The Dickey Dispatch

(Friday, Feb. 28, 2025) Happy Friday Senate District 44,

This week marks one week until funnel week! After funnel week any bill that has not passed committee will not be able to move on except for spending and tax-related bills. This ensures time for the Senate to look at bills that come over from the House (and vice versa) and to debate bills before session ends. This week and the week to come are truly CRUNCH time and I have been very busy at work on bills that Iowans want and need.

Throughout my busy schedule I still was able to find time to meet with Iowans from our district and our state to hear what they had to say. This week the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association had their day on the hill, providing an amazing breakfast for legislators and staff. They shared with legislators the importance of the cattle industry to Iowa.

On Wednesday the public safety communications and 911 operators came to the hill to talk about their job and how important of a service they are to Iowans. I know that many of us have had to call 911 and it never is in a very calm situation. While we are often at our most anxious and stressed, these Iowans are able to help us get the help that we need in times of emergencies. I know that all the legislators are thankful for their time and service to Iowans.

As many of you know the defining issue this week at the Capitol has been over removing gender identity language from 2007 from the civil rights code. All Iowans should have the same rights and protections. In my time in the Senate, the Iowa Legislature has passed a number of bills aimed at protecting Iowans, specifically women and children. These laws include ensuring boys (boys that God made as boys) can’t play in girls' (girls that God made as girls) sports, protecting men from entering girls' locker and changing rooms, and protecting young children from life-altering, irreversible sex change surgeries. These bills are currently in danger of being reversed in Iowa courts because of the language related to gender identity in the Iowa civil rights code.

The bill that we passed is NOT aimed at attacking anyone that is transgender. Rather it is to clarify and protect the rights of ALL Iowans. This change in law would also put us on the same page with 28 of our fellow states.

I thank all my constituents for making your voices heard and reaching out to me when you come to the Capitol. Have a great week!