Sioux City Voices, Front and Center at the State Capitol

On Wednesday, I had a full day with folks from back home in Sioux City!

Students Advocating at the Capitol

Professor Patrick Cross, who leads Briar Cliff’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, brought a group of students for their Day on the Hill. Watching students step into the Capitol and advocate for better policy never gets old!

Talking Water Quality with Sioux City Leaders

I also spent time with Sioux City’s Environmental Protection Department talking water quality. Clean water isn’t theoretical. It’s about our kids, our farms, and the long-term health of our communities.

Sen. Drey stands with Matt Eide, Trisha Rivers, Water Resources Technician – Conservation, and Ase Overfelt, Water Quality Specialist, all with Sioux City’s Environmental Protection Department.

Young Leaders Advocating for Access to Care

Later on Wednesday, I met with the Teen Council from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa to talk about HPV prevention and access to care. These young women showed up prepared, thoughtful, and clear about why prevention and treatment matter. Hearing directly from them was easily one of the highlights of my week.

Strengthening Iowa’s Disability Workforce

On Tuesday, I met with Monica Olson of Sioux City, a Des Moines University student visiting the Capitol with fellow student Heidi Machin to represent the Iowa LEND program.

Iowa LEND is part of a national network that provides interdisciplinary leadership training to graduate students, family members, and self-advocates to strengthen the workforce serving people with disabilities across the lifespan. Each year, trainees from a range of disciplines participate through the Center for Disabilities and Development at the University of Iowa.