Meeting Public Comments

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

Comments Submitted:

02-18-2025

Scott Sales [GROOM BARBER LOUNGE]

Dear, Mr. Wulf, Mr. Harris and Mr. ScheetzThank you for your service to the state of Iowa and serving on this subcommittee. I'm writing this letter to provide my perspective and insight to this proposal.I have been a Barber for 23 years graduating from the American College of Hairstyling in Des Moines, commuting from Pella every MondaySaturday for almost a year. Having 3 children and one on the way during that period was a challenge, but the only option to become a licensed barber.I currently own Groom Barber Lounge and am a registered Apprentice Sponsor. I have recently completed my 2nd apprentice and looking to start another or more. Removing burdens to licensure would be greatly appreciated. Having experience of the time, effort and cost of becoming a licensedbarber I see the Apprentice program as a great avenue to becoming a Barber. Currently there are no barbers on the cosmotology and barber board. I completed 2 terms on the board of barbering ending this past April. the last portion of my tenure I was part of the rules committee tasked with rewording and rewriting the rules. The current language in the proposal 157.12D says Establishment program which is defined Iowa code as "a fixed location or a location that is readily movable where one or more persons engage in the practice of barbering and cosmotology arts and sciences..." That should be changed to Apprentice rather than establishment.157.12D.1 says An establishment training program is created The board shall create an establishment training program....again that language may create a problem and I'm not sure I want a board that has no Barber representation deciding what and how I should run my apprentice program. Hindsight, the two boards should have remained separate or at the very least kept the licenses separate. If that could be changed that would be great. It's also my understanding that this would allow and establishment to hire apprentices with no end goal in sight, meaning someone could be an apprentice for 10 years and never get licensed, while I don't like the idea, it would be similar to how plumbers operate and as a shop owner I'm ultimately responsible for the services and safety of my establishment and I'm in favor of removing burdens to hiring and training barbers in my shop.I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have or help in this process. Thank your for your time and consideration,sincerely, Scott Sales owner and Master Barber, Groom Barber Lounge

02-21-2025

Brittany Hoogeveen

To whom it may concern, I, Brittany Hoogeveen, am writing to you regarding House File 49. Im the mom of a 16yearold young man who has been interested in becoming a barber for a few years. My son, Brody, happened upon a new barbershop, Groom Barber Lounge, a few years ago and opened his eyes at what working at a wellrespected barbershop looked like. Once we left after his first haircut at Groom, Brody said thats what career path he wanted to go into. After emailing with the owners of Groom, they welcomed Brody into their shop as a shop assistant consisting of assisting with various things such as product inventory, cleaning up, help with the cash register, and other miscellaneous tasks. Brody has appreciated his employment at Groom but would like to begin cutting hair as quickly as possible. The need for barbers is growing. Schools are offering classes for students to become certified nurses assistants, welders, engineering apprentices, etc. These students are receiving college credits while getting paid to do so. Barbers are more than people who stand behind a chair and cut hair all day. Barbers are also artists, sculpting each clients style to their liking. I firmly believe young men or women aspiring to become a barber should get the opportunity to start their apprenticeship at a young age. Students would be prepared for what is to come after graduating high school and without the college debt acquired in doing so. Thank you for your time in consideration in allowing young men and women begin cutting hair under supervision of a licensed barber.

Attachment