Number One: Capitol Solutions

Iowa is the best state in the country. We’ve been saying this for years. And now there is data and metrics to prove it. U.S. News and World Report released its 2018 Best States report, it shows Iowa ranked number one - something we Iowans already knew. 

Every four years the national media recognizes Iowa as the “first in the nation” for our presidential caucuses. Now, we are recognized as the best state in the country - the first in the nation.

Taking the top spot was driven by our ranking in these categories: infrastructure (1), health care (3), opportunity (4), education (5), and quality of life (9). Iowa’s economy is growing, our students are graduating at higher rates than ever before, we care for each other, and folks are working together to make their communities the best they can be. 

And we are only going to continue moving forward and make Iowa better. There’s always more to do. 

With a new federal tax code, Iowans are seeing more money in their paychecks, giving hardworking taxpayers across the Third District the relief they need and deserve. Wages are increasing the fastest since the end of the recession in 2009, consumer confidence is the second highest since 2004, and businesses of all sizes are growing, creating new jobs, and driving investment into our communities. 

Congress recently extended funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program for 10 years and for Community Health Centers for two years. I had been working since last fall to renew these critical programs, leading letters, meeting with advocates, speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives, and pushing colleagues in Congress to help pass legislation to extend this critical funding.

Around 50,000 Iowans use Community Health Centers and 85,000 Iowa children rely on the Children’s Health Insurance Program. This is why I fought for these programs and I’m pleased to see Iowans continue receiving the health benefits they need through these programs.

Iowa ranked high in infrastructure, but there is much work to do. Folks across the district don’t just rely on roads and bridges for their safety, we need them in good condition so we can get our commodities and goods to market and deliver services. Should Congress consider an infrastructure plan, any bill must not leave rural Iowa behind or it won’t get my support. That means making sure wiring up the heartland is a priority.

In an effort to make sure Iowans in rural areas have the same technological capabilities as folks in urban areas, my bill, the Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act, was signed into law by President Trump on February 26. Now the dropped, looped, and poor quality calls in many rural parts of the district will begin to improve. 

The distinction as the number one state is great for Iowa, but that does not mean everyone and every community is thriving. We have a lot of work to do to ensure there is opportunity for everyone and every community is able to push forward. 

While there are many challenges facing our country, we always have a bright future on the horizon if we work together to realize our shared goals. The rankings show we Iowans know how to solve problems which is why I carry the voices of Iowans across the Third District to Washington, D.C. As I serve you in Congress, I’ll continue to work with you to address our challenges head-on and move our country forward.