ISSUES
As you read, you may feel that the issues below are fairly broad. This is intentional. I have some issues that I think are important, but I also recognize that you may have other, more pressing issues in your life that you want me to speak to. I believe that you likely have solutions for many of the issues we see today, but you need someone who will listen to you. I’m listening. I want to learn from you. I encourage you to take the survey below to help me help you. As my campaign evolves, this page will also evolve.
WORKFORCE
It’s no secret that we are in the midst of a massive workforce shortage. With the pandemic came the advent of working from home and an en masse reflection of how people trade their time for money. We need to engage with frontline workers to generate creative and sustainable solutions. We need to balance living wages with national economic stability and ensure that workers are safe and respected.
I also believe we don’t have a workforce issue but rather a childcare issue. This sounds crazy, but I am living it. People literally can’t afford to work because childcare is so expensive. Full-time care for my three kids would have cost $2000 a month last summer. Do you have an extra $2000 a month just for childcare? Would you want to work just to pay for daycare? As a result, I stayed home and worked part-time freelancing. I have talked to many women staying home because childcare is so expensive. We need to find better ways to address childcare issues.
PEOPLE OVER POLITICS
As a nurse, people and their health are my priority. While there is a place for lobbyists and special interest groups in educating legislators on issues, their money should have no place or power in Iowa politics. Iowa policy should be informed by real issues Iowans are experiencing. Iowa belongs to Iowans, that is who legislators should listen to.
Healthcare
As a nurse and researcher, I am acutely aware of our dire health and healthcare situation. Did you know that your zip code will impact your health more than your genetic code, with rural areas worse off? Much of this is due to policy. This means that your life is made harder and unhealthier just because of where you live. This is not ok.
Much of District 12 is a maternity desert, meaning there aren’t enough places to deliver babies. Iowa ranks last in the number of OB/GYNs per capita, and over 30 maternity wards have closed since 2000. Iowa is also one of two states with an increasing infant mortality rate. We have a serious maternal and infant crisis on our hands and we need evidence-based solutions to fix it.
Rural hospitals are critical access points and employers in rural communities, and they need more protection.
EDUCATION
Our democracy depends on public education. Iowa was once top in the nation for education, we need to fight our way back. After spending time as a substitute teacher, I will be the first to stand in line to support and express gratitude for our educators.
Rural schools are critical access points and provide resources beyond just education. Our kids cannot learn if they are hungry or food insecure, homeless or in transient housing, and don’t feel safe.
FAMILY
As a mother of three beautiful babies and two angel babies, I understand that family building can be difficult and is deeply personal. I also know firsthand that childcare is a huge expense and can be difficult to secure. Families are the building blocks of our communities and state, and we need to ensure that we have strong and stable families.
AGRICULTURE & LAND
I come from a long line of farmers, and in one generation, there are no more dairy farmers in my family. The same is happening in Iowa. Since 1982, the number of farms raising hogs has dropped 90% and farmers are making less money per hog. That’s a massive hit for rural families and communities.
Iowa has the best soil and we feed America. But, we need to find a way to farm that protects family farms, soil, water quality, and fights eminent domain.
HUNTING
Iowa ranks at the bottom for access to public land but at the top for world-class whitetail deer hunting. Iowa also provides opportunities for waterfowl, turkey, and upland game hunting. We are also seeing a sharp decline in youth interested in hunting. As a hunter, I will work to protect what public land we have, promote land conservation, and preserve hunting for in-state residents and future generations.
