Next week is supposed to be our last week of session for the Iowa legislature. All we heard before session was that Republicans are focused on property rights and property taxes. Almost 100 days in and still no agreement on either of them or the budget… Good times. 🤦♂️
How I first heard about Victor Orban…
Impressive run! 🏀
Congrats!
Does the NCAA need to step up so it’s not the Wild West? Yes.
Shouldn’t President Trump be more focused on the war with Iran or making things more affordable? Also, yes.
All this Executive Order does is create more confusion and lawsuits.
Today was our last day of the 2025-26 Obama Foundation Leadership program. It’s been an honor to graduate from this 6 month program. I’m looking forward to continuing the wonderful relationships with these amazing leaders. 🇺🇸
This morning I had my last legislative forums. Thank you to the Sioux City Community Schools and the League of Women Voters for hosting. Thank you to everyone who shows up! 🇺🇸
On National Ag Day, don’t just say “we support farmers.” Address the issues: bad, status quo federal policy and an industry-wide monopoly problem continue to hurt us. We need reforms that center around making the producer, their communities and consumers healthier. 🇺🇸
Iowa Republican Legislators aren’t afraid to address problems that don’t exist…
Today we passed SF572 which bans Russia, North Korea and China from owning hospitals and care facilities in Iowa.
I had an amendment adding meatpacking facilities to the bill. House Republicans voted it down to continue to allow China to own 1 in 4 hogs in this country.
🚨 SIGN THE PETITION: Stop the Iowa GOP’s new healthcare tax! Republican lawmakers want to slap a new tax on health care, and you’ll be the one paying for it. Tell lawmakers no new tax on healthcare: tinyurl.com/267jkp3z
#nonewhealthcaretax
🚨 PUBLIC HEARING ALERT: GOP lawmakers are fast-tracking a bill that would drive up health care costs for Iowans and small businesses. Wednesday, March 18 at 8 a.m. | State Capitol | Room 103 . Sign up to speak or oppose it online by registering “CON”: www.facebook.com/share/1CRKq7...
Iowa weather… In Sioux City, we’re in a blizzard. On Friday, it’s expected to be 81…
Iowa’s correctional officers deserve our support and the ability to bargain for safe working conditions in overcrowded prisons. That’s why Iowa House Democrats supported legislation to ensure they have those protections.
Breaking them up would lead to:
✅ More options for farmers
✅ More plants and more workers
✅ Decentralized food system -> less vulnerable
✅ More consumer options
✅ Less reliance on foreign supply
Better for workers, better for farmers and better for consumers! 🇺🇸
Young children learn best through hands-on experiences. That’s why House Democrats championed legislation requiring play-based learning for preschool and kindergarten students. #ialegis
In a weather emergency, restoring power quickly can be the difference between safety and serious risk for Iowa families. Today, Iowa House Democrats voted to make sure that Iowans can keep the lights on. #ialegis
“Iowa farmers are being boxed in by corporate consolidation, unfair practices, and a lack of transparency,” said Rep. J.D. Scholten. “This plan is about restoring balance, protecting independence, and making sure farmers can succeed on their own terms.”
iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/02/27/f...
Made it in time (from debating at the Capitol) to support the Siouxland Mental Health Center!
What was it that Trump said about American farmers in last night’s record long SOTU speech?
Nothing… Despite:
✅ Losing the 🇨🇳 soybean market
✅ Importing record amount of beef
✅ High input costs from tariffs & consolidation
✅ Record amount of debt
✅ Bailing out Argentina’s farmers
Here's a look at which Iowa Republican bills survived the first legislative deadline and which ones luckily failed to advance. Spoiler alert: none of them make life more affordable for Iowans.
Does this mean Iowa soybean producers get their market back? 😔
State Rep @jdscholten.bsky.social of Sioux City speaking now. When he was in high school, Iowa was number 1 in education. That's not true now, and this school funding bill won't get us back there.
Sioux City is a working class town with a large immigrant population; "a property tax poor town."
After my subcommittees and meetings at the Capitol today, I got to enjoy 65 degrees by getting out there and playing catch with Ben DeTaeye (my teammate last summer/current legislative clerk). First time throwing in 4 months… Going to be sore tomorrow. ⚾️
Today Republican State Reps Megan Jones and David Young and Democratic State Rep @jdscholten.bsky.social advanced a bill that would put some guardrails around the use of automated license plate readers in Iowa.
My video of subcommittee remarks pro and con:
#ialegis
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QcW...
Some news this morning… I won’t be running for reelection in 2026. 🇺🇸
Sitting in the Iowa House chambers, reading new amendments and cheering on Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse going for 🥇 in Mixed Doubles!
🇺🇸 🥌
Today Iowa House Democrats launched the Regaining Iowa Farmers’ Independence agenda, a 5-point plan to put farm families back in control and curb corporate influence. With stronger transparency and protections for local farms, we’re building a fairer future for rural Iowa.
I would like to thank my teammates from the past two summers for educating me on Bad Bunny…
What a beautiful expression of Puerto Rican culture. #SuperBowlLX