Ernst’s reckless health care record puts Iowans at risk

Sen. Ernst has voted repeatedly to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would hurt the nearly 1.3 million Iowans with preexisting conditions. Those votes also would have cut critical disease outbreak prevention funds, and prove that she does not prioritize our health, or the potential economic catastrophe we are now facing due to the spread of COVID 19.

Iowans are already being instructed to stay home from work to prevent the spread of this serious illness. While beneficial to their own health and the health of the community, this advice puts working Iowans in an impossible position because so many do not have paid sick leave. More than half a million in our state do not have paid sick leave, and they have to decide whether to risk spreading or acquiring this illness, or risk their financial future without a paycheck. No one should have to make this choice, but Senator Ernst has refused to back meaningful change to support workers who need to take time off when they're sick.

Ernst's reckless votes have put Iowans at an increased risk of premature death. Ernst needs to make the health and wellbeing of Iowans her top priority. She needs to support greater investments in disease prevention and support policies that provide workers with paid sick leave.

Sen. Joe Bolkcom

Iowa City