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Friends, 

This is an exciting week for Iowa's working families — because payments from the expanded and improved Child Tax Credit will begin to reach folks starting today, July 15th!

Four out of five children in Iowa, including over 173,000 living in the central and southwest counties that I represent here in Iowa, will benefit from this direct payment that I fought to include in the American Rescue Plan when it passed earlier this year.

Last week, Iowa parents joined me to highlight the benefits of this new monthly Child Tax Credit at Grace Preschool in Des Moines.

Over 85% of families in our district will get monthly payments of up to $250 per child ages 6 to 17 and $300 per child under the age of 6 to help cover the costs of raising their kids. The full credit will go to families making up to $150,000 a year if filing as a couple or $112,500 for a family with a single parent (also called Head of Household).

You can find more details, including how to receive this benefit if you don't normally file your taxes, at childtaxcredit.gov.

Fighting for More Affordable Housing

Owning a home is the foundation of a solid middle class life here in Iowa, but the lack of affordable housing options and rising housing costs are keeping too many young families and others from achieving this cornerstone part of the American Dream.

As Vice Chair of the Housing Subcommittee within the House Financial Services Committee, I know how important affordable housing is to the success and prosperity of Iowa - and recently I've been working on two pieces of legislation that will help expand affordable housing options in our state.

The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, which I backed earlier this month, is aimed at places where the cost of building or renovating may be larger than what a home could actually sell for. This legislation would provide tax credits to help cover those costs to help put more affordable homes on the market.

This bill would provide over $200 million in tax credits to Iowa and is projected to create over 650,000 jobs.

I also recently reintroduced bipartisan legislation that aims to expand federal affordable housing programs for folks who choose to become volunteer firefighters or first responders.

Over 90% of our firefighters in Iowa are volunteer — and if they're putting their lives on the line to protect our community, the least we can do is offer them access to existing programs that could help them get a home for their family.

Click here to learn more about the Volunteer First Responder Housing Act.

Summer in Iowa Means Lots of Town Halls!

At Outside Scoop in Ankeny last week, I answered questions on topics ranging from health care and economic recovery to immigration and foreign affairs 

Over the past few months, I've hosted town halls all across southwest and central Iowa — including Greenfield, Corning, and Ankeny.

At each one, I've had the chance to hear from Iowans like yourself what is keeping you up at night, what your families are discussing at your kitchen table, and what concerns you have about the future of your communities.

Hearing your perspective is critical to representing you in Washington, which is why these 'Connect with your Congresswoman' town halls are so important to me.

I heard some great stories and answered some important questions in Greenfield earlier this summer.

If you haven't been able to make one, I hope to be in your area soon to host an event - and in the meantime please send me a note with any concerns you may have by clicking here.

I also have a town hall coming up this Friday in Altoona - hope you can make it!

Hope you're enjoying these beautiful summer days.

Be well,

Cindy