THE TABLE IS NOW SET for the 2025 Iowa Legislative Session, which will begin on January 13, 2025. Republicans now have a supermajority in both chambers of the Iowa Legislature, picking up one seat in the Senate (35 Rs, 15 Ds) and gaining three in the House (67 Rs, 33 Ds).
You can view the full legislative report on our website by clicking here. Topics covered include:
- Iowa Senate and House election outcomes
- New Faces, Capitol Experience
- Looking Ahead to 2025
- The Upcoming Funding Dilemma
- Leadership & Committees
What Can YOU Do? As your lobbyists, there is only so much we can do as two people at the State Capitol. There are 150 legislators, and the best way to get their support for INA issues is to have members talk to them. That means:
- Finding out who represents you in the Iowa House and Iowa Senate.
- Connecting with them before or early in session – especially if they are new.
- This could be a nice note of congratulations, asking them to meet.
- You could email them to let them know your priorities.
- Take a few friends to have coffee with your legislators (you’ll be less awkward and have more power with greater numbers).
- Ask them to put you on their newsletter email list.
- Give them your contact information so they can connect with you later.
- Go to their public forums (list updates begin in January).
- Let us know what they said! We can then follow up with them at the Capitol.
The one thing we know that motivates legislators is the personal stories they hear from constituents in their district. For example, many legislators do not understand the dynamics of workplace violence that nurses face. They are always surprised when they hear about these encounters, and it motivates them to do something about it. If more nurses told their stories to more legislators, we would have a much better chance of getting the attention your issues deserve at the State Capitol. Look for more ideas as we move into session — and please know that your emails and legislative connections do make a difference!
