Senators mark Homeschool Day, introduce students and announce events on Senate floor

The Iowa Senate set aside floor time on Feb. 26, 2026 for introductions and member announcements. The presiding officer introduced Emma Garrison, a student at Wayne Community Junior-Senior High School, who will shadow a senator for the day.

Senator Shultz, recognized by the chair, announced the birth of his grandson: "Corbin Jason Beckeris was born. He was 8 pounds 2 ounces, 21 inches long," and said the family had returned home to Denison. The senator offered the chamber a light personal remark and thanks for kind wishes.

Senator Green marked 'Homeschool Day in the Hill' with extended remarks praising homeschooling and Iowa's homeschool community, noting several senators with homeschooling experience and saying that homeschooling was not fully legalized in all states until 1993. Green read a poem he said connected to homeschool families' values and welcomed visiting students and families to the capital.

Senator Guth welcomed a homeschool family from his district (the Larry family: Isaiah, Naomi, David and Liberty) and encouraged younger homeschoolers to engage with campaigns and government. Senator Winkler announced that the Iowa chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association would be in the Rotunda from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. to discuss the benefits of massage therapy and offer chair massages. Senator Sires introduced two Ankeny Centennial seniors, Aubrey Sabretto and Marlene Munger; Senator Campbell introduced multiple homeschool families from North Central Iowa and described their use of the classical-conversation program.

Short procedural announcements concluded the session: a senator announced a Democratic caucus in Room 24 and a Republican caucus in Room 22, and the chair recessed the Senate for caucuses.