Meet the candidate for Iowa Senate

Dave Rowley of Spirit Lake would serve constituents in Winnebago, Kossuth, and Emmet Counties for the first time if he wins reelection in November to the new Senate District 5 seat. He currently serves as state senator in Senate District 1, and he also works as an insurance agent.

Rowley was elected during a special election last December, as he completed his predecessor’s term in the 89th General Assembly this year.

He and his wife, Kris, have been married for 41 years. The have four adult children and two grandchildren. Rowley says he has almost 40 years of experience in insurance management and sales, and he’s been involved in party politics since 2006. He has served on the Dickinson County Republicans Central Committee as a member, Co-Chair, and Chair since becoming active in 2006.

As an independent insurance agent, he has served on his industry’s statewide association “IIAI” (Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa) for over 12 years as board member, Treasurer, and President. He has also served on several local boards such as the Pearson Lakes Art Center (president twice), Iowa Great Lakes Rotary (past president), the Spirit Lake Schools Foundation (past president), and he continues to support several community non-profit organizations.

Here is what Rowley had to say about his goals and priorities for the 2023 legislative session pertaining to several issues.

Agriculture and the environment

“Agriculture is our top industry in our state, and I support and will continue to support our farmers as a priority. I am honored to be named by the Iowa Farm Bureau as a ‘2022 Friend of Agriculture for NW Iowa’. Agriculture and the methods used to farm has changed a lot over the years, and for the better. Conserving the land with a focus on sustainability is a priority for all of us and especially a priority for our farmers. Keeping our environment safe and clean is also a priority. Our communities demand good health and a high quality of life. I will work for policies that satisfy both Agriculture and our Environment.”

CO2 pipelines and the use of eminent domain

“I am not for the use of Eminent Domain for private sector projects. My question is how we define ‘public good’? An example for public good may be an intersection of road that everyone can use. It is something that will benefit you and I directly. In this case for a CO2 pipeline, I am not convinced that fits the requirement of ‘public good’.”

Education

“I will continue to vote support for our public schools through the public funding our Iowa taxpayers provide. We have great schools here in NW Iowa. Our children all went through our Iowa K-12, Community College and Universities. I expect school choice and introducing bills that support parental rights will undoubtedly be part of this session. Last session, we passed open enrollment, and that helped those families that find it necessary to enroll in a different school district. I voted for the bill, as it was an important step to give some families in our state relief. I expect other parts of the original senate bill that didn’t make it through, including scholarships for 5,000 students and 5,000 for IEP(s) or Independent Educational Program students will be reintroduced. It will be a priority to pass legislation that helps families make difficult decisions if they feel their school district doesn’t meet their child’s needs.”

Health care and mental health

“I expect Medicaid reimbursement rates will be reviewed and how to provide increased support for the people who work in the health care industry including recruitment, retention, and training. Our hospitals are a critical component contributing to the success of our economy for hiring and attracting new families to our communities and our schools. Last year, the legislature passed a law written to transfer the cost of County Mental Health services to the state as a line item. I plan to monitor those results and evaluate the success of that action. I supported a bill to increase the number of acute care beds for patients in Cherokee and Woodward. I plan to follow up on that in committee.”

Access to abortion

“The Governor filed a motion requesting the district court to lift the injunction of the Heartbeat Bill. It was signed into law in 2018, but a Polk County district court judge prohibited the enforcement of the law. Since the last SCOTUS decision regarding Roe v Wade, the steps are in place to be in a position to enforce this law, which makes abortion illegal once a heartbeat is found (typically 6-8 weeks). It is in the court’s hands at this time. I am pro-life, and I will continue to work towards saving lives. I am also an advocate for abortion alternatives.”

Workforce shortages

“We are focused on workforce development, training, recruitment, collaboration with all stakeholders from businesses to childcare, community colleges and universities, to our hospitals and mental health centers. We will address these issues in the legislature.”

Inflation

“Last session, we passed the largest tax cut in Iowa history. Since January, we have endured an 8.3% inflation rate resulting in increased costs of goods and services across the board. This is putting enormous stress on Iowa families. We are reliant on foreign oil, minerals, products and at the mercy of supply chain bottlenecks. This mid-term election is critical, as we need real leadership to get the federal government under control. But if you contrast that with Iowa, our policies are sound. By lowering our state personal income tax rates from 8.53% to 3.9% and eliminating state income tax on retirement income, we have put Iowans in a more favorable position to weather the economy. It can’t offset the federal government’s current policies, but it does help.”

Taxes

“In addition to above: I will be advocating for even lower tax rates. Our FY22 tax receipts are strong, and this gives Iowa choices.”

What other priorities would you like to pursue if elected?

“I am focused on developing future economic growth in our rural communities. I believe we can structure growth with the number of businesses we currently have in place and searching for new businesses whether entrepreneurially or through expansion. I believe through stakeholders in education, we have the resources to build a bright future through collaboration and vision.

“I have many interests including: more alternatives for unplanned pregnancy, support for foster families and adoption services, improved recruitment and investment into our courts systems. I am also interested in sustainable and generational farming and making sure the safety net of our federal crop insurance programs stays in place. As an Independent Insurance Agent in Iowa and in leadership, I have lobbied in Washington, DC against cuts to the Federal Crop Insurance Program for many years.”

Rowley says he enjoyed meeting many folks in the new District 5 when he and his wife knocked on doors this spring. “I believe in NW Iowa and the high quality of life we have to offer. I will campaign on that throughout my political career. I appreciate your interest, your support, and I look forward to meeting you and serving District 5,” said Rowley.