This page presents the views of the two candidates running to become Iowa’s governor in 2018. Incumbent candidate Governor Kim Reynolds (R) and retired businessman Fred Hubbell (D) answered the coalition’s questions on seven important child and family policy issues. All responses are printed without editing.
A thank you to both candidates for responding to these important questions.
How will you support affordable child care and access to programs, promote the importance of quality, and address child care workforce needs?
GOV. REYNOLDS |
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FRED HUBBELL |
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I know how tough it is to make ends meet, while also raising a family. My husband and I lived it for many years of our life. That’s why I support programs that help Iowa’s parents who need childcare assistance, receive it. In SFY17, the state invested an additional $8 million in state funds for child care and in the 2018 HHS appropriations bill includes an additional $5 million to increase the reimbursement rate for child care providers. | Under Iowa’s current system, working parents can be blocked out of child care benefits due to eligibility cliffs. We need to reform Iowa’s benefit structure so parents don’t have to choose between accepting a raise or higher paying job, and being able to afford quality child care for their children. As Governor, I will also fully fund all-day pre-K for all 4 year olds, that provides additional childcare support for working families. Considerations should also be given to increasing the child tax credit. |