Just over a week after he was sworn into office, AG Bird sat down with Local 5 News for a look at what he is focusing on in office.
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Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said he had no time to go to work on his first days in the office.
“On our first day in office, we announced that we are hiring two more attorneys to build our team. (We) are focused on building a relationship with law enforcement, helping people crime, enforcing our laws on criminal charges and protecting public safety,” said the animal.
Other priorities include holding President Joe Biden’s administration accountable for various issues, including the “unconstitutional” COVID-19 legislation and his student loan cancellation plan.” it violates the law”.
In addition, Bird has introduced legislation aimed at eliminating drug-related crimes.
“As a state attorney, I understand the drug epidemic in Iowa and the deaths that have occurred from opioid overdoses and other devastating drug overdoses,” Bird said. . “I’m very happy that Governor Reynolds has been working on this issue, and I want to partner with him and work with him.”
So far, Bird has recommended increased penalties for drug dealers who supply drugs to people who die of overdoses. Bird believes the crime should be classified as a Class B felony, which carries a 25-year sentence.
Another big focus of Bird’s time in office will be taking a closer look at how the state treats crime victims.
“Serving victims is one of my favorite and most rewarding parts of my career as a lawyer,” Bird said. “And I understand that no one chooses to be a victim of a crime, it can happen to anyone, and when that happens, we need to be there with the services that the victim needs, or financial assistance, helping them recover from the crime, counseling, all the services that someone might need.”
Bird said he is traveling the state to hear from Iowans about the barriers different communities face in accessing these resources, with the goal of closing those gaps.