Opinion

Skyrocketing Cost of Backfilling Local TIFs with State Dollars

     The House Appropriations Committee is beginning to look at a subject not easily understood and rarely discussed in the Iowa Capitol – the cost of the Tax Increment Financing program to the state budget.

     I began working on several plans earlier this year to provide Iowans with access to healthcare. One was to create health benefit plans for carriers to sell coverage that does not have to meet the ACA requirements since it does not fall into the category of insurance.

     The second direction is an option to allow small businesses and sole proprietors to join forces and work together to create a Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) – a group health insurance plan – rather than rely on the individual market or small group market.

     Addressing Iowa’s fragmented and ineffective mental health system is a multi-year process, and this week, the Senate showed that we are on our way to addressing it.

     On Wednesday, March 21, I voted for a bill that builds a more efficient, coordinated network of mental health treatment options around the state. HF 2456 ensures that treatment can be accessed in more ways and in more locations throughout Iowa.

 How to Include Children in the Kitchen

     Crumbs and spills aside, cooking with children is a great way to spend quality time and teach important skills like measuring, counting, and following directions. Here are ideas for cooking with children:

     • Teach them to wash their hands. Provide a step stool or chair that children can stand on to reach the counter where you are working.