Safe Environment

Real environmental change is not easy. It requires each and every citizen and business to make changes in the way we see the world and our role in protecting it.  Most of the current “sustainable” solutions are neither sustainable, not healthy for our planet. The “green” movement is not so green when it comes down to the final analysis. 

Chemicals are overloading our food, our waterways, our oceans and our land.  We must protect our most valuable resources.  Clean air, clean water, clean food, and clean energy should be the rallying cry of all Iowans.  Consumer-driven change is happening.  The question is, are enough people educated with truth to make industries pay attention?  Is there a way we can encourage more research into truly sustainable and environmentally safe options?  Are their chemicals that should be banned from use because of health and safety concerns? 

Mental Health

While funding for mental health continues to be a priority, we must also educate families and mental health care professionals on whole body/whole mind solutions.  Pharmaceutical drugs, while they can be helpful for some, can be disastrous for others.  There is no one solution, however, there are many options that must be considered including community education on nutrition, mindset, social media, meditation/prayer, parenting, and more. These can be community-led initiatives with volunteers who are passionate about helping others achieve optimum mental health. Government initiatives in these areas are often hampered by special interest and political considerations.  

Medical Reform

Meaningful medical reform is long overdue in Iowa, although we’ve tried many things.

Pharmaceutical drug prices alone have risen to an unprecedented level. Many Iowans are paying outrageous drug prices, which is in turn driving up health care costs for all.  $1,400 a month for one heart medication is outrageous. Who can afford that?  In the last 15 years, EpiPens have risen from about $100 to $350.   Many states are addressing these issues at a state level.   I believe there is even more we can do to ensure that the customer and the insurance companies get a fair price. These measures, among others, can lower our overall health care costs.   

Sensible Spending

Property tax, income tax, sales tax and gas tax are just a few of the ways Iowans are contributing to the overall State Budget.  It was an interesting exercise for me to look at the governor’s budget to see where all those tax dollars were going.  What are the responsibilities of the state and what are our personal responsibilities? Can we do things more efficiently?  Are we duplicating services or programs? Are there certain programs that need more funding?  Is the current funding being used wisely?  Is there a way we can cut taxes and still fulfill our constitutional obligations?  If we are not a tax-friendly state, might we lose residents to other states?  Might we lose businesses?  These are important questions for our state and our residents.