Frequently Asked Questions

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Improving water quality in Northeast Iowa is a priority for me. This session, I introduced legislation to expand the use of buffer strips to reduce runoff and protect our soil and waterways. While the bill did not advance out of subcommittee, it received strong support from groups and folks across the state. 

I also introduced a bill to expand the state’s static well monitoring network by allowing the Iowa Geological Survey to partner with private well owners, improving groundwater data across the state to ensure we have adequate water supplies for generations from now. As someone who values Iowa agriculture, I believe conservation practices like these help protect our natural resources while keeping our farms strong for future generations.

I think Iowa needs to do whatever it can to be as energy diverse as possible. This includes wind and solar, gas, coal, and nuclear. I was disappointed to see Iowa's only nuclear power plant shut down (they are working on reopening it), as well as the coal power plant in Lansing.

We need to ensure Iowa stays energy diverse in order to keep our grid stable and our energy costs down. 

I am a big supporter of private property rights and would not support taking someone's land to benefit a private company. For the second year in a row, I was proud to stand with my brothers and sisters in the Iowa House to protect these rights. Rest assured, I will continue to advocate for property rights.

The right of the people to keep and bear arms SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED (period)! I was 19 when I swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, both foreign and domestic! I took this oath 21 years ago, an oath I still hold dear. Just like last year, I was proud to vote for/sponsor/co-sponsor 2a legislation this session and look forward to continuing this in the years to come.

Before I got married and had kids, I never really understood this issue. Once we had our first child, almost 17 years ago, I immediately understood. 

I could never imagine a world in which my children did not exist. I believe that life begins at conception, and abortion based on convenience is murder. There are very few exceptions when I believe abortions should be allowed (to save the life of the mother, if the baby isn't viable, etc.). The Safe Haven Act allows parents to give up their infant up to 90 days after they are born. Adoption agencies can charge between $30,000-$40,000. I will continue to advocate to make adoption for affordable adoption in Iowa.

Pediatric Cancer Research. 

I was shocked to learn that the state of Iowa receives $700 million a year from the federal government for adult cancer research, treatment, etc., but only $355,000 for pediatric cancer research. I introduced a bill that would appropraite $1 per Iowan up to $3 million a year for pediatric cancer research. I will continue to advocate for this for as long as it takes to get it done. 

Mental health. I have spoken with many law enforcement professionals across our district, and many of them say the same thing. We need to do more for mental health access in Iowa. I will work with law enforcement and mental health professionals to come up with solutions.