Friend,

I continue to hear from working families, employers, and community organizations about the need to improve affordable child care options across our communities.

This is a challenge that disproportionately impacts rural areas. I’ve visited child care centers with wait lists of over 100 kids – the next option may be 30 or 40 miles away, so families are having to budget in the cost of gas on top of child care expenses.

Parents should not be forced to choose between working and taking care of their children, but that is the stressful and impossible decision that many are having to make right now. I’m working on solutions. This week, I introduced legislation to reauthorize and modernize the bipartisan Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program. Our legislation will ensure more families can benefit from CCDBG funding, help build the child care workforce, remove burdensome regulations, and support home-based and family child care networks in rural areas.

This is a commonsense approach to improve affordable child care access and allow parents to choose the provider that best fits their family’s needs. I’ll continue hearing from our providers, working families, and local employers as I work to improve child care access and ensure Iowa remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. 

Best,

I am excited to announce rural health care grants that will expand access to care in Clayton, Mitchell, Poweshiek, and Delaware Counties. These funds will help improve care for those in rural areas and expand access to critical services, including women's and mental health services. As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to be a fierce advocate to bring investments back to Iowa and to support the needs of our rural communities.

I have heard from parents and health care providers about the rise in respiratory illnesses, including RSV, among children. With a rise in RSV cases, the CDC recommends that you take the following precautions to keep yourself and loved ones healthy: wash your hands, stay home if you're sick, avoid contact with those who are sick, and clean high-use surfaces often. Make sure you contact your doctor with any questions. I'm praying for a safe and healthy holiday season for all Iowa families, and will continue to monitor this situation.

I enjoyed meetings with Members of the Meskwaki Nation this week! We discussed ongoing disaster relief projects, improving access to tribal health care services, and strengthening resources for tribal justice.

I'm excited to announce that my Washington, DC, office is now accepting applications for spring internships. Click below for more information:

My team attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Catherine McAuley Center in Cedar Rapids. They do amazing work serving immigrants, refugees, and women in crisis.

Grand River Medical Group opened their new clinic in Dubuque! Great to see this expansion in the community.

The Restoration Project, a leadership and business coaching organization, moved into their new space in Cedar Rapids -- my team attended their ribbon cutting ceremony!

📰 Manchester Press: RMC receives federal grant

📰 Independence Bulletin Journal: Hinson Continues Push to Pass Social Security Fairness Act to Restore Benefits for Iowa Public Servants