Senator Mathis responds to appointment of new DHS director
The selection of Jerry Foxhoven is a positive step. His inclusive style will serve him well as he digs into the work that needs to be done with the department.
Safer communities
McCoy statement to Oversight Committee on DHS and failure to protect abused children
“On behalf of children who have fallen through the cracks at the Iowa Department of Human Services, I am grateful that you have decided to convene a Government Oversight Committee meeting to look into the staffing, general welfare practices, internal policies at DHS….”
Updates regarding efforts to protect children at risk of abuse
This page will be continually updated with Iowa Senate Democratic information on protecting children at risk of abuse.
Three-point plan to end string of Iowa child deaths
A three-point reform plan to prevent another Iowa child from being injured or killed by abuse has been put forth by two members of the Iowa Senate Government Oversight Committee. Senators Petersen and McCoy released the plan to prevent another death like that of Sabrina Ray. The Iowa teen had been adopted out of foster care and was being home-schooled when her body was found last Friday in a Perry home.
Workers deserve protections for on-the-job injuries
Iowa’s workers’ compensation has delicately balanced the interests of employers against the need to provide reasonable medical care and fair benefits for workers who suffer disabling on-the-job injuries.
McCoy requests Oversight Committee review of “root causes” of the abuse of Glenwood residents
It’s imperative that the Legislature closely review a new report on Glenwood to ensure residents are safe. The Iowa Department of Human Services runs the facility and disclosed in January that seven residents were physically abused and 13 residents were subjected to verbal abuse or neglect.
McCoy: Oversight needed to address failures at Iowa DHS & shortcomings in Iowa law
Iowa children are falling through the cracks and government policies may be part of the problem, according to members of the House and Senate Government Oversight Committee. Natalie Finn is a 16-year old Des Moines girl who died after she was tortured and starved by her parents. Malayia Knapp, another Des Moines resident, was beaten, starved, and imprisoned by her adoptive parents.
Retired child abuse investigator says DHS cuts would endanger children and vulnerable adults
Iowans across the state are worried that Republican budget cuts will endanger vulnerable Iowans, children and dependent adults. Cutting the number of people looking out for children at risk is a mistake. We should not cut services to our most vulnerable Iowans.
Democratic Leader: Contact Republican Senators about budget cuts
Senate Democratic Leader Rob Hogg is urging Iowans to contact Republican Senators this week about their proposals for major mid-year budget cuts and the defunding of Planned Parenthood. Their mid-year budget cuts would take away […]
Sharp cuts by legislative Republicans threaten public safety, education and human services
Bolkcom: “The Republican proposal unveiled today sends the wrong message about the future of our state. The budget slashing by Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor Reynolds and Republican legislators leaves the fastest growing part of the state budget off the table: excessive tax credits. It is time to drain the swamp.”