The House officially adjourned at 11:46 p.m. last Wednesday. It was a long, but productive session.

I think the legislation I am most proud of is HF 302 – a bill that addresses the childcare ”cliff effect.” This allows families that are receiving childcare assistance an exit ramp from the government assistance program. A person can move up the career ladder and accept raises and promotions. As their income increases, their benefits decrease slowly until they reach an independent level of income (defined as 250 percent poverty level). After working on this for two years, it passed both chambers with unanimous support.

HF 260 is a bill allowing individuals providing childcare in their homes to take care of six or fewer children, an increase from five or fewer. This will help increase access to quality childcare in our rural areas.

HF 893 was the omnibus tax bill which also contained language to support families by doubling the income eligibility for the childcare tax credit from families making $45,000 to $90,000.

HF 891 is the health and human services budget, which contained language to raise childcare provider rates for childcare assistance to the 50th percentile of the current market survey.

I have heard from many families and businesses in the district that access to quality child care is a priority. We have done a lot to address that need, but there is still work to be done.

Health and Human Services Budget

I’m so pleased with this budget as it funds priorities that I have heard from so many of you, including increases to mental health services. This budget funds critical priorities for Iowans, and it provides several important funding increases, including:

• An increase to nursing homes at $19,080,860. When combined with federal funds, this is a total increase of $50.2 million.

• An increase of $11 million for Home and Community Based Services. When combined with federal funds will equal $31.6 million.

• An increase in funding psychiatric residencies in rural Iowa.

State Rep. Ann Meyer, R-Fort Dodge, represents House District 9.