Our Agenda: Focused on Affordability
The biggest issue on our minds, on the minds of ALL Iowans, is affordability.
From groceries and housing, to childcare and healthcare, rising costs are straining Iowans’ monthly budgets.
In 2026, every policy decision in front of the Legislature should be made with Iowa’s working families and tightening budgets in mind.
Healthcare: Expanding Access and Lowering Costs
Background
Limited access to reliable care and worsening healthcare gaps are overlapping problems spreading throughout Iowa. Our proposals can begin to address the high cost of prescription drugs, ensure more Iowans can access affordable coverage and preventative care, and solidify healthcare rights for future generations.
Legislative Package
- SF 2047 would cap the cost of insulin at $25 per month so because Iowans shouldn’t go broke trying to pay for the medication they need.
- SF 2048 would expand coverage for lung cancer screenings because in our highly cancer-affected state, we know that early detection is absolutely critical.
- With SF 339, more moms and babies would gain access to the healthcare coverage they need.
- Under SF 2226, no insurance company would be able to utilize A.I. to deny Iowans their health insurance claims.
Household Costs: Housing and Utilities Iowans Can Afford
Background
All Iowans deserve housing they can afford. We need combined efforts to reinvigorate and rehabilitate our existing housing supply, create increased opportunities for new builds, rid ourselves of predatory, out-of-state private equity firms gobbling up supply and hiking costs, and explore ways to lower residential utility costs for working families.
Legislative Package
- SF 2106 would prevent the types of volatile price changes that threaten Iowans’ housing by stopping rental price fixing.
- SF 2225 would provide tenant protections for Iowans in manufactured housing.
- Under SF 414, we could crack down on the predatory practices that jack up home prices for Iowa families.
- We can put home ownership in the reach of more Iowans by easing the entry point through SF 505.
- Iowans face soaring utility prices, often through no fault of their own. SF 2249 would ensure high-usage commercial properties like data centers aren’t passing along higher energy costs to homeowners.
Childcare: Accessible, Affordable, Reliable
Background
Ensuring Iowans have access to affordable, reliable childcare options is a critical factor in growing and developing Iowa’s workforce and providing ease of mind for working parents around the state.
Legislative Package
- By doubling investment in the state’s Child Care Solutions Fund (SF 434), we can support the growth and success of local childcare programs around the state.
- Childcare is expensive. For some, the cost is comparable to a second housing payment each month. We propose expanding eligibility for state assistance, so more Iowans can afford childcare without breaking the bank (SF 353).
- As Iowans’ families grow, we need to ensure parents can maintain childcare access without worry. (SF 352)
Economic Security for Iowa’s Workers
Background
The majority party has spent too much time prioritizing the privilege of the few over the needs of the many. Working families need real solutions to the issues they face every day.
Legislative Package
- We can help Iowans keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets by protecting workers from employer wage theft with SF 2046.
- Emergencies happen. Iowans need to be able to take care of their families without worrying about their employment, regardless of where they work. That’s why we want to provide paid, job-protected family leave for both public and private employees with SF 2239.
- No Iowan should have to worry about covering the rent with wages that haven’t been adjusted in nearly 20 years. We propose raising Iowa’s minimum wage (SF 2045).
- Unemployment insurance is a promise to Iowa workers. Cutting those benefits was a mistake. It’s time to restore unemployment benefits to 26 weeks (SF 157) and 39 weeks for plant closings (SF 358).
- We will never stop fighting to restore collective bargaining rights for public sector employees (SF 263).