Boosting Iowa’s Middle Class

The foundation of our economy is rooted in the strength of the middle class. The last decade has been especially tough for the middle class, with stagnant wages and the loss of many good family-sustaining jobs. Over the last 30 years, wages have failed to keep up with rising costs and inflation, adding to the economic struggles of many middle class families. Raising the minimum wage in Iowa will not only give thousands of Iowa families an overdue boost but will inject new local money into Iowa’s economy. And, since 58% of minimum wage workers are women, it would also take us another step forward in guaranteeing that women earn equal pay for equal work.

We need to improve our Iowa economy, create new family-sustaining jobs, lower student debt, and make sure that our young adults and graduates aren’t forced to leave Iowa in order to find the good paying jobs.

Another key to strengthening the middle class is making available affordable, quality child care. Approximately eleven percent (11%) of a family’s annual income is spent on childcare costs, often over $9,000 a year. Currently, 42,300 Iowa children from low-income families would qualify for child care assistance. With the increase of two-parent working families in Iowa, we must expand childcare assistance and make sure that a lack of child care isn’t a barrier for parents who want to gain new skills or land a job with better wages and benefits.

Other initiatives to help ensure that Iowa’s middle class can thrive include: targeted state incentives to encourage investment in small businesses; assistance for start-ups and entrepreneurs; giving Iowa companies first crack at state contracts that create jobs here in Iowa; providing tax incentives so more young Iowans can save money for a down payment on their first home; cracking down on corporations that fail to pay workers; and protecting small businesses from unfair competition.

Upcoming Local Events

Water Management Forum this Saturday at Indian Creek Nature Center

League of Women Voters’ forum on water management Saturday, September 13, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Road SE, in Cedar Rapids. This is a good opportunity to hear from local experts about how we can work together to manage our water to reduce flood damage and provide clean water.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Saturday, September 27

Annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, September 27, starting at Greene Square Park in downtown Cedar Rapids. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with a program at 9:30 a.m. The two-mile walk begins at 10 a.m. You can register online or find more information at http://act.alz.org.

Mental Illness Awareness Program, Monday, October 6

A presentation by author and Parkersburg resident Joan Becker, the mother of Mark Becker, for NAMI-Linn County’s mental illness awareness week, on Monday, October 6, at 6 p.m. in Whipple Auditorium in the Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 5th Avenue SE, in downtown Cedar Rapids. Refreshments will be provided at 5:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Aging and Disability Issues Forum, Thursday, October 9

Heritage Area Agency on Aging forum on aging and disability issues is Thursday, October 9, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Kirkwood Training and Outreach Center, 3375 Armar Drive, in Marion.

Peaceful march, service and candlelight vigil in solidarity against gun violence and injustice at Redmond Park, Cedar Rapids. Speakers included: organizer, Danielle Holliday; local NAACP President, Dedric Doolin; and Rev Ed Young of Living Waters Kingdom Church. This event included poster-making, poetry performances, singing, and praying. Great community dialog and renewed commitments to reducing violence, crime and its root causes: mistrust, disrespect, frustration, lack of education, poverty, unemployment, prejudices, illegal weapons and drugs. Obviously, the Cedar Rapids community is growing stronger and more resolute. Thank you to all who participated!



I was thrilled to attend the Grand Opening of GiGi’s Playhouse Cedar Rapids. This Down Syndrome Achievement Center provides resources and networks beginning with the pre-natal diagnosis, and continues through adult programs. There was a long line of families waiting to get inside and see the amazing space. Gigi’s offers therapeutic and educational programs for the entire family – all free. These programs include: core therapeutic programs, peer mentoring, social interactions, speech and occupational therapy, literacy and math tutoring, “sight word” books, confidence building, creativity and self expression, fine motor and sensory awareness. All the programs are led by volunteers and funded by the generosity of donors. Congratulations to those who had a role in making this happen! Gigi’s Playhouse is a tremendous asset for our community, individuals with Down syndrome and their families.



The 2014 Women’s Equality Day Dinner Celebration at KTOS honored two Linn County women who have worked to achieve equality for area women and girls. This years’ recipients chosen by the Women’s Equality Coalition of Linn County are: LaSheila Yates and Sgt. Cristy Hamblin. These women are strong leaders and visionaries in our community – this was a wonderful way to show appreciation for their many contributions to our community. Join me in celebrating their successes!

At the LGBTQIA Community Summit at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, where the focus was on Fair Housing. Emcee, Anthony Brown is doing an exemplary job hosting the panel discussions. Keynote Speaker is Ashland Johnson, Esq. Policy Counsel for the National Center for Lesbian Rights. The event was sponsored by Marion/ Cedar Rapids Civil Rights and PFLAG. Good to see a mix of elected officials, civic leaders and the community in the audience.

Sven Leff, Director of CR Parks and Recreation, presented the city’s drawing and estimated costs for a shelter in the park during the Kenwood Park Neighborhood Association meeting. The Assc. moved to begin a capital campaign to raise the necessary matching funds. This is a 10+ year dream for the neighborhood that just leapt from possible to probable.



Many Linn County elected officials and candidates helped serve union members at a picnic lunch sponsored by the Hawkeye Labor Council. Along with one of the biggest crowds ever, we celebrated the social and economic achievements of workers. Thank a union member for Labor Day!

Grand Opening of Linn County’s Resource Recovery Building

You’d be amazed at the wide array of materials you can deposit for recycling: paper, plastic, cans, bottles, batteries, old shoes & clothing, needles, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil, antifreeze, paints, cleaners, garden products and electronics from vacuum cleaners to televisions. All of these things can be dropped off for FREE! They recycle just about everything there’s a market for. However, there’s no viable market yet for Styrofoam and some polymers . These products continue to end up in landfills.

Heat and electricity for the new building is generated from the landfill’s gas-to-energy system. A new generator burns methane gas coming from the landfill and converts it into electricity and heat, producing enough electricity to power about 1,300 Linn County homes.

The Agency’s Director, Karmin McShane, pointed out all the environmental, award-winning features of the state’s largest solid waste recovery center.

More information – and scheduling tours – here: https://www.solidwasteagency.org/

Another successful Stand Down for our homeless and near-homeless veterans. More than 150 enjoyed meals, haircuts, classes and the resources from more than 70 vendors. Thank you to the sponsors and the 75+ volunteers at the event!

A 73 year-old Marine vet was at my wife’s garage sale. He said there were no mental health services available to him after the Vietnam War…some of his friends slept under bridges in an effort to escape people and war memories.

It was important in the ’60s and ‘ 70s, and just as important now to provide the help and services our veterans need and deserve!

The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art completed its construction and renovation projects, and held a free public Transformation Celebration. Mayor Ron Corbett, Executive Director Sean Ulmer and former Museum Director Terry Pitts joined in the ribbon cutting. Great to see the new face of the museum!

Susan and I reached our summer door-knocking goals and met many new constituents in House District 66. Now, Cedar Rapids teachers are back to school where I am getting to know many new students. Although my weekdays are spent in the classroom, please continue to send me your legislative ideas and suggestions, and I’ll respond during the evenings and weekends. With the 86th Legislative Session just four months away, I want to know what your priorities are for the Iowa Statehouse!