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Friends, 

I've been working hard to ensure Iowans receive the help they need - whether that be from the Social Security Administration, from health care workers or from child care providers. I know how hectic life is and how busy we all are. No one wants to be sitting on the phone for hours trying to get answers, worrying about how they can afford child care, or wondering about whether their aging or ill relatives are getting the care they deserve.

In the past few weeks, I've introduced and co-sponsored bills that will tackle these problems — keep reading to learn more!

Fixing the Social Security Hotline for older Iowans

When Iowans have questions for the Social Security Administration, they can call a 1-800 hotline number — which is the best option right now with local Social Security offices still closed because of COVID-19.

I've heard from more than 200 Iowans who have had difficulties getting through to a human who can answer their questions.

That's why I introduced the Meeting Our Seniors' Social Security Needs Act this week. The legislation would ensure that the hotline is adequately staffed between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. 

Folks shouldn't have to wait for hours on the phone just to get their questions answered, especially when this is the most basic service the SSA provides. This legislation will not cost taxpayers a dime, and is a commonsense solution for a problem hundreds of Iowans have faced.

The Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans and the Iowa Association of Area Agencies on Aging joined me on Wednesday to introduce this commonsense bill.

National Taxpayers Union Calls My Child Care Affordability Legislation a "No Brainer" 

The National Taxpayers Union (NTU) called my Improving Child Care for Working Families Act a "No-Brainer." NTU chooses ten pieces of bipartisan and commonsense legislation to be added to a "No-Brainer" list each year.

My legislation that I introduced with Iowa Senator Joni Ernst in March would expand Iowa families' ability to pay for child care expenses by permanently increasing the cap on how much families can place in dependent care assistance plans (DCAPs) to $10,500.

The current contribution limit, set at $5,000, has not changed since the program was created in 1986. Child care costs have risen exponentially in recent years, and the average cost of infant care in Iowa is $865 per month, or just over $10,000 per year. 

The cost of child care is higher than the average rent in Iowa, so it is past time to make this commonsense change. 

Training the Next Generation of Health Care Workers

This week, I co-sponsored bipartisan legislation that would expand health career skills training programs and address shortages of health care workers in Iowa. The Pathways to Health Careers Act would expand and improve the Health Professionals Opportunity Grants Program (HPOG), which provides career pathways and addresses workforce shortages in high-skilled fields like nursing.

During the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen how critical it is to have trusted, trained health care professionals caring for those in need. We need to redouble our work to connect Iowans with the skills and support they need to land a good-paying job and a career in the health care field. 

Protection from Cybersecurity Threats 

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is warning that our region is experiencing a significant number of ransomware attacks that are impacting several Critical Infrastructure Sectors. CISA offers a number of resources that explain what ransomware is, how to avoid it, and what to do if a business or school is targeted by a ransomware attack. 

CISA recommends turning on multi-factor authentication on electronic devices, updating software, clicking only on trusted links and using strong passwords to avoid ransomware attacks. CISA has provided a series of videos that are available for free and explain how to keep safe from ransomware, phishing, and disinformation. 

Medicare Open Enrollment Ends December 7th

Medicare's Open Enrollment period is open thorough December 7th, 2021. The open enrollment period gives those who rely on Medicare the opportunity to make changes to their health plans and prescription drug plans, pick a Medicare Advantage Plan, or return to Original Medicare. 

People with Medicare can get information and assistance by visiting Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, or by accessing personalized counseling available from Iowa's State Health Insurance Information Program. 

My team is also always available to help anyone in need of assistance and my contact information is available on my website. 

Be well, 

Cindy