Quick Updates From Week 10 at The Iowa Capitol

Victim Service Grants Available:

Grants for eligible nonprofit and governmental organizations that provide victim-centered and trauma-informed victim services in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, homicide, and other violent crimes will be made available in the coming weeks. The first opened on March 16, with the next two to follow in April. To apply for funding, applicants must be registered in Iowa Grants for Victim Services. More details are available on the Attorney General’s Office website here. 

Bill Expanding Childcare Assistance Moves Ahead:

More Iowans would qualify for expanded childcare assistance under HF 2514, which has advanced past the second funnel. The Child Care Assistance pilot program (CCA) helps those with children 13 and under (19 and under if they have special needs) who need childcare. This bill extends CCA eligibility to parents, guardians, or custodians who are employed at a childcare facility or home who work at minimum an average of 32 hours a week providing childcare directly to children. 

Expanding Pharmacy Accessibility: 

HF 2585, which has passed the committee stage and survived the second funnel, would require the Board of Pharmacy to adopt rules that would enable a person who is blind, has a visual impairment, or other print disability to request access to prescription drug labels, bag tags, and medical guides at no additional cost, expanding accessibility in Iowa’s pharmacies for Iowans with disabilities.

Catfish are Biting Across Iowa: 

 Channel catfish move close to shore and are eager to bite in many lakes and large reservoirs across Iowa just after the ice is gone. Search for actively feeding fish on windblown shorelines, points where dead fish are piled up, and shallow areas where the water warms quickly. Catfish can be found in almost every river or lake across Iowa. Check the weekly fishing report to find out where catfish are biting. 

Spring Turkey Hunting Seasons Only a Few Weeks Away: 

Last year, more than 50,000 tags were sold and hunters reported harvesting more than 15,000 birds; the second-highest total since mandatory harvest began in 2006. See the season dates below: 
●    Youth-only – residents only, age 15 and younger - April 10-12
●    Season 1 – April 13-16
●    Season 2 – April 17-21
●    Season 3 – April 22-28
●    Season 4 – April 29 – May 17
●    Resident Archery Only – April 13 – May 17

Claim Your Future: 

Thousands of Iowa high school seniors will soon receive letters outlining college options through the state’s new ‘Claim Your Future’ initiative. More than 37,000 high school seniors will receive information about the many higher education opportunities available to them and critical next steps to support their education. Each letter has QR codes linking the students directly to each college and university to complete the application process, as well as the applications to apply for federal and state financial aid opportunities. More information on planning and preparing for postsecondary education can be found on the Iowa Department of Education’s College & Career Preparation webpage.