stewards,” focuses on Iowa’s role as a global...
View ArticleWeight limits lifted to get harvest to market
Farmers will have an easier time getting their harvest to market this fall. Weight limits for loads on Iowa roads were lifted for 60 days by proclamation on October 1. This proclamation allows vehicles...
View Article2015 Iowa Senate Democratic chairs and members
Democratic Members of the Iowa Senate’s Standing Committees Effective January 12, 2015 Agriculture 13 members Seng –Chair Ragan –Vice Chair Bowman Brase Hart Kinney Sodders Taylor Appropriations 21...
View Article2015 Session Focus: Bipartisan work will move Iowa forward
The Democratic leaders of the Iowa Legislature toured the state on Monday to discuss their goals for the 2015 legislative session which begins on January 12th in Des Moines. “Right now in Iowa,...
View Article2015 Session Highlights
Download a PDF of our 2015 highlights. This year, Senate Democrats fought to provide greater economic security for Iowa families by standing up for workers and investing in skills training, job...
View ArticleHarvest weight proclamation aids farmers in hauling harvest
Governor Branstad has signed a proclamation to allow overweight loads throughout harvest season. The proclamation took effect September 25 and expires after 60 days. The proclamation allows vehicles...
View ArticleIowa lifts ban on poultry exhibitions
The Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship has lifted the state ban on live bird exhibitions at fairs, livestock auctions, swap meets, sales and other events due to avian influenza. The...
View ArticleTax credit will spur Iowa ag & biosciences
Iowa’s abundance of biomass feedstock offers opportunities for economic growth beyond food and fuel. Senate File 2300, which passed the Iowa Senate on a bipartisan vote on March 16, would further...
View ArticleBird flu prompts stronger biosecurity in Iowa
Iowa plays an important role in feeding the world. That’s why last year’s bird flu was so troubling. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has described the outbreak of 2015 as the largest animal health...
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2016 Session Highlights
Senate Democrats’ 2016 Session Highlight (PDF) Maintaining our commitments in tight budget times During this tight budget year, Senate Democrats fought to maintain economic security for Iowa families...
View ArticleMaintaining commitments in tight budget times
The 2016 legislative session wrapped up April 29. It was a tight budget year, but as always, we balanced the state budget responsibly. Iowa will end the fiscal year with a $75 million surplus and $700...
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