SR 119 (LSB 6939SV (5) 91)

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 119

BY  COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINISTRATION

A Resolution honoring Senator Zach Wahls for his service in the Iowa Senate.

   WHEREAS, Senator Zach Wahls was first elected in November 2018, and has proudly served in the Senate ever since; and
   WHEREAS, Senator Wahls learned at a young age about hard work and public service by earning the rank of Eagle Scout; and
   WHEREAS, Senator Wahls received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and his master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs; and
   WHEREAS, following his 2011 testimony before the Iowa House of Representatives Judiciary Committee about growing up with lesbian parents in the midwest, Senator Wahls worked primarily as an advocate in the LGBTQ rights movement; wrote extensively about his family’s experience, including a best-selling book; participated in numerous speaking engagements, including a prime-time speech at the 2012 Democratic Convention; and co-founded and led Scouts for Equality, which successfully organized the national campaign to end discrimination against LGBT people in the Boy Scouts of America; and
   WHEREAS, Senator Wahls served as Senate Democratic Leader, and has served on multiple legislative committees during his time in the Senate, including the Agriculture, Appropriations, Commerce, Education, Government Oversight, Health and Human Services, Local Government, Rules and Administration (ranking member), Technology, Veterans Affairs, Ways and Means, and Workforce committees; the Administration and Regulation Appropriations Subcommittee and the Education Appropriations Subcommittee (ranking member); the Regents Universities Study Committee; and the Legislative Council; and
   WHEREAS, Senator Wahls has further demonstrated his commitment to civic engagement by serving on several other boards and commissions, including the Advisory Council for Agricultural Education, the Human Rights Board, and the Iowa Finance Authority; and
   WHEREAS, Senator Wahls decided to run for office because he never forgot what it felt like to be left out and how hard families like his had to fight simply to get a seat at the table, and during his time in the Senate he has been a tireless champion for the rights of not only the LGBTQ community but for all Iowans; and
   WHEREAS, Senator Wahls is grateful to the citizens of his district for placing their trust in him, and looks forward to his next endeavors and to spending more time with his wife, Dr. Chloe Angyal, and their son, Elijah; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the Senate honors Senator Zach Wahls for his years of service in the Iowa Senate and wishes him all the best in the years to come.