From the Desk of Senator Dotzler
Addressing Iowa’s Childcare Crisis
I read a recent analysis of one of the Trump Administration’s proposed budget freezes for many federal programs that provide critical assistance to Iowa families. The analysis focused on key programs related to health care, childcare, food assistance and nutrition, education, housing, and energy bill assistance. Although his freeze of funding these programs was rescinded shortly after due to public outcry, the programs were thrown into chaos. It is clear, federal support will face further scrutiny, thereby putting more pressure on Iowa to make up the existing critical shortfall in childcare availability in Iowa.
This week, in an effort to tackle this ongoing crisis that affects Iowa’s children, families, and workers alike, my colleagues and I are turning our attention toward one of Iowa’s most persistent issues: childcare.
In order to tackle Iowa’s childcare crisis, Senate Democrats are introducing a legislative package to address two critical elements of the childcare equation: lowering costs and expanding accessibility.
I have signed on to co-sponsor legislation designed to help Iowans afford childcare by expanding eligibility for state assistance to thousands of working families who do not currently qualify. Raising income eligibility from 160% of the Federal Poverty Level to 200% (and up to 240% for families requiring special needs care) will help more Iowa families access childcare and lower families’ monthly costs.
Childcare is one of the single-largest expenses in the monthly budget for any growing family. Full-time care for an infant, for example, can rival annual in-state tuition at one of our Regents universities. A lack of robust childcare options represents a significant barrier for parents looking to re-enter the workforce and for Iowa businesses hoping to recruit and retain the state’s top talent.
At present, there is a roughly 50,000-slot gap between Iowa’s available supply of childcare options and its current demand. And, according to data from the Center for American Progress, nearly a quarter of Iowans live in a childcare desert. For rural families, that number expands to 35%.
Simply put, there are not enough affordable and accessible childcare options in the state to adequately serve Iowa’s families.
Another step in expanding eligibility and accessibility involves guaranteeing state childcare assistance as families grow. To that end, I am supporting the following two proposals:
- The first ensures that children under 18 who have a child of their own are automatically qualified to receive state childcare assistance, instead of having to rely on their parents’ income to qualify. (SF122)
- The second allows siblings to automatically qualify, ensuring parents can continue to access childcare assistance while their family grows.
Finally, in order to address Iowa’s ongoing struggle to grow and maintain childcare capacity, I am supporting a proposal designed to raise wages for childcare workers, allowing childcare centers to maintain staffing levels, improve affordability, and expand capacity. The proposal would double investment in the state’s current Child Care Solutions Fund pilot program. For every private dollar raised from the community, the state will provide two matching dollars. Investing in our childcare workforce is critical to expanding our capacity for care and lowering costs for Iowa families.
Childcare isn’t a partisan issue. It affects folks of every demographic and ideology. Together, we can create a better deal for Iowans, provide greater economic security for Iowa families, and reduce the structural barriers for Iowa’s workers all at the same time by finally adequately addressing Iowa’s childcare crisis.
Quick Updates
- Robert Mannheimer Youth Advocacy Award Winners: Congratulations to Danika Jacobsen and Ivy Wishman who won the ACLU of Iowa’s Youth Advocacy Award! I imagine we’ll see some extraordinary young people advocating for their rights this year. If you spot them, be sure to nominate them.
- Looking to turn your overwhelm into action? Get involved with Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice. Sign up for the newsletter, login to their First Friday updates, and, volunteer for event support – intake, hospitality, even childcare.
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Wild-harvested Mushroom Certification Class will return this spring, offering mushroom hunters a valuable opportunity to sharpen their identification skills, learn more about their favorite mushrooms, and connect with other hunters. The class is for those hoping to sell wild-harvested mushrooms, as sellers are legally required to complete a certification workshop to sell eight different varieties of wild-harvested mushrooms. Mandatory in-person workshops will be held March 15, March 29 and April 12, and registration is $60. Visit the Wild-harvested Mushrooms Certification website to register.
- The 2025 Tri-State Forest Stewardship Conference will be held March 1 at the Grand River Center in Dubuque, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event is co-led by Iowa State University, University of Illinois, and University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Services. The conference is designed specifically for forest landowners in the Midwest, but forestry professionals, consultants, volunteers, Master Naturalists, and students are all encouraged to attend. To register, visit the website or call University of Illinois Extension at 815-858-2273.
This Week in the Capitol
I met with Vicki Mueller, Executive Director for Pathways Behavioral Services in Waterloo. She spoke to me about the critical need for increased behavioral services.
Thursday was Pharmacist Day at the Capitol, I met with several pharmacists and talked about issues facing the industry. On my left is Wes Pilkington, owner of Evansdale Pharmacy, and Bob Greenwood, owner of Greenwood Pharmacy.
I visited with the Brian Hunemuller family from Waverly, Iowa. We talked about Dyslexia and how it affects families.
Dyslexia Day at the Capitol. Many children and adults were here to discuss the impact of dyslexia on their families. I have struggled with dyslexia as long as I can remember.
I met with Iowa Speedway President Eric Peterson who shared with me some amazing news concerning the viewership on the NASCAR inaugural Cup Race. The race had more people watching than watched the Daytona 500! The track as also generated $I00 million in revenue to the State. I couldn’t be more pleased as I managed the original creation bill though the legislature.