America needs universal health care coverage

The state of mental health coverage in Iowa is destructive. Iowa is losing mental health professionals, lacking funding and services, and losing its credibility as a state that's 'reforming.” We've seen in the last decade a government that has disregarded the care of our brothers and sisters who've been struggling with emotional disorders and perhaps manic depression. The waitlists continue to stack up as we speak.

Despite Iowa's booming economy, according to a recent Market Watch.com article, is the money going to the right industries? It should be a legal, moral, and civil responsibility that we help those who must have these services. As homelessness continues to rise in Iowa and Cedar Rapids, specifically, many of these men and women, likely have a mental illness of some kind. depression, anxiety, and perhaps schizophrenia, it's not something to take for granted. What Iowans need to do is vote with their heart, but also with reason. Please vote for the politician who will fight for the mentally ill, not talk about it. Vote for the politician who is pragmatic about mental health policy, not idealistic. Vote for the politician, who shows empathy and cares for people with mental illness, not seek a paycheck from donors and lobbyists. Vote for the right person, not one who seeks gain over the trust.

Our vote matters. Vote for universal health care, not mandated, rather having the public choose whether they want government health care, or stay with private.

Tyler Fahey

Dubuque