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Legislative update from Rep. Sharon Steckman

From Rep. Sharon Steckman –

State Rep. Sharon Steckman
State Rep. Sharon Steckman
I am continuing to hear from constituents who are concerned about Governor Branstad’s plan to privatize management of Iowa’s $4.2 billion Medicaid program. As new information has come to light, it’s important that we make sure no Iowan falls through the cracks because of the Governor’s rush to privatization.

In Iowa, about 560,000 low-income individuals, including children, those with disabilities and the elderly rely on Medicaid health insurance. Medicaid in Iowa spends less per person than the majority of other states, while still providing comprehensive coverage.

If you are concerned about the privatization of Iowa Medicaid, make your voice heard. Senator Amanda Ragan will be hosting a listening post. She has an incredible amount of knowledge in this field and will be able to answer any questions you may have. The meeting will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, October 9, in the NIACC Conference Center, 500 College Drive in Mason City.

Home Heating Assistance Available

With winter just around the corner, starting October 1st Iowans who meet certain income guidelines and are at least 60 years of age or are disabled can now apply for assistance with their home heating bills. All other persons may apply, with certain income guidelines, beginning November 1st. If approved, the assistance will continue through April 30, 2016.

Persons who would like to apply for the assistance should contact their local Community Action Agency (CAA). To find your local CAA, log on to https://humanrights.iowa.gov/dcaa/where-apply or call the Department of Human Rights at 515-281-0859.

Known as LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program), the program is limited to persons whose income is below $20,597 (single) or $27,878 (couple). If a household qualifies for LIHEAP, they are automatically qualified for the weatherization program, which uses federal funds to assist homeowners with winterizing their homes. Those projects could include insulation or even a new furnace. This program accepts households whose income is up to 200% of the federal poverty level. For more information about the weatherization project, contact your local Community Action Agency.

Criminal Justice Summit Brings Awareness

Iowa’s Criminal Justice Summit was held at the University of Northern Iowa and speakers addressed various issues, including disparities in justice, reducing incarceration rates, and prisoner re-entry into society.

One of the over-arching messages was that once a person has some type of criminal record, even just one minor offense many years ago, they are labeled for life and have a hard time becoming a productive member of society. The summit brought to light this situation and possible solutions that every community could undertake.

Speakers noted Iowa is not the only state that has a higher representation of minorities in its criminal justice system, and studies have shown that this disparity is even evident in juvenile justice. According to the Community and Strategic Planning Project Advisory Committee report released in 2014, African-American youth were suspended from school at a rate 4.8 times greater than White youth.

It is important for communities to have options available to youth other than detention so that they do not receive a criminal record as a juvenile. Completing school and receiving the great education that Iowa schools provide is one resource to provide all Iowans an opportunity.

There are many barriers that a convicted person must overcome once released from prison, including housing and employment. Some well-known retail companies have already done away with asking if the applicant has a criminal record on the paper application and saving the question for the in-person interview. Having positive social networks or support groups are also vital to a successful reentry.

The summit, organized by State Representative Helen Miller of Ft. Dodge, was designed to build awareness of the disparities in our criminal justice system and begin to find some solutions. Additional information on the conference and the panels offered can be found at http://www.vpaf.uni.edu/events/equaljustice/schedule.shtml.

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