NEWSLETTER

Fall Issue | September 24, 2024

VOTE 2024:  Your Vote, Your Voice, Your Power

Carlyn's Corner

IMPORTANT DATES for the 2024 General Election

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16: First Day of Early Voting

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21: Last Day to Pre-Register to Vote & Last Day to Request a Mailed Absentee Ballot

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2: Auditors' Offices Open for Early Voting (eight hours)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4: Last Day to Vote In-Person at Auditor's Office.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5: Election Day (polls open 7 am - 8 pm)
All mail-in ballots must be received by your county auditor before polls close.

How can Congress ensure Iowans with disabilities can work to their full potential while maintaining their health coverage and the supportive services that make it possible for them to work?

In this day and age, people with disabilities should not have to choose between continuing to work or getting ahead and receiving the care they need. People should not be forced to impoverish themselves just to receive healthcare. This not only reduces the freedom to choose what is best for themselves, but also results in people with disabilities staying on Medicaid and other public assistance programs indefinitely. Instead, as a member of Congress, I would work to expand healthcare options, such as by expanding and improving the Affordable Care Act. People with disabilities should be able to continue working full time or start a business and receive the care they need through private insurance. I would also work to improve disability insurance requirements and make insurance companies cover more of the care that people with disabilities need. I will always fight to ensure that anyone with a disability is able to live a full and healthy live and choose the path that is best for them.

What actions would you support to address direct support professional (DSP) shortages, reduce waiting lists for home- and community- based services, and create a more reliable system of support for individuals with disabilities?

There are many ways we can improve our direct support system, and it starts with increasing pay. We have a work shortage issue because we struggle to attract more direct support professionals. We must ensure that direct support professionals are paid a fair wage, and that requires fixing insurance and Medicaid reimbursement rates to pay for it. It is also the most immediate way to attract more workers to the profession. By increasing the staff available, it will help reduce wait times for services and increase the reliability of the system. This will help ensure that everyone is able to find the support that they need. Secondly, we must boost career and technical education programs, as well as nursing programs to train more workers in these areas. I’ll support investing in job training programs and tuition support for these critical fields so that Iowans have access to the skills needed to fill open jobs.

Meet Mariannette Miller-Meeks:  Congressional District 1 (Republican)

How can Congress ensure Iowans with disabilities can work to their full potential while maintaining their health coverage and the supportive services that make it possible for them to work?

By cutting red tape, we can help Iowans with disabilities reach their full potential while maintaining essential care and independence. In today’s economy, where we are battling horrible inflation rates and skyrocketing prescription prices, we need to lower costs. That is why I have been working on legislation about pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to make sure prices are fair.

What actions would you support to address direct support professional (DSP) shortages, reduce waiting lists for home- and community- based services, and create a more reliable system of support for individuals with disabilities?

To address the DSP shortage and reduce waiting lists for home- and community-based services, we need to address the training and retention programs to attract more qualified workers. I also advocate for streamlining regulations and expanding cooperation to ensure more reliable care.

Meet Sarah Corkery:  Congressional District 2 (Democrat)

How can Congress ensure Iowans with disabilities can work to their full potential while maintaining their health coverage and the supportive services that make it possible for them to work?

As a parent to a child who is legally blind, this is personal and weighs heavily on me. I served on the board of Inclusion Connection. They help people with disabilities live, learn, work and play in the real world. I’d be a champion to:

• Remove the asset limits and income caps.
• Provide tax incentives for companies to hire and provide transportation to people with disabilities.
• Provide tax incentives to allow people with disabilities to work from home.

What actions would you support to address direct support professional (DSP) shortages, reduce waiting lists for home- and community- based services, and create a more reliable system of support for individuals with disabilities?

I would champion:

• Increasing pay for DSPs to at least $20/hour (and not cut services/hours).
• Providing tax incentives and/or debt relief to individuals who are DSPs.
• Creating a national program so all people with disabilities can hire staff directly including a database of support services and certifications of DSPs.
  

Meet Ashley Hinson:  Congressional District 2 (Republican)

How can Congress ensure Iowans with disabilities can work to their full potential while maintaining their health coverage and the supportive services that make it possible for them to work?

I believe it is essential for all Americans to have access to opportunities and essential services, regardless of disability status. All life has dignity and value, and all people are capable of contributing to a thriving community - some Iowans just need additional support or flexibility in the process.  I have championed policies to end discrimination against Americans with disabilities, including leading an amicus brief to the Supreme Court arguing that no life should be terminated on the basis of disability. I also believe support for Iowans with disabilities does not end at preventing discrimination. It also requires comprehensive care access, expanding opportunities for successful careers, and providing flexibilities that meet Iowans where they are. That is why I cosponsored the Student Empowerment Act, which would expand allowable uses for tax-free 529 accounts to allow these funds to pay for educational therapies and other teaching tools for students with disabilities.

What actions would you support to address direct support professional (DSP) shortages, reduce waiting lists for home- and community- based services, and create a more reliable system of support for individuals with disabilities?

I am grateful to DSPs and all healthcare professionals who have chosen such a selfless profession. There are serious workforce shortages in Iowa - finding staff in rural Iowa has been especially difficult due to less potential workers but more seniors in need of long-term care. 74% of Iowa long-term care providers stopped taking new patients in 2022 because of staffing shortages. The Biden Administration recently published a restrictive rule that would further restrict care and worsen staffing shortages in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. I have cosponsored legislation that will prevent this rule from taking effect so that we can ensure quality care access for those who need it. Additionally, the House Education and Workforce Committee passed the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act, legislation that would help address the DSP shortage. This bill will provide government agencies, states, and the private sector with data to help respond to the DSP shortage and ensure those with disabilities have the support they need to live independently.

Meet Lanon Baccam:  Congressional District 3 (Democrat)

How can Congress ensure Iowans with disabilities can work to their full potential while maintaining their health coverage and the supportive services that make it possible for them to work?

Congress can pass the bipartisan Work Without Worry bill that has been put forth in both chambers. The bill is a gamechanger for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who have likely relied on different public programs for health care, home and community-based services, and financial support due to their disabilities. The Work Without Worry Act would allow Americans with disabilities to take on employment opportunities without fear of losing social security benefits. Work income at certain levels can affect or even eliminate eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) benefits. The Work Without Worry Act would eliminate this disincentive to work by allowing adults with disabilities to try to work and see if they can support themselves without losing critical eligibility. A person with an intellectual or developmental disability most often needs these programs ongoing for their medical coverage and eligibility for programs that assist with food, rent, utilities, and other basic needs assistance regardless of their work income. The Work Without Worry Act fixes a serious work disincentive in Social Security for people with disabilities and their families, offering hope in a challenging life.

What actions would you support to address direct support professional (DSP) shortages, reduce waiting lists for home- and community- based services, and create a more reliable system of support for individuals with disabilities?

Direct Support Professionals, also known as health care assistants, habilitation specialists, activities of daily living specialists, etc., are key to the independence of older Americans and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The work they do allows people to continue to live in their own homes. At the most basic level their services include medicine management, wound care, transfer from bed to chair, transportation, and assistance with bathing, eating, and dressing. Direct Support Professionals are among the poorest paid workers in our nation. Many of their pay rates are set by government programs including Medicare and

Medicaid programs at the federal and local levels. In Iowa, the typical hourly wage is below $15. We must find ways at the federal and state level to pay these hard workers a fair and living wage that reflects the importance and complexity of their labor. Direct Support Professionals must develop close relationships with their patients and understand and be prepared to respond to medical crises, work extra hours, and lift heavy equipment and patients. Their complex work involves lifting, bathroom assistance, food preparation, work with the patient’s family, and communication with the patient’s caseworker and medical provider. They must be reliable. Without these professionals, people who are older or have disabilities cannot work, shop for food, or access activities like congregate meals and physical therapy. Bottom line is that Direct Support Professionals must be valued for their important work and compensated fairly.

Meet Zach Nunn:  Congressional District 3 (Republican)

How can Congress ensure Iowans with disabilities can work to their full potential while maintaining their health coverage and the supportive services that make it possible for them to work?

The bottom line is the cost of healthcare is too high in our country. The rising costs of healthcare prevent many Iowans from seeking the care they need, and a maze of bureaucracy has led to less choice for patients.  I believe we need a healthcare system that puts patients first through bipartisan market-based reforms. That’s why I helped pass the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, which works to make the price of healthcare transparent and lower the cost of prescription drugs.  Furthermore, it’s important that our public assistance programs are designed to help people get back and stay on their feet. We need to be regularly reviewing our public assistance programs to ensure that they are working for those who they are meant to serve.

What actions would you support to address direct support professional (DSP) shortages, reduce waiting lists for home- and community- based services, and create a more reliable system of support for individuals with disabilities?

I share your concerns with the healthcare worker shortage, especially in rural and underserved areas. The work that direct support professionals do is amazing, but sadly, it’s no secret that low wages are driving the shortage and high turnover rate. As the demands on our healthcare system continue to grow, we need to find sustainable solutions to strengthen the workforce pipeline and improve the economic outlook for workers. Additionally, I believe there are things we can do to support family caregivers as part of the equation. Right now, I am working to pass the bipartisan Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act, which would streamline policies and alleviate administrative barriers so caregivers can spend less time on frustrating paperwork related to their loved one’s benefits. As representative, I am committed to working across the aisle to deliver pragmatic and sustainable solutions to improve our country’s healthcare system.

Meet Randy Feenstra:  Congressional District 4 (Republican)

How can Congress ensure Iowans with disabilities can work to their full potential while maintaining their health coverage and the supportive services that make it possible for them to work?

Iowans living with disabilities face challenges every day that most people never even consider, yet they are resilient and strong individuals who overcome adversity and make important contributions to our communities. When it comes to supporting those with disabilities, Congress has an integral role to play. Individuals with disabilities should not be punished or lose their benefits for getting married, starting a business, receiving a promotion, or working more hours. In fact, we should encourage these investments and milestones because they make our communities more vibrant. We need to take a serious and meticulous look at the current configuration of Medicaid and Social Security asset limits and income caps on those with disabilities so that we do not inadvertently dissuade people from working, starting families, and living independently. I will continue to listen to those with disabilities and their families and work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that we help people reach their full potential without slashing their benefits or threatening their security and independence.

What actions would you support to address direct support professional (DSP) shortages, reduce waiting lists for home- and community- based services, and create a more reliable system of support for individuals with disabilities?

For six years, I served on the Board of Directors of Village Northwest in Sheldon, which supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through my experiences and interactions with direct support professionals (DSPs), I support increased wages for DSPs to help organizations like Village Northwest retain quality healthcare workers and reduce wait times for those who need these services. I am also in favor of tax cuts for DSPs at the state level and lower interest rates on educational loans for DSPs. These critical workers should be rewarded for their commitment to serving others and working in more demanding environments. In Congress, I will continue to be a strong voice for our DSPs and the communities that they support.

Meet Ryan Melton:  Congressional District 4 (Democrat)

How can Congress ensure Iowans with disabilities can work to their full potential while maintaining their health coverage and the supportive services that make it possible for them to work?

Josh Turek, a state house representative from the Council Bluffs area, is a friend of mine, and is disabled. He has introduced a bill at the state level that I think would help here, where it would increase the income cap for Medicaid eligibility to 450% of poverty and would remove the marriage penalty. I’d like to use that as a launch point for federal legislation if I were elected to Congress. I’ve also long been an advocate for a Medicare for All-style single payer universal health care plan as well that would have more expansive coverage focused on closing such gaps as above, which would help alleviate stress here too. Ultimately, we have the resources as

a country to solve for problems like these, but we have such an immorally wide wealth gap that we have a hard time aligning available resources with vital community needs. I’m willing to address that wealth gap and the resultant stunting of the development of essential services.

What actions would you support to address direct support professional (DSP) shortages, reduce waiting lists for home- and community- based services, and create a more reliable system of support for individuals with disabilities?

First, DSPs often aren’t paid commensurate with the value they bring. One challenge, like in other contexts, has been Medicaid reimbursement rates being too low. I think at the federal level, we also need to move to a minimum wage increase resulting in an eventual living wage, as no one should work a full-time job and still be in poverty. DSPs do very hard work, so we need to

raise their pay to incentivize more folks coming into the field. To do this, I would be in favor of addressing our taxation status quo that is helping to make the wealthiest become wealthier on the backs of the rest of us. I’m also a believer in creating a robust immigrant labor program that aligns migrant flows with labor need. In rural Iowa, we’re really struggling with labor shortages. We shouldn’t be rolling back decades of child labor law to put young folks in dangerous workplace environments and consider that a valid option to address our labor shortage. We should instead lean on more immigrant labor and treat such labor respectfully when it comes to pay, rights, and benefits.

The Iowa DD Council is partnering with Disability Rights Iowa (DRI) and local groups to host "disability dialogues"  throughout the state to give state legislators the opportunity to learn about important issues from Iowans with disabilities. The forums are open to the public and information on voting will also be shared.

Tuesday, October 1 (6-7:30 pm)

The Terrace, 4201 Rivers Edge Parkway, Council Bluffs

Tuesday, October 8 (6-7:30 pm)

Wartburg College, Saemann Student Center, 2nd floor Ballrooms 

100 Wartburg Boulevard, Waverly

Thursday, October 10 (6-7:30 pm)

Sioux City Public Museum, 607 4th Street, Sioux City

Wednesday, October 16 (6-7:30 pm)

Kirkendall Library, 1250 SW District Drive, Ankeny

Thursday, October 17 (6-7:30 pm)

Waukee Community Center, 675 Walnut Street, Waukee

Tuesday, October 22 (6-7:30 pm)

Des Moines Central Public Library, 1000 Grand Avenue, Des Moines

Thursday, October 24 (6-7:30 pm)

Bridge View Center, 102 Church Street, Ottumwa

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The Iowa DD Council will also host an additional forum:

Monday, October 14 (7-8:30 pm)

Northwestern College Library (Vogel Room, 3rd Floor), 630 Central Avenue S., Orange City

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)