Dennis Black

From dKosopedia

Categories: Iowa Democrats | Iowa State Senators

Dennis Black (D) is currently serving his third term in the Iowa Senate. He represents Senate District 21, including Polk and Jasper County. Senator Black served six terms in the Iowa House of Representatives.

Senator Black is an advocate for Iowa’s environment. He has helped clean up Iowa’s air and water and helped improve our quality of life by increasing recreational opportunities. Senator Black serves on the Agriculture, Appropriations and State Government committees. He is Co-Chair of the Natural Resources & Environment Committee and also a ranking member of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee.

Senator Black has extensive professional experience including work as a natural resource analyst and consultant, service as the director of the Jasper County Conservation Board from 1970 to present, and the author of numerous natural resource management publications.

Senator Black’s civic involvement includes service on the Newton Community Schools Board of Education, Jasper County Soil and Water District Commissioner, Chair of the Jasper County Economic Development Commission, service on the Des Moines River Greenbelt Commission, and membership on the Iowa Capitol Planning commission, Jasper Community Foundation, and Terrace Hill Commissions.

Senator Black has also received numerous legislative awards and recognitions. Some of these honors include a lifetime honorary membership in the Iowa Association of Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners, 1988 Outstanding Legislator Award from ABATE of Iowa, and an Award of Merit from the Iowa Chapter of the Wildlife Society of America.

Senator Black received a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management as well as a Master of Science degree in Natural Resource Economics from Utah State University.

Senator Black and his wife, Faun, have two sons, one daughter. They have three grandchildren.