Andy McKean, Iowa House District 58

The Gazette sent a questionnaire to Iowa Legislature candidates representing Linn, Johnson and surrounding counties. The responses are unedited, unless to correct spelling or punctuation. 

To see other candidates' responses, visit our Election 2020 Candidates page. 

Rep. Andy McKean faces Republican Steven P. Bradley in the election for Iowa House District 58. Bradley did not respond to the questionnaire.

What are the three biggest issues facing the state? How would you address them?

1. Appropriate funding and innovative programs to help make Iowa schools the best in the nation once again.

2. Making our health care services (particularly mental health services) more accessible and affordable.

3. Increased emphasis on small town and rural revitalization.

What, if anything, needs to change about the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic?

I continue to be concerned by the recent spikes in positive Covid-19 cases in the State of Iowa. It is troubling that we have more Covid-19 deaths in Iowa than in neighboring Wisconsin with a population almost twice as large as Iowa's. Hindsight is 20-20 but there are steps we could have taken early on that could have prevented needless illness and death, successfully flattened the curve, and opened our economy and schools safely. At this point, we need to put politics aside and be willing to listen to health care experts and follow and enforce recommended guidelines that could reduce illness, save lives, and help foster a strong economy.

What do you consider as budget priorities? What would you do to ensure these see funding? Which areas would you target funding reductions?

Due to decreases in state revenues resulting from the pandemic and Derecho, 2021 will be a very challenging budget year. We need to be willing to set priorities, fund them adequately, and be willing to cut unnecessary spending and programs that are not pulling their weight. My priorities would include quality education, workforce development, mental health services, conservation efforts, and infrastructure improvement.

What, if any, changes would you make to the way the state funds its K-12 education system?

K-12 education has been underfunded in recent years and has not kept pace with inflation and fixed costs such as insurance and transportation. I'm hopeful that we can do better next year if revenues permit. We have seen progress in reducing the inequities in transportation funding for rural school districts and I will continue to support those efforts. I would like to see increased emphasis on early detection of mental health concerns and significant follow-through.

What should the state do to further address water quality issues? What, if anything, should the state do to increase funding for water quality improvements?

Our nutrient reduction strategy is off to a good start and we need to monitor its progress to make certain we are getting where we need to go. I will continue to support funding to encourage voluntary conservation efforts.

What should the state do to address the availability of safe and affordable child care across Iowa?

1. Grants to expand and/or open child care centers, particularly in small communities.

2. Partner with business to provide on-site child care.

3. Expand the child care tax credit.

4. Eliminate unnecessary regulations.

What is your response to recent protests calling for racial justice? What changes to law enforcement policy or budgeting do you support? 

I strongly oppose defunding law enforcement. On the contrary, we need to provide them with increased support. One way of accomplishing that is by expanding our mental health services so law enforcement does not have to provide mental health services. Unfortunately, our jails are serving as mental health facilities and that needs to change. Yes, as in every profession, there are a few rotten apples serving in law enforcement and they need to be weeded out as we improve training and eventually eliminate racial profiling.

Will you support a constitutional amendment to restore voting rights for felons?

Yes. If full sentence has been served and there is a showing of a good faith effort to make restitution.

Will you approve the governor's IWILL tax relief/mental health plan?

Yess. While the specifics still need to be ironed out, I am hopeful that we will be able to finally move forward with IWILL in 2021.

Will you seek voter approval of a constitutional amendment on abortion (SJR2001/HJR2004)?

Undecided. Would depend upon specific language.

Will you support a ban hand-held electronic devices while driving (SF2248/HF2375)?

Yes

Will you support allowing financial compensation for college athletes (SF2330/HF2282)?

Undecided

Will you support making daylight saving time permanent (SF2077/HF2059)?

Undecided

Will you support allowing end-of-life options for patients with terminal conditions (SF2156/HF2302)?

No. However, I continue to be strongly supportive of our hospice program.

Will you support closing loopholes to protect mobile home occupants/tenants (HF2351/SF2238)?

Yes

Will you support increasing the state minimum hourly wage from $7.25?

Yes. As the minimum wage has not been increased in many years and is lower than the vast majority of states, I think an increase is overdue and would like to see gradual increases based on the cost of living index. However, I oppose the proposal to increase the minimum wage to $15 as I feel it would work a hardship on many small businesses and actually lead to the elimination of jobs, particularly in rural areas.

Will you support raising the state tobacco tax by $1 to $2.36 per pack?

Yes

Will you support modifying or repealing Iowa's bottle bill law?

No. I strongly oppose repealing the bottle bill as I consider it to be good for the environment and one of the finer pieces of legislation passed by the Iowa legislature. However, it needs to be modified by increasing the handling fee from 1 cent to 2 cents so our redemption centers can be profitable. This would lead to more redemption centers, would be good for the environment and rural economic development, and would help facilitate getting cans and bottles out of the grocery stores. I would eventually like to see the bottle bill expanded to include water, tea, juices and energy drinks.

Will you support requiring helmets for minors operating motorcycles/motorized bikes?

Yes

Will you support eliminating criminal penalties for possessing marijuana?

Undecided. Would depend upon the specifics of the legislation.

Will you support establishing a moratorium on constructing large-scale animal feeding facilities?

No

Will you support creating an 'extreme risk' or 'red flag' firearms protective order?

No. I would need to be convinced that there are adequate due process protections.