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Working to help rural hospitals

Rural healthcare is top-of-mind for many Iowans. Across our state, Iowans rely on rural hospitals for compassionate, personalized care close to home. Rural hospitals are also economic anchors that support local businesses, create jobs and help small towns thrive. That’s why we’re advancing policies that support rural healthcare and rural hospitals. Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts Act created a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund, the largest investment in rural health care in history. Under the law, Iowa will receive a minimum of $100 million annually from ...

Public health initiative aims to enhance cancer education and community engagement

For many of us, June marks the welcome arrival of summer — a season filled with family gatherings, time outdoors and the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables from local gardens and farmers markets. It’s also a wonderful reminder of the importance of healthy habits, such as regular physical activity and nutritious eating, which play a key role in reducing cancer risk and supporting overall well-being. With that in mind, I invite you to join me for the upcoming Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project presentation at Iowa Central Community College’s Student Resource Center from 12 ...

A salute to Jim Lloyd for a life well-lived

It was May 2010 and veterans who flew to Washington on Fort Dodge’s first Honor Flight were gathered on a sunny morning at the World War II Memorial to pay respects to their fallen comrades. One of them was my dad, Walter Stevens, who served in the European Theater. He was accompanied ...

Building what’s next: Housing, quality of place and the power of partnership

As we move through the summer season, one thing remains clear: communities that win are the ones that are prepared. And in today’s economic environment, preparation starts with housing. One of the biggest barriers to the workforce is housing availability. Across the country, we are facing what many are calling the “missing middle” housing crisis. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there is a shortage of 7.3 million affordable and available rental homes for the lowest-income renters. It impacts our workforce. The teachers, nurses, first responders, and ...

Fertilizer costs jolt farm economy

Q: What can be done to lower fertilizer costs? A: As a farmer-lawmaker, I’m proud to serve as an outspoken advocate for family farmers. When there’s a natural disaster or headwinds in the farm economy, I raise the volume for rural America at the policymaking tables. At my annual 99 county meetings, I’m hearing from family farmers across Iowa about financial hardship with high input costs and low commodity prices. The cost of fuel and fertilizer is hammering thin operating margins. Farmers aren’t able to dictate the selling price for their commodities. Many sure find it ...

Beacon of Hope remains steadfast in its mission

What is a real homeless shelter? Well, for that, we should go back to the first one in America. The Gospel Mission movement was rooted in Christian evangelism, providing food and shelter to “rescue” individuals, particularly those struggling with alcoholism. In 1872, Jerry McAuley founded the first North American rescue mission after a transformative personal experience. The Helping Hand for Men was located at 316 Water St. in New York City. Today, it still exists as The Bowery Mission. McAuley’s impactful ministry led to the establishment of hundreds of rescue missions across ...