Issues | Iowa Senate Democrats

Ragan: Continue oversight until Medicaid problems are truly fixed

8 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Health care, Issues, News releases, Official

That’s why intensive, on-going oversight of privatized Medicaid is absolutely essential. That oversight must continue until these serious, recorded, persistent problems are fixed. Iowans depend on us to ask tough questions, to insist on straight answers, and to make sure the State of Iowa’s efforts result in the most positive health care programs and outcomes possible.

TODAY: Legislature’s Medicaid Oversight Committee

8 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Health care, Issues, News releases, Official

The Iowa Legislature’s Health Policy Oversight Committee will meet for their final meeting before the start of the 2017 session. LIVESTREAM: This meeting will be livestreamed at the Iowa Senate Democrats’ Facebook page, www.facebook.com/IowaSenateDemocrats/. You do not need to be a Facebook user to watch the video of the meeting.

First change by Senate Republicans guts oversight of economic development

8 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Issues, Jobs & Economy, News releases, Official

The first decision by the new Republican majority in the Iowa Senate was to eliminate the Senate Economic Growth Committee. The committee oversees hundreds of millions of dollars in state economic development efforts by multiple state agencies. The Senate Republicans’ decision runs counter to that of the Republican-controlled Iowa House, which today announced that the House Economic Growth Committee will continue.

Stopping the epidemic of overdose deaths

8 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Health care, Issues, Official, Safer communities

Twenty-three Iowans died from prescription opioid overdoses in 2015, according to the Department of Public Health. A report from the Trust for America’s Health tells us that prescription drug and heroin overdose deaths are climbing in Iowa, just as they are nationwide. In fact, the number of Iowa drug deaths—a ...

Protections for victims of domestic violence

8 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Issues, Official, Safer communities

This year, Iowa started a “Safe at Home” program for victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, stalking and human trafficking. Dozens of Iowans are now participating in this address confidentiality program administered by the Secretary of State’s office. The office gets a U.S. Post Office box for a victim who ...

We all can help fight human trafficking

8 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Issues, Official, Safer communities

It’s hard to fathom that human trafficking happens at all, much less that it is a growing problem here in the heartland. Human trafficking is the buying and selling of people, who are often forced into sex work or other forms of slavery. Iowa’s interstate highways are prime routes for ...

Iowa is tough & smart on crime

8 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Issues, Official, Safer communities

Citizens deserve to live free from worry of undue risks and danger. That’s why improving public safety is such an important job for the Legislature. We must be tough on crime and smart on crime, making the best possible choices with limited resources. There are some excellent ways to reduce ...

Voting tools for Iowans with disabilities

8 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Issues, Official, Quality of life

Voting at the polls can present unique challenges to Iowans with disabilities, including military veterans. Iowa is one of the nation’s leaders in voting accessibility. We want to make sure all Iowans are fully able to exercise their right to vote. If you or someone you know needs special assistance ...

Expanding skilled workforce is key to growth

8 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Education, Issues, Jobs & Economy, Official

Iowa’s shortage of skilled workers has been our biggest obstacle to economic growth. Investing in education and job training can change that. Good education and worker training lead to better-paying, high-quality jobs, and a skilled, well-educated workforce in turn draws good businesses to Iowa. While Iowa has the highest high ...

Boosting Iowans’ income & employment

8 years ago by ContentAdmin · Blog, Issues, Jobs & Economy, Official, Working families

The Iowa economy is steadily moving in the right direction, and I’m working to ensure that continues. Iowans deserve good jobs and fair pay that reward their hard work. It’s also good news that we are making strides toward decreasing economic inequality. When median income outpaces economic growth, we know ...

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