Ragan Report

2017 session wrapped up
    The 2017 session wrapped up on April 22. It was a hard year for working families and vulnerable Iowans. I have great concerns about some of the proposals that will drive down wages, cut health care and degrade our quality of life. 
    Iowa’s economy has slowed, the state budget is in the red, and it’s becoming harder to attract the top-notch workers that every Iowa community and business wants. Working families are the backbone of our communities and way of life.
    We must change course and make working families, communities and small businesses a priority again by:
    • Investing in K-12 schools and preventing more school closures, especially in small towns and rural areas
    • Keeping down the cost of college and job training
    • Making health care accessible to all Iowans
    • Paying fair, living wages to all workers
    • Re-examining tax breaks for big, out-of-state corporations
    I am proud that the Legislature took some small steps to meet specific needs that many Iowans and communities face every day, but there is so much more we can do. Rest assured, I’ll continue to be your voice and to fight for you when government loses sight of Iowans’ priorities.
To find out more about the how the 2017 session will impact Iowans, go to www.senate.iowa.gove/democrats.
     Sen. Amanda Ragan (D-Mason City) serves Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties in Senate District 27. She can be reached at (515) 281-3371 or (641) 424-0874. Email her at amanda.ragan@legis.iowa.gov.