Helena Hayes – Capitol Update January 28, 2024
Week 3
One word… busy… week three in the Iowa House proved to be another intense week full of visitors, receptions, emails, phone calls, and especially, a dizzying array of subcommittee meetings.
Subcommittees are the first step in the bill process. Once a bill is officially introduced, it can be assigned to a subcommittee consisting of three individuals that are also on the “full committee” to which the bill was assigned. A “sub” always consists of two Republicans and one Democrat. One committee I serve on is the Natural Resources committee and one sub that I was assigned because of that was HSB576, a bill authorizing registered ATV’s and UTV’s to be operated on state park road systems. One day alone, there were sixty subs assigned across our 100-member chamber. Almost two hundred bills, resolution, etc. have already been introduced just since the start of session less than three weeks ago. The topics range from every possible topic you can imagine… including the definition of a woman.
These weekly newsletters during session are my attempt to keep residents in my House district engaged and informed on the very fluid action at the statehouse.
There is no possible way to cover all that happens at the capitol but my hope in you reading this newsletter is that you will gain a deeper understanding about state level legislation and remain informed and engaged.
Please reach out anytime. My contact information in always included below.
Chaplains in the Public Schools
The Chaplain bill received its sub in the Senate this week and awaits its sub in the House next week. The topic certainly brought in a large crowd and various media. The bill is simple and proposes the ability for school boards to utilize chaplains in service to their students and staff. Even those who spoke in opposition to the bill recognized that this practice already exists in public schools and that is a long-known tradition in many secular institutions across the state including the National Guard, hospitals like taxpayer-funded Broadlawns in Des Moines, prisons, law enforcement, university campuses and much more. If you are interested in attending and speaking at any subcommittee, you may do so with no sign up or anything. You can also leave your own personal comments on any bill. Find all of this on the Iowa Legislature website mentioned below.
Chaplain House bill: HF 2073
Chaplain Senate bill: SSB 3092
Just my late night musings..
Did you know that on January 17,th 2024, in Davos, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum (WEF) hosted a discussion called, “Preparing for Disease X?” The discussion is not new; in Jul of 2021, the National Institute of Health (NIH) publicized a report titled, “Disease X: A hidden but inevitable creeping danger.”
In this report, they state that Disease X will supposedly be caused by pathogen X and is expected to be a zoonosis, most likely an RNA virus, that would “emerge from an area in which the combination of factors would promote a high risk for sustained transmission.” Attendees at the event included the current director of the World Health Organization (WHO), the head of WEF’s Centre for Health and Healthcare along with members of the WEF’s executive committee, the board chair of pharmaceutical giant, AstraZeneca, and many other notable world leaders. The event was moderated by the CEO of the American Heart Association.
Why am I, a state representative of Iowa House District 88, including this in a local newsletter? Well, while I was door knocking before my first primary, I often asked people at their homes, “What is most concerning to you?” Most people immediately related to the problems on the federal level in D.C. I began to notice that those same people, most who live in a town with less than 1,000 people, were unaware of who was the town mayor. I do not mean to sound critical…that was me only recently. This article is reflective on myself as I continually consider all the many moving parts happening on a local level (library boards, school boards, city councils) while also examining those on the state level (the position I hold now) along with the ever-encroaching federal component, all the while never taking my eyes off of the ongoing global developments.
That said, let’s acknowledge that global entities assure us that there is an oncoming “Disease X.” I imagine you may already be having de ja vu as it causes you to relive the covid experience. Allow me to purpose that perhaps the “next pandemic” will not be deadly because of the disease itself but because of the policies pressed down upon us through which control and fear will usher in.
So, live your reality locally in very tangible ways, glancing up occasionally to check the conditions outside of your control but do not stay there long. That unknown mayor in your community just may need some help leading your town.
Election Integrity
Iowans have made it clear that election integrity is a top priority. Fair elections are necessary so that the voice of the people is heard and acted upon. A key component to election integrity is consistency and uniformity across every Iowa county. Iowa’s 99 county auditors are the frontlines of election administration. They work tirelessly to ensure the elections are run safely and smoothly. In 2024, there will be 30 out of 99 county auditors who have never administrated a presidential election. This sounds very much like my experience in the Iowa House this past year where nearly half of everyone in the Chamber (including clerks) were new to their position.
Equally important to election administration are the thousands of poll workers who step up each election to serve their communities as election workers. This is one of the many ways for you to begin to be involved with your community politics at a local level.
Iowa election leaders want to make sure local election officials and poll workers receive all the training they need in advance of each election, including the much-anticipated 2024 elections. The Office of the Secretary of State is championing a bill calling for consistent, statewide training of poll workers and election officials. The goal is for Iowa voters to be treated the same across the state and ensure that election workers are armed with the same understanding of Iowa’s rules regardless of which county they serve.
You can learn more about how to become a poll worker by visiting Pollworker.Iowa.Gov.
Mahaska County Attorney Testifies to Protect Minors
Both bills that I introduced in the House on artificially generated (AI) sexual abuse material passed sub committees this week. Mahaska County Attorney, Andrew Ritland testified on behalf of the legislation. Ritland and other county attorneys have been instrumental in getting ahead of the harms caused by AI technology. Media has picked up the story and so far, the issue has been supported across both parties.
Navigating the Iowa Legislature Site
It can be quite daunting to navigate the Iowa Legislative website, particularly if you have never done it and are trying to find a particular bill. Whether you are looking to track a particular bill, want to find out who your representative and senators are, or simply wish to view the schedule at the Capitol for the week, visit https://www.legis.iowa.gov. Because it can be tricky to navigate, here are three quick peeks to the site:
Under the “Senate/House” tab, you can watch and listen to what is going on in both the House and the Senate every day. You will find further links to the bills being handled that day, the sub or committee details, schedules, and links to make a public comment.
If you are looking for specific committees, find them under the “Committees and Schedules” tab. Committees are specialized groups of legislators where specific bills are referred to after they are drafted and introduced. This part is the first step in a bill becoming a law. Further links under this tab will direct you to bills that are ready for the debate process, committee meeting schedules and room locations.
If you are looking to schedule a tour for your group or just a few members of your family, follow the “Capitol Tours and Resources” tab. We are only in session and at the capitol until the end of April and after that, the building is pretty quiet. If you want to see the action, come visit before then. I would love to see you at the Capitol!
Whatever your Iowa legislature needs are, they can be found somewhere on this website!
Child Support, Immigration, and Women
These three bills received much attention in the Iowa House this week:
House File 2103: Expanding Child Support
This bill would move up the time a father is obligated to pay child support from the time the child is born, to the time the mother is pregnant.
There are many costs associated with pregnancy. From doctor’s appointments to the supplies new parents must have ready for when the child is born. Right now, child support laws imply only the mother must bear the responsibility for those costs. This bill ensures that fathers are held accountable as well.
House Files 2128 and 2112: Decentivizing Illegal Immigration
These two pieces of legislation work to ensure the state of Iowa will not incentivize illegal immigration. The first bill, HF2128, requires individuals to prove they reside in the country legally before receiving in-state tuition at Iowa’s regent institutions. The second, HF2112, ensures that only legal U.S. citizens qualify for public assistance programs that are paid for by other legal U.S. citizens.
House Study Bill 588: What is a Woman?
What is a woman? Something we have all known for ages is soon to be (hopefully) recorded in Iowa law. The definition reads simply, “woman” means an adult female human. The entire bill is less than half a page!
Committee on Health and Human Resources
It was a busy week in our House committees. I am sharing this section to highlight some of the ongoing work within the House Health and Human Services Committee. Thank you to Representative Jon Dunwell for sharing this update:
The HHS committee heard a presentation from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services on recent updates in mental health in the state. In the presentation, DHHS announced that there will be legislation this session to establish a new Behavioral Health Services System. The Committee looks forward to reviewing the legislation when it comes out and seeing how the state can move the system forward to provide services equally to all corners of the state.
The Legislature continues to prioritize expanding access to mental health. Below is a list of bills that passed just last year and were signed by the Governor:
Mental Health Rate Increase – The HHS budget (SF561) provides $13million in increased state funding towards mental health and substance abuse Medicaid rates. In total with federal funding, this is over $35 million increase to ensure that the state can recruit and retain mental health providers to care for Iowans in need. These increases came based on a Medicaid rate review that compared Iowa’s mental health rates to surrounding states and to Medicare.
·Medical Malpractice – House File 161 limits the total amount of noneconomic damages for a medical malpractice claim at $2 million for causes of action involving a hospital, and at $1 million for all other causes of action.
Rural Emergency Hospitals – Senate File 75 establishes licensure in Iowa for Rural Emergency Hospitals. Federal law created this designation in 2020 and has allowed this new hospital designation to begin January 1, 2023. This bill also requires ambulatory surgical centers to be licensed in Iowa.
Mental Health Non-Competes – House File 93 prohibits noncompete agreements with mental health providers, allowing the provider to stay with their patient.
Psychologist Prescribing – House File 183 removes the requirement that a psychologist complete certain requirements within 5 years of being issued a conditional prescription certificate. This bill also changes that the physician supervising does not need to be board-certified in specific specialties.
Psychiatrist Public Fellowship – House File 274 revises the state-funded psychiatry residency program that was established last session, to include two fellowship positions. The program will annually graduate 9 psychiatry residents and 2psychiatry fellows.
·Physician Assistants – House File 424 repeals requirements that physician assistants practice under the supervision of a physician, and instead requires collaboration, including psychiatric PAs.
Commitment Hearings – House File 466 allows health care providers who have examined a patient involved in a substance abuse or mental health commitment to testify by video. Current law only allows for telephone testimony.
Mental Health and Disability Services –House File 471 comes from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to specialize the Independence Mental Health Institute to behaviorally complex youth and the Cherokee MHI to acute and forensic adults, makes changes to the Regional MHDS Governing Board makeup, and adds competency-based restoration to the core service domains of the MHDS Regions.
Amazing Visitors at the Capitol
FaDDS – pronounced “fades,” is the acronym for Family Development and Self-Sufficiency. This state funded organization came into existence through collaboration with fifteen community action agencies and other non-profits and is available in all 99 Iowa counties. With the struggle on so many issues in our current culture, I was so pleased to hear the success stories shared by these lovely ladies from my area.
This past week I was so honored that my community held “Oskaloosa Day on the Hill.” It was attended by business leaders from Musco, Clow Valve, and Oskaloosa Main Street along with the Oskaloosa Chamber and Oskaloosa Community school board members, students and staff. The group spent the day meeting with legislators, sharing their concerns and advocating for the community.
Three of the four Iowa Catholic Diocese Bishops were available to visit with this week at the Capitol. It was a great opportunity to share the vision for the Chaplain bill and hear how this faith community is serving the spiritual and physical needs of Iowans all across the state.
It was also firefighter recognition day at the Capitol this week. Thank you to all firefighters, volunteer or paid, who stive every day to lead their responsive and professional teams in their quest for reliable emergency response.
Medical students and staff from Des Moines University came to the capitol to share their experience and struggles as they learn how to serve Iowans as health care providers.
On a Personal Note…
Just for a break from politics, I have been sharing in this newsletter my hobby of raising Spangled Hamburg Bantams. Previously, I shared a photo of some of my birds along with my mini-incubator full of eggs. This week you get to see the beginning results of the 21-day incubation period: baby chicks!
Life: what a pleasure it is to watch unfold!
How to support me
What do people like me need for support as elected officials in a state office?
* Prayer (the key!)
* Your input – either for or against the issues
* Volunteers
* Yards for signage (both yard sign and barn signs/4×8)
* “Word-of-mouth” support by expressing your approval to others
* and of course, financial donations:
Hayes for House, Treasurer
2812 170th Street
New Sharon, Iowa 50207
Thank you all!!
Upcoming Events
Here are the dates for upcoming forums I will be at! I welcome all whom I proudly represent to join me for these meetings. I want to hear what you have to say!
Coffee & Conversation (Formerly Eggs & Issues)
To be held at Smokey Row Oskaloosa (109 S Market St. Oskaloosa, IA) on the following dates:
February 24th @ 8:30 to 9:30 am
March 23rd @ 8:30 to 9:30 am
Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Forum
To be held at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center (200 N. Main Street. Fairfield, IA) on the following dates:
February 17th @ 7:30 am
April 20th @ 7:30 am
