Quick Updates From Week 12 at The Iowa Capitol
Drey for Iowa
Expanding Childcare Assistance to More Iowans
HF 2514 passed the Senate 46-0 this week and is on its way to the governor’s desk. This good, bipartisan bill expands eligibility for state childcare assistance to childcare workers who need help affording care for their own children. This bill will help keep childcare centers staffed and help more families cover the cost of childcare.
Avoid scammers
Did you get a text saying you owe money for an unpaid traffic ticket or a toll? State officials are warning Iowans about a scam that appears to come from the Iowa Department of Transportation and tries to collect personal and financial information. The Iowa DOT wants Iowans to know they never send fee collection reminders by text or ask for personal information and advises everyone who receives the notification to not respond and to delete the message.
The Iowa Cancer Plan
The Iowa Cancer Consortium’s Board of Directors invites Iowans to apply for FY27 funding opportunities designed to advance the goals of the Iowa Cancer Plan and reduce the burden of cancer across all 99 counties. There are two unique funding opportunities: the Iowa Cancer Plan Implementation Grants and the Survivorship Grant. Learn more and apply here.
Free sunscreen!
The Iowa Cancer Consortium, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and the University of Iowa Health Care Melanoma Program will distribute approximately 90 gallons of SPF30 sunscreen across Iowa this summer. Anyone can apply for sunscreen for their community event, location, or organization, such as childcare centers, city pools, county fairs, day camps, outdoor community events, or stops on the 2026 RAGBRAI course. Apply by April 24 at 2026 Sunscreen Mini-Grant Application
ADA Website Deadline
Governments serving populations of 50,000 or more have until the end of April to ensure their websites comply with a section of federal disability law. The accessibility requirements apply to all state and local government websites and mobile applications, under a Department of Justice rule. The DOJ has released a fact sheet outlining the rule, along with examples of exceptions and other compliance guidance.
Community College Month
April is a great time to shine a spotlight on Iowa’s community colleges. These schools provide affordable, high‑quality education and training that help students launch careers, strengthen local businesses, and keep our communities thriving. Throughout the month, the Iowa Department of Education will be sharing stories that celebrate student success and community impact—and I encourage you to do the same! The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) has also created a toolkit with ideas and resources to help celebrate all month long.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
On Saturday, April 25, individuals will have the opportunity to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at locations in communities throughout the country in a safe, convenient, and responsible way. Find a location near you.
