Senate adopts resolution honoring Sen. Ken Rosenboom as he retires after 14 years

The Iowa Senate adopted Senate Resolution 117 honoring Senator Ken Rosenboom and heard his farewell remarks after colleagues from both parties praised his decades of public service.

Senator Zumbaugh, who presented the resolution, recited Rosenboom’s record: first elected in November 2012, long service on agriculture and natural resources issues, leadership roles on appropriations and education-related committees, and recognition including the Herbert Hoover Uncommon Public Service Award in 2019. “We all know what senate file 5 12 was. It's a water quality bill that Ken Rosenboom put together and has lived by his entire political career,” Zumbaugh said in her remarks, tying Rosenboom’s legislative legacy to state water-quality efforts.

Multiple senators offered personal tributes on the floor. Senator Shipley praised Rosenboom’s integrity and steady leadership; Senator Schultz described him as a “silent granite pillar” whose comments commanded attention; and senators across the chamber recalled mentorship, committee work and shared fishing and civic anecdotes. Several speakers emphasized his reputation for thoroughness in preparing bills and for working with members across the aisle.

After the sponsor moved adoption, the presiding officer called for a voice vote. The resolution passed on the affirmative voice and the chamber recognized Rosenboom, who then delivered farewell remarks thanking his wife, staff and colleagues and outlining guiding principles he said would shape the work of the body: faith, family, freedom and support for agriculture. Rosenboom reflected on the importance of listening and bipartisan cooperation as a path forward for the Senate.

The resolution’s adoption was recorded by voice vote on the floor; senators did not request a roll-call tally during the action. Rosenboom’s floor address followed immediately after the resolution’s adoption and was his final prepared statement in the chamber.