This Election Day, voters have the golden opportunity for all children in Iowa to attain lifelong success. By supporting legislators with both the experience and records of ensuring access to quality child care and early learning opportunities, we can build stronger families and a more robust economic future for our state.
As a mom to a 10-year-old, I understand how important early learning/child care is. I have personally struggled with finding quality, affordable childcare while working full-time. I have watched several of Newton’s childcare centers close down due to costs of keeping their doors open. When compared to other states, Iowa has the highest percentage of working parents with young children — 75 percent. That’s 11 percent higher than the national average. This underscores the essential role that access to quality, affordable child care and early learning plays in our state. Without it, Iowa’s economy and families will suffer. Lawmakers like Reps. Megan Jones (HD-6) and Jon Dunwell (HD-38) have a proven track record of supporting and advocating for policies that address the childcare crisis — one of the most pressing issues facing our children and parents.
It’s notable that this year, Save the Children Action Network selected Reps. Megan Jones and Jon Dunwell as part of their bipartisan slate of state lawmakers for endorsements. It’s clear that here in Iowa, supporting healthier kids and families is not a partisan issue. Whether you’re a Republican or Democrat, it’s vital that we all support proven champions who work tirelessly to bolster Iowa’s economy and support our families. We all should vote with kids in mind this November.
Jessi Balk
West Des Moines
(Business in Newton)
0 Comments