Ragan Report

Honoring Iowa veterans and service members
     Each May, we celebrate Armed Forces Day, paying tribute to the men and women in our military, and Memorial Day, honoring those who died serving our country. 
     The commitment of Iowans to serve our country has always been strong. That’s why veterans make up a higher proportion of Iowa’s population than they do for the nation as a whole.
     Many veterans and returning service members make Iowa their home because we ensure they receive the education, job opportunities, health care and quality of life they deserve. Over the years, the Legislature has taken steps big and small to make Iowa a great place for veterans, service members and their families.
     During the 2016 session, we voted to:
     • Protect the rights of deployed parents (SF 2233): Military members can confidently serve our country without custody and visitation worries if duty requires them to be away from their children. The Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act helps parents set up a temporary agreement during deployment.
     • Simplify the process for veterans to get a disabled parking placard (SF 2187): The Iowa Department of Transportation will soon be able to accept a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating in lieu of a statement from a health care provider when a mobility-impaired veteran applies for a disabilities parking permit.
     • Eliminate steps to get the veterans’ designation on a driver’s license (SF 2187): Veterans may now present their honorable discharge documents at their driver’s license station to get their license or ID marked to reflect veteran status. The veteran designation allows for quick identification, without having to carry official military documents.
     • Make voting easier for those serving overseas (HF 2147): Military members may request a special absentee ballot for general elections if they’re stationed outside the U.S. We extended the time to apply for a ballot to 120 days for military voters. In addition, they will no longer have to submit a regular absentee ballot application for their federal write-in absentee ballot to be counted.
     Sen. Amanda Ragan (D-Mason City) serves Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties in Senate District 27. She can be reached at (515) 281-3371 or (641) 424-0874. Email her at amanda.ragan@legis.iowa.gov.