On Wednesday, November 13, Iowa Future Caucus Co-Chairs Sen. Zach Wahls (D) and Rep. Joe Mitchell (R), came together for an event hosted by ImpactCR. Area young professionals took part in a bipartisan discussion focusing on the dysfunctional political climate in the United States and opportunities for overcoming the divisiveness through bipartisan leadership. 

Rep. Mitchell and Sen. Wahls noted the increasingly frequent desire voiced by young constituents to see Republicans and Democrats work together to pass legislation. Yet, both Co-Chairs admit they do not see bipartisanship happening at the level they like. The extreme level of polarization and political discourse makes it difficult for lawmakers from across the aisle to come together to find common ground. During the discussion, Sen. Wahls and Rep. Mitchell spoke about their efforts of spurring discussion and coming to agreement within the Future Caucus. 

ImpactCR seeks to educate young people on civil engagement by creating opportunities to ask one-on-one questions of local legislators with the intent to impacting political change. To provide perspective to non-lawmakers, attendees were asked to participate in an exercise to exhibit the challenges faced by the Iowa Future Caucus and other bipartisan efforts across the country. Attendees were placed into groups and challenged to come to a consensus on a solution for an issue, even if they did not believe it was an ideal outcome. By using the practices employed by Rep. Mitchell, Sen. Wahls, and other Iowa Future Caucus members, the guests were shown what it takes to foster bipartisanship dialogue.

The Iowa Future Caucus focuses on creating policy solutions in a bipartisan manner, addressing issues disproportionately affecting the younger generations, such as student debt, attracting and retaining young talent, and democracy reform. To learn more, visit https://www.millennialaction.org/iowa.