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We have spent the past few months meeting with Iowans, hearing heart wrenching stories from crime victims, gaining new supporters and volunteers and visiting small towns and cities across the state.

We wrapped up a busy summer of county fairs at the biggest one of all — the Iowa State Fair — where we had thousands of Iowans stop by our booth to play games, learn more about Marsy’s Law, meet our staff and lend their voice to this important effort.

(It was a beautiful day at the Iowa State Fair to be in a booth under the sky gliders)

Nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair and for the Marsy’s Law for Iowa team, being a part of the fun was surely one of the highlights of the summer.

More than 1,300 Iowans signed the Marsy’s Law for Iowa petition in one day at the Fair. In the conversations our team had that day and throughout the summer, Iowans were shocked that our state doesn’t already have Marsy’s Law. We were frequently asked why anyone could possibly oppose enforceable rights for victims in our constitution.

That is one question we have a tough time answering.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marsy’s Law for Iowa Statement on Session Adjournment

DES MOINES, Iowa (May 5, 2018) —Marsy’s Law for Iowa state director, Eric Baker, issued the following statement:

“While we appreciate the discussion and engagement from legislators on Marsy’s Law for Iowa, we’re disappointed this measure was not taken up on the floor for a vote this session. Crime victims in Iowa deserve equal constitutional rights and our grassroots supporters, survivor advocates and Marsy’s Law coalition will not wavier in our commitment to them.

“We stand with the 85 percent of Iowans who support Marsy’s Law and will spend the interim meeting with them, building our coalition and continuing to be a voice for victims in Iowa. We look forward to working with legislators to pass this bill next year.”

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The following post was written by a Marsy's Law for Iowa supporter. Due to her circumstances and situation, she chooses to remain anonymous, but still wanted to share her story to help illustrate the dangerous gaps in Iowa's system. Iowa victims have powerful testimonies and we are humbled by their bravery and allowing us to be a small part in sharing their stories. 

Marsy's Law for Iowa supporter Michelle has courageously been telling her story about what it means to be a crime victim in Iowa. You can read it here: 

Ten years ago, I was living a very normal life in West Des Moines. I was raising my two kids in a quiet neighborhood, going to work every day and putting down roots in our community. My kids were excelling—my daughter was a model student—nominated for Character Counts awards. She regularly achieved academic success and had lots of friends, a personality that was just a bubbly joy to be near.

The following was written by Marsy's Law for Iowa supporter, Linda Chapman from Dubuque. Linda has been vital to our efforts in Iowa and her story illustrates why we need a constitutional amendment to protect victims and their families. 

My daughter Nikki will forever be 25 years old.

Nikki was a college graduate with a degree in criminal justice. She worked as a full-time family empowerment counselor and part-time as a 911 dispatcher for Dubuque. She had aspirations of becoming a police officer. Nikki was a bright light—a dependable friend and always looking for ways to help people.