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Senators highlight anti‑trafficking event and welcome teacher educators and visiting Australian consul
Summary
Senators used floor time to announce an Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking (NAHT) event and awards, welcomed faculty and student teacher candidates representing the Iowa Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and introduced Chris Elstoft, Consul General of Australia, and his aide.
Senators set aside part of the session to make announcements and introduce guests. Senator Rowley reminded members that the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking (NAHT) would be in the rotunda from 11 a.m. to noon with a governor’s proclamation signing and anti‑trafficking awards at 11:30 a.m. "Human trafficking is a horrific form of modern day slavery," Rowley said, calling attention to both sex and labor trafficking and urging colleagues to join advocates and survivors.
Senator Winkler recognized faculty and students from teacher preparation programs across the state who were visiting the gallery on behalf of the Iowa Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and thanked them for traveling despite the weather.
Senator Rosenblum introduced Chris Elstoft, identified on the floor as the Consul General of Australia (based in Chicago), and his aide, Sigourney McDonald, noting that the visitors were touring Iowa sites including Bellevue, Dyersville, Des Moines and Hamburg.
Family introductions: The senator from Delaware, Senator Zumba, introduced his daughter Bridal and granddaughter Grace to the chamber; Grace was asked to stand and wave.
Why it matters: The NAHT event and governor’s proclamation involve advocacy and public recognition of anti‑trafficking work in Iowa; the teacher education delegation and international diplomatic visit are ceremonial recognitions that give the Senate an opportunity to engage with educators and foreign representatives.
Provenance: Announcements and introductions are recorded across SEG 031–SEG 129 of the transcript.
