Year in Review: Iowa Statehouse in midst of sexual harassment concerns

*This storyline was voted as one of the top storylines of 2017 by Gazette staff. Other top storylines include the debate over the defunding of Planned Parenthood, flood repairs and efforts, and the new Cedar Rapids mayor.

Iowa's Statehouse is not exempt from the national reckoning over sexual harassment in the workplace and in the halls of power.

Taxpayers found themselves in 2017 on the hook for nearly $2 million - and chagrined by the findings of an internal review - over Capitol misconduct.

In May 2013, then-GOP Senate caucus communications director Kirsten Anderson was fired hours after reporting her concerns about sexual harassment and what she considered a toxic work environment.

In July, a Polk County District Court jury awarded her $2.2 million. The state later agreed to drop an appeal of that verdict and settle with Anderson and her attorneys for $1.75 million.

At trial, GOP Senate staffers testified to ongoing sexual harassment, prompting an internal investigation. A report released in late November details at least seven incidents of sexually suggestive or offensive comments, but found no physical harassment.

Investigators said 'it does not appear that any provable incidents of sexual harassment” had occurred in the Senate.

Gov. Kim Reynolds said in December she believes the report indicates a need for better training for senators, staff and clerks.

But Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix, R-Shell Rock, backtracked from an initial plan to work with the Iowa House to bring in a human resources officer. Instead, he announced he'd bring in an unpaid adviser - Mary Kramer, a former state senator and human resources professional.

Appearing on ”Iowa Press,” Kramer said she'd recommend the House and Senate pass resolutions outlining goals for civility, respect and professionalism and enact a new policy on filing and investigating complaints.

Now, the House and Senate are interviewing candidates for a new human resources director to work at the Capitol.