Senator Bill Dotzler represents Iowa Senate District 31, which includes most of the city of Waterloo. Born William Anthony Dotzler Jr. on May 7, 1948, in St. Paul, Minnesota, he resides in Waterloo and is retired from John Deere Waterloo Works as a machine operator and labor representative. He previously worked for Area 7 Job Training Administration. Dotzler served in the U.S. Army Security Agency from 1969-1972, earning an Honor Graduate designation, Top Secret Cryptographic Security Clearance, and completing a tour in Berlin, Germany. Notable achievements include serving as Senate Democratic Whip, assistant majority leader previously, chair of the Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee, and Ranking Member on Veterans Affairs. He holds positions on boards such as the Iowa Workforce Development Board, Iowa Innovation Council, Small Business Development Council, and Governor’s Future Ready Iowa Task Force. Community roles include past chair of the Waterloo Nursing Association Board, past president of Friends of Hartman Reserve Nature Center, and charter president of Cedar Trails Partnership. Awards include the Governor’s Lifesaving Award and Volunteer Service Award. He has one daughter and one grandchild.

Education and Political Experience

Education: Graduated from Cedar Falls High School ; A.A. from North Iowa Area Community College ; B.A. in Biology from University of Northern Iowa .

Political Experience: Served three terms in the Iowa House of Representatives ; elected to Iowa Senate District 31 in 2003, currently in his sixth term . Current committees include Appropriations, Natural Resources, Veterans Affairs , Ways & Means, Workforce, and Economic Development budget; also International Relations, Agriculture, and Technology per various assignments.