State Rep. Dick Taylor (D-Cedar Rapids) announced his resignation from Iowa House District 33, effective immediately.

"It has been a great honor to serve the people of House District 33 and Cedar Rapids," Taylor said. "From raising the minimum wage to expanded preschool to health care for every Iowa child, I'm proud of my service in the House helping middle class families. However, after nine years in the House, it's time for me to focus full-time on my family."

Taylor was elected to the House in a special election in 2000. He and his wife, Jan, have lived in Cedar Rapids for 49 years and have been married for 54 years. Taylor served in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Menard off the coast of Korea during the Korean War. He has been instrumental in getting low-income veterans out of substandard housing and into the Veterans Home in Marshalltown and distributing food boxes to needy veterans. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.

He has been a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers since 1951. He served on the executive board of the Hawkeye Labor Council for 12 years, and has been active in local Democratic politics for many years, serving as precinct committee person for 10 years. He is a member of the Methodist Church and has also been a Mason for 55 years.

After receiving Taylor's official letter of resignation, Gov. Chet Culver will have five days to set a special election. Members of the Central Committee from the 11 Cedar Rapids precincts impacted (precincts 1 through 11), will choose a Democratic nominee for the special election at an upcoming special nominating convention.

As more information is known, and as dates are scheduled, they will be announced here.