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Quick Facts
Personal Details

Education

  • MA, Integrated Communications, Drake University, 1997-1999
  • BA, Communications/Public Relations, University of Northern Iowa, 1988-1992

Professional Experience

  • MA, Integrated Communications, Drake University, 1997-1999
  • BA, Communications/Public Relations, University of Northern Iowa, 1988-1992
  • Founding Partner and Vice-President, Healthy Birth Day, 2008-present
  • Self-Employed, Marketing/Communications Consulting, 2001-2008
  • Public Relations Senior Account Executive, Strategic America, 1997-2001
  • Communications Specialist, American Heart Association, 1989-1997

Political Experience

  • MA, Integrated Communications, Drake University, 1997-1999
  • BA, Communications/Public Relations, University of Northern Iowa, 1988-1992
  • Founding Partner and Vice-President, Healthy Birth Day, 2008-present
  • Self-Employed, Marketing/Communications Consulting, 2001-2008
  • Public Relations Senior Account Executive, Strategic America, 1997-2001
  • Communications Specialist, American Heart Association, 1989-1997
  • Senator, Iowa State Senate, District 18, 2012-present
  • Candidate, Iowa State Senate, District 18, 2020
  • Minority Leader, Iowa State Senate, 2017-Present
  • Representative, Iowa State House of Representatives, District 64, 2000-2012
  • Volunteer, Clinton/Gore Presidential Campaign, 1992

Former Committees/Caucuses

Former Ranking Member, Commerce Committee, Iowa State Senate

Former Member, Government Oversight Committee, Iowa State Senate

Former Member, Natural Resources and Environment Committee, Iowa State Senate

Former Member, State Government Committee, Iowa State Senate

Former Member, Subcommittee on Transportation, Infrastructure, and Capitals Appropriations, Iowa State Senate

Former Member, Ways and Means Committee, Iowa State Senate

Current Legislative Committees

Member, Commerce Committee

Member, Iowa Commission on Interstate Cooperation

Member, Joint Committee on Administration

Member, Joint Committee on Service

Member, Joint Committee on Studies

Member, Judiciary Committee

Member, Legislative Council

Ranking Member, Rules and Administration Committee

Religious, Civic, and other Memberships

  • MA, Integrated Communications, Drake University, 1997-1999
  • BA, Communications/Public Relations, University of Northern Iowa, 1988-1992
  • Founding Partner and Vice-President, Healthy Birth Day, 2008-present
  • Self-Employed, Marketing/Communications Consulting, 2001-2008
  • Public Relations Senior Account Executive, Strategic America, 1997-2001
  • Communications Specialist, American Heart Association, 1989-1997
  • Senator, Iowa State Senate, District 18, 2012-present
  • Candidate, Iowa State Senate, District 18, 2020
  • Minority Leader, Iowa State Senate, 2017-Present
  • Representative, Iowa State House of Representatives, District 64, 2000-2012
  • Volunteer, Clinton/Gore Presidential Campaign, 1992
  • Member, Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (HAWK-I) Board, 2015-present
  • Member, 21st Century Forum
  • Member, American Danish Brotherhood
  • Big Sister, Big Brothers/Big Sisters
  • Former Member, Board of Directors, Des Moines Arts Festival
  • Member, Board of Directors, Small Business Development Centers
  • Parent Volunteer, Children's Schools
  • Member, Democratic Leadership Council
  • Former Ex Officio Member, Iowa Values Fund Board of Directors
  • Former Communications Chair, Polk County Democrats Central Committee
  • Member, Polk County Democrats Central Committee
  • Former Board Member, Polk County Health Services
  • Former Board Member, Polk County Housing Trust
  • Former Board Member, United Way of Central Iowa
  • Member, Walnut Hills United Methodist Church

Other Info

Priority Issues:

As a mother of young children, Janet has fought for a better child care system and access to quality preschool for Iowa families. She believes a solid education is the key to a successful future. Janet is also an advocate for smokefree air. In 2008, she sponsored Iowa's Smokefree Air Act which was signed into law that year. The law is considered one of the strongest smokefree air acts in the country, protecting more than 99 percent of Iowa's workforce from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Spouse's Occupation:

Works for Principal Global Investors

State Bills
Events

2019

Dec. 17
Petersen Holiday Fund Raiser

Tue 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM CST

Christopher's Restaurant DSM Des Moines, IA

Jun. 5
Livestream: How to overturn the Medical Cannabis Veto

Wed 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM CDT

Iowa Senate Democrats Des Moines, IA

Jan. 14
TUNE IN: Senate Dems Live on Opening Day

Mon 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM CST

Iowa State Capitol Des Moines, IA