Week 9 Quick Updates

Movement on Property Tax Reform

SSB 3001, the Senate Republicans’ property tax proposal, advanced through the Senate Ways & Means Committee this week with as amended. The issue is still a work in progress, and we still don’t know what will be in the final bill we vote on by the end of the legislative session.  

Opioid Crisis Grants

The application period is now live for grants designed to help communities across the state respond to the opioid crisis. The Attorney General’s office currently expects approximately $20 million to be available by June 30, 2030, for distribution. Organizations who wish to apply can do so here. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and projects of all size and scope are encouraged to apply. Projects funded by the Attorney General’s office must comply with the requirements of the National Opioids Settlement and the Iowa Opioid Allocation Memorandum of Understanding.

Virtual Field Day

Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, will host a virtual field day on Thursday, March 26, at 1 p.m. In this innovative project, funded in part by the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, the focus is on how restoring wetlands, which are crucial to reducing nitrogen loads from agricultural fields, impacts the broader food web to maximize additional ecological benefits. Visit the Iowa Learning farms website to participate in the live virtual field day.

Honoring Major Jeffrey O’Brien

Last week we learned that another Iowa soldier, Major Jeffrey O’Brien of Waukee, was killed in action in Kuwait. Major O’Brien was a husband and father of three. I am profoundly grateful for his service and ask that we all keep the O’Brien family in our thoughts as they grieve this terrible loss. 

$5M for more Continuum of Care grants

This week, the governor announced $5.2 million in Continuum of Care grants for childcare and preschool expansions. This is the second round of Continuum of Care awards. The program is meant to help fill gaps in full-day care for Iowa kids. You can find more information about the grants here. 

Fighting to Improve Iowa’s Water Quality

This week, the Senate debated HF 2215, a bill relating to the Department of Natural Resources. Senate Democrats introduced an amendment that would have given the department more teeth to fight against polluters, in the hopes of curbing Iowa’s ongoing water quality issues. Ultimately, the amendment was ruled not germane to the bill and did not move forward.