School Choice
Standing for parents when it mattered was an experience that motivated me to get more involved in the legislative process.
Experience and Accomplishments
In my first session of my first term in the Iowa House of Representatives, I served as Vice Chair of the Education Committee, in addition to serving on education appropriations. I also served on the Judiciary and agricultural committees.
Reviewing the 2025 Legislative Session-- It was a historic session with the passage of SF 418 --The Sex and Gender Clarity Act, which removed gender identity from the Iowa civil rights law, effectively protecting women.
There were many more highlights of the session and good policy governance that moved forward. Read the full summary here.
It has been a rewarding experience serving District 22. As a public servant who embraces Christian values, serving is a calling that carries deep meaning. It means leading with integrity, humility, and compassion—qualities that align with faith-based principles of justice and service. What I have learned is that change takes time, and focus should remain on our steadfast commitment to the people of Iowa.
As the session progressed, I continued to hear this phrase, "What about the separation of church and state?" At the time, I was advocating and moving legislation that would authorize school districts to hire chaplains in schools, offer an elective course in biblical literacy as part of literature class and define release time for religious instruction during school hours, plus speaking publicly about school choice policies that would give parents freedom to enroll in religious education. This question was brought up as a counter to why we can't move these polices forward.
I recently addressed this push back in an article to discuss the real history on the separation of church and state. Many believe it's in the US Constitution, and, therefore, cannot be any faith in our state Capitol. This is not true! Read more in the Iowa Standard, "The Truth about Separation of Church and State."
In the news
Watch a recent interview on the "Steve Deace" show, summarizing what it takes to be a bold leader and updates on the first session in the Iowa House.
Books in Iowa Schools
Speaking on why SF 496 was an important bill as it relates to age-appropriate books in our Iowa schools.
Iowa Fetal Heartbeat Bill 2023
IOWANS ARGUE PROS & CONS OF HEARTBEAT BILL AT STATE CAPITOL - KSCJ 1360
Iowa Capitol crowded as lawmakers consider six-week abortion ban - Radio Iowa
In a special session in July 2023, the Fetal Heartbeat Bill was passed by the House and Senate and signed into law. Although an injunction prevented it from moving forward, I was proud to be one of the many Iowans who spoke in defense of our unborn. I was able to testify in my support for the bill.
Debate on SF 496 - Parental Rights
Mothers call for more parental say in restricting 'obscene' books in schools - Iowa Capital Dispatch
During the 2023 legislative session, discussions with parents, teachers, school administration and legislators created bills that would protect students. This was an ongoing process during the session. I was part of a House Oversight committee to testify on the process books can be challenged at the local level and how broken the process was. Based on feedback, we were able assist law makers into crafting new policy to make the process more transparent and fair.
Teaching Gender Identity in school
Iowa Public Radio Lawmakers debate LGBTQ policies in schools | Iowa Public Radio
SF 1187- Help not Harm Bill
https://www.wane.com/news/iowa-lawmakers-consider-ban-on-all-gender-affirming-care-for-minors/