Focus on kitchen table issues

From my first press release in 2017 to now, my priorities have grown but my core three focuses remain the same. Education, healthcare, and supporting union values.

As an educator and parent, my focus in the Iowa House will continue to be supporting Iowa children cradle to career. All Iowa children deserve access to a quality early childhood program before starting school and a world class k-12 education. Education that is developmentally appropriate, properly funded, has appropriate class sizes, includes all that is needed and necessary for students that may require special services (like those provided by the AEAs) and allows young children to still incorporate play into their day to learn executive functioning skills that they will use the rest of their life.

When Iowa puts a priority on children’s education, we are setting up our future workforce, our future leaders, for success. Whether they directly enter the workforce, start a trade program, or go to college after graduation, we must have our next generation at the heart of our work. The future of our state is dependent upon the success of Iowans. When Iowans can take care of their health through affordable, accessible healthcare, have access to affordable childcare so they can get to work, have safe work conditions and good paying jobs, they can thrive.

The work done at the Capitol must focus on those kitchen table issues and how we help people. I will continue to work across the aisle and foster relationships with my colleagues so we can craft legislation that does not focus on divisive issues but helps Iowans and puts people over politics.

Rep. Tracy Ehlert is a Democrat running in House District 79