Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says it’s clear state senators and their staff need better training to understand what conduct is acceptable in the Iowa Senate. A report released Friday after interviews with staff who work for Senate Republicans indicated there is confusion over what a “zero tolerance” policy on sexual harassment means.
The report indicated senators made comments about sex on the senate floor — the place where bills are debated in public view. Reynolds says everyone has an obligation to speak up.
The Senate’s Democratic leader says the report released Friday about the senate’s work environment is “deeply troubling” — especially testimony from staff who say they won’t report harassment, for fear of retaliation. Four and a half years ago, Senate G-O-P Leader Bill Dix fired a staffer who had complained about harassment. She has won a one-point-75 MILLION dollar settlement from the state. Dix has said she was fired for poor work.
