Investing in Working Families
We have an affordability crisis in our state, and I’m all for more Iowans keeping a larger share of their hard-earned money. But, for too long, those in Des Moines have prioritized the profits of their wealthy donors over the needs of Iowa’s working families, leaving us to fend for ourselves. I will seek solutions that make it easier to live, work, and raise a family in Iowa.
At the statehouse, I will:
Address Affordability
Raise Iowa’s minimum wage.
Create a refundable first-time home-buyers tax credit to help with the cost of buying your first home and to ease the cost of home improvements.
Create a tax exemption for money spent on credit card interest and fees to help Iowans with the most debt get back on their feet.
Enact a tax deduction on student loan interest to ensure that higher education isn’t just an option for wealthy Iowans.
Expand Child Care Options and Lower Costs
Establish a refundable tax credit for child care expenses for the first 3 years of a child’s life.
Support expanded low-cost options for child care in Iowa, including direct payments to parents.
But how will we pay for it?
Eliminate the flat income tax rate that disproportionately burdens low-income families in favor of a progressive tax system that makes wealthy Iowans pay their fair share in taxes.
Legalize marijuana, potentially generating tens of millions in tax revenue. Meanwhile, decriminalize it and expunge prior convictions.