State Sen. Eric Giddens (D-Cedar Falls)

Greetings, friends and neighbors,

This will be my final newsletter as your state senator. It has been an absolute honor to serve the Cedar Valley in the Iowa Senate since March of 2019. It is fitting that this newsletter is going out right before Thanksgiving because I want to express my deep gratitude for:

Our talented and dedicated caucus staff who make everything possible that we do as state legislators (including these newsletters!);

My clerks through the years: [the late] Kathy Peterson, Witt Harberts, Micah McCutchan, Nathaniel Harwood, and Dylan Morgan;

All of the other Iowa Senate and Legislative Services Agency staff behind the scenes who keep the Iowa legislature working;

Traer Mayor Pete Holden, right, accepts a Certificate of Recognition for the town’s 150th anniversary from the Iowa Senate courtesy of state Sen. Eric Giddens on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. The two are pictured in front of City Hall in Traer. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

My fellow senators;

My constituents who entrusted me to represent them these last 5 and a half years;

My family and friends. I truly couldn’t have done this work without each and every one of you and so many others, so I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

I would also like to wish Dave Sires all the best as our next state senator. Please reach out to him if you have issues or concerns that he could try to help you address. And as the next General Assembly prepares to convene in January, I invite you to complete the survey below to share what issues that are most important to you. I will share your responses with my former colleagues and the newly elected members of the Iowa Senate.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and best wishes for the upcoming holiday season.

Eric Giddens, a state senator from Cedar Falls, pauses to check his canvassing map on his phone while knocking doors in the northern Tama Co. community of Dysart on Aug. 29, 2023. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

What is Important to You for 2025?

The 2025 legislative session is less than two months away. It is important to hear from my constituents on what you would like the Iowa General Assembly to address. Please take a moment to fill out our brief survey to let me know your top priorities for the next year: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/2025-iowa-senate-legislative-priorities-survey.

Iowa Ranks in Top 10 States for Computer Science Education

For the second consecutive year, Iowa has earned a place among the top 10 states nationwide for providing students with access to high-quality computer science education. This recognition comes from the 2024 State of Computer Science Education report. The report highlights that, during the 2023-24 school year, 84 percent of Iowa’s public high schools offered foundational computer science courses, reinforcing Iowa’s strong commitment to preparing students for the digital future. Over the past seven years, the state has invested $4M in computer science education.

Grants available for community tree plantings

Sen. Eric Giddens places a 'Sorry I missed you' business card inside a constituent's storm door in Dysart while knocking doors in the community in late August 2023. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Through the USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received funds for tree planting grants for Iowa communities. The Iowa Tree Planting Grant provides reimbursable grants to purchase trees, mulch, tree staking/protection, and supplemental watering by contractor or city staff. The grant is a two-year program allowing for planting to take place in the spring and fall of 2025 and 2026. To apply, go to the Iowa DNR Urban Forestry website. Iowa Tree Planting applications are due on Mon., Dec. 30, 2024.

State Park campgrounds are ready for winter

State parks have been winterizing their facilities by shutting off water in the campgrounds and closing shower houses. Campers can check the status of water availability at iowadnr.gov/parkclosures. RV campers are reminded that dump stations are closed during the winter. While Iowa’s interstate rest areas no longer offer dump stations, the DOT does provide a list of dump station alternatives on their website. While water may be shut off at State Parks, visitors are encouraged to continue camping and enjoying park amenities at lower, off-season rates. To learn more and to make reservations, visit: https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com/welcome.do.

Beware of IPERS scams!

IPERS is the ONLY source that can provide confidential details about your retirement account. Third parties may contact you by phone or email seeking an appointment to discuss your IPERS benefits or asking for personal details about your retirement account. Often, these people represent legitimate, private financial planning businesses. Occasionally, however, these are imposters, falsely claiming to represent IPERS. Be aware of official-looking scam emails that attempt to obtain your personal information by directing you to click to a fraudulent website. Visit IPERS’ Fraud Prevention page for additional information about how to ensure the security of your personal information. If you believe you have received communication from a fraudulent sender or caller, report your experience immediately using IPERS’ form for reporting suspicious activity or call 800-622-3849.

State Launches Updated Educator Apprenticeship Grant Program

On Nov. 1, the state announced the launch of the Teacher & Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Program (TPRA) 2.0, a grant program aimed at addressing teacher shortages and launching careers for aspiring educators. TPRA was first unveiled in Iowa in 2022; since its inception, the program has supported more than 1,000 apprentices and 124 school districts across the state of Iowa. Applications for funding are due Dec. 2, 2024. For more information about program requirements, deadlines, and to apply, visit the website: https://workforce.iowa.gov/apprenticeship/funding/tpra.

State Senator Eric Giddens represents Iowa Senate District 38 including Cedar Falls, Hudson, Traer, Dysart, Evansdale, Elk Run Heights, Gilbertville, Washburn, LaPorte City and Mount Auburn. Contact Sen. Giddens at 319-230-0578 or eric.giddens@legis.iowa.gov.