Supporting Families Is Essential to a Strong Iowa
Families are the foundation of our communities, yet too many parents are being forced to make impossible choices between work, caregiving, and rising costs. In Iowa, access to affordable, reliable childcare has become one of the biggest barriers to family stability and economic opportunity.
Childcare is not a luxury. It is essential infrastructure that allows parents to work, businesses to grow, and children to get a strong start in life. Being able to attend Head Start as a child both sparked an early love of learning in me, and gave my family the stability we needed to get ahead.
Equally, more and more Iowans are taking on caregiving roles for adult family members. Whether it is caring for an aging parent, a disabled spouse, or a loved one recovering from illness, these caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system. Most are unpaid. Family caregiving should never mean financial hardship, burnout, or being forced out of the workforce.
When families have the support they need, entire communities benefit.
What I'll Fight For
In the Iowa House, I will work to:
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Expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare through state investment
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Guarantee paid family and medical leave that includes caregiving for adult family members, allowing Iowans to care for aging parents, disabled spouses, or loved ones recovering from illness without risking their jobs or financial stability
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Invest in early childhood development, recognizing that early support leads to better long-term outcomes
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Provide tax credits for the real costs of providing in-home care to seniors and disabled family members, so caregivers are not forced to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for a loved one
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Coordinate childcare policy with workforce and education efforts, so families and employers can plan for the future
Supporting families is one of the smartest investments we can make. When parents can work, children can thrive, and communities can grow stronger.
