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My heart is heavy… I write today as a mother, a teacher, a legislator and an aware citizen. My heart is heavy, as is most of yours, in the wake of our most recent school shooting. I so desire to hug all the parents of the 19 children who were killed and I want to […]
Being Black in America Many of my white friends have asked me how last weekend’s mass shooting in Brooklyn, New York at Tops Grocery Store has effected me. I appreciate the question because it allows me to elaborate on my deepest feelings about being black in America. Sadly, the mass shooting is nothing new. Racists, […]
Iowa needs to become a leader in equality once again Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. Starting in 2004, this day of action is celebrated in over 130 countries around the world, many where same-sex relationships are still criminalized. While June is celebrated as LGTBQ+ Pride month in the United States, May […]
I am the mother of a very disabled child. One of my best friends is also the mother of a child with a disabiliy. Both of our children are now grown men, age 38, and dependent on us, their mothers, for so much of their existence. She and I often share our similar stories of […]
More Needs to be Done to Help Struggling Iowans May is Mental Health Awareness Month and more Americans are struggling with their mental health than ever before. The ongoing pandemic, isolation, and limited access to mental health providers have caused Iowans to struggle to get the help they need for their mental health issues. Iowa […]
Church vs State I have not chosen to be vocal about the right to abortion since I was first elected in 2011. Why? Primarily because I am a Catholic and the Catholic Church does not support abortion. In fact, when I was in the Catholic schools I attended in elementary school, high school and college, […]
It Takes All Sorts As I have walked my road in life, I have encountered many different types of people. They have come from a variety of cultures, communities, ages, and professions. This has helped me become more understanding and appreciating of the diverse world in which we live. That why, with my background and […]
***This article talks about sexual assault and violence, and may be triggering to some readers. Sexual Assault Awareness Month April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the last Wednesday of April is designated as a day of action, known as Denim Day. Participants are encouraged to wear jeans to show solidarity with survivors of sexual […]
