About Senator Black

In 2006 State Senator Dennis Black was elected to his fourth 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 chair of the Environment & Energy Independence Committee and vice-chair of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Budget Subcommittee. He also serves on the Agriculture, Natural Resources, Veterans Affairs, and State Government committees.

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 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 2005, 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 Commission, Des Moines River Greenbelt Commission, the Iowa Capitol Planning Commission, Jasper Community Foundation, and Terrace Hill Commission. He has also chaired the Jasper County Economic Development Commission.

Senator Black has received numerous legislative awards and recognitions, including a lifetime honorary membership in the Iowa Association of Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners, an Outstanding Legislator Award from ABATE of Iowa, an Award of Merit from the Iowa Chapter of the Wildlife Society of America, and was selected by the National Rifle Association for their prestigious Defender of Freedom Award.

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

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