Meet Pam Jochum
Born and raised in Dubuque, Pam Jochum knows what matters to those who live and work in the area. Elected to Iowa House in 1992 and then to the Iowa Senate in 2008, she is respected for her ability to build coalitions that get things done for Dubuque and Iowa.
Senator Jochum is ranking member on the Ways & Means Committee and on the Administrative Rules Review Committee. She also serves on the Ethics, Human Resources, State Government and Rules & Administration committees.
Senator Jochum’s priorities include health care, education, tax policies and oversight of the Governor’s rule-making authority. She works hard to ensure the balance of power between the Legislative and Executive branches of government.
Among her many accomplishments, Senator Jochum has played a leading role in expanding affordable health insurance coverage to thousands of working Iowans and has stood up for citizens with disabilities to protect their health services when the Governor privatized Iowa’s Medicaid system. Her support for and commitment to education has been unwavering. She has worked to expand early childhood education and ensure affordable higher education, whether at a state university, a private college or a community college. Her influence is evident throughout Iowa law—from historic reforms in Iowa’s commercial property taxes and revitalizing manufacturing to nationally acclaimed legislation in ethanol production, wind energy, solar energy and flood mitigation programs. Furthermore, through Pam’s persistent work for more than five years, our state now has the Iowa Public Information Board to ensure government transparency and access to public information and records.
Pam learned the value of a hard-day’s work from her parents. She graduated at the top of her class at Wahlert High School and Loras College. She worked as an administrator at Loras College, and also worked at an insurance agency, Legal Aid, and a financial services company before running for public office.
Pam believes creating an economy that works for all Iowans is vital to Iowa’s future. That means living wage jobs, top-notch education, quality child care, affordable health care,a tax system in which all pay their fair share, and a fiscally responsible budget that meets the needs of citizens. She also understands the role that our environment plays in the health and economic success of our state and nation.
Because of her strong advocacy and efforts to improve the lives of Iowans, Senator Jochum has received honors from the League of Cities, Firefighters Association, child advocacy organizations, Freedom of Information Council, physical therapists, physician assistants, Iowa Hospital Association, Iowa Caregivers, Iowa Health Care Association, League of Women Voters, the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, labor unions, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and many more.