A Deeper Dive

Reckless, needless tax cuts currently making their way through the state legislature would not only reduced revenue — but will jeopardize much-needed aid to states and local governments provided in the American Rescue Plan. Anne is joined by colleagues Mike and Peter to unpack these harmful proposals and their implications for Iowans.

We're eight weeks into the 2021 legislative session, and lawmakers at the Capitol continue to push bills — some good, some bad and a few...downright awful. Mary Nelle, Mike, Sheila and Natalie join Anne to give a status report on bills they're tracking: voting rights, child care, education funding, tax policy, food assistance and more. SHOW NOTES Senate switchboard: 515-281-3371 House switchboard: 515-281-3221 Find your legislator: https://www.commongoodiowa.org/get-involved/find-your-lawmakers Official Iowa legislative website: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/

After almost of year of pandemic, public schools across Iowa are trying to find a new normal that best meets the needs of their students. But both chambers of the Iowa legislature are advancing bills that would only increase the challenges school districts — and their students — face. Joining Anne on the podcast is Melissa Peterson of the Iowa State Education Association and Margaret Buckton, who represents the Urban Education Network and Rural School Advocates of Iowa. They unpack some key threats to local public schools: funding that fails to meet the unprecedented need, private school vouchers and charter schools. Said Peterson: “Given the pace at which some of these pieces of legislation are moving, it makes it hard not to think public education is under attack.”

Here we go! The 2021 Iowa legislative session kicked off earlier this week as lawmakers returned to the Capitol and Governor Reynolds gave her Condition of the State speech. In this episode, Anne is joined by Sheila, Mary Nelle and Mike to unpack the governor's proposals — as well as the policies and legislation we know are needed to support kids, families and communities, especially in light of the continuing pandemic.

It's common for Iowa youth and young adults experience trauma during their childhood: physical, emotional or psychological. But through authentic relationships and, for some, art, these young Iowans can learn to overcome their past and create better lives for themselves. Christine Her, executive director at ArtForce Iowa, an organization transforming at-risk youth through art, opens up about her journey from trauma to healing — and how adults can help youth in Iowa find healing, too.

For all of us, our past and present affect our future — for better or for worse. And the same is true for kids. Trauma experienced during childhood — known as adverse childhood experienced or ACEs — can cause health problems and learning challenges. But ACEs aren't final; healing — and prevention — are possible. Lisa Cushatt and Sarah Welch with Iowa ACEs 360 talk with Anne about their coalition's work to put systems in place that help all Iowa children thrive, even if they're experiencing trauma. They also breakdown the encouraging findings in “Healing Iowa: 2020 ACEs Report” that point to progress made in our state. SHOW NOTES Find the report here: https://www.iowaaces360.org/2020-iowa-aces-report.html

Head Start, Iowa's beloved early childhood education program, has been operating under a “new normal” since the pandemic hit our state earlier this year. As educators and kids alike head back to school, how are programs across the state working to keep kids healthy, safe and learning? Anne is joined by Carrie Sodders (Mid-Iowa Community Action) and Melissa Nelson (North Iowa Community Action Organization) — both experts on Head Start — to discuss how the statewide early childhood program has adapted since March — and what's in store for the fall.

Today, the Senate voted on the GOP's “skinny” Covid-19 relief package, which fell way short of addressing the needs of Iowans facing a pandemic and natural disaster. It didn't pass. What do Iowans need to get through this crisis? Anne and a host of colleagues and partners discuss what a substantial package from Congress would look like — and why it matters, more than ever.

It's a race against time to ensure a complete, accurate Census count in Iowa. With the U.S. Census Bureau concluding its outreach efforts at the end of September — a month earlier than planned — nearly 30 percent of Iowans have yet to be counted. Which begs the question: Is a complete count possible? Joining Anne are two members of the Complete Count Commission, Iowa's statewide committee working to achieve a high response rate. Deann Cook (United Ways of Iowa) and Bill Menner (Iowa Rural Development Council and Iowa Rural Health Association) discuss strategies the Commission is using to get the word out about the Census, why being counted matters — and how Iowans can respond. SHOW NOTES Learn more about the Commission's work: https://www.iowadatacenter.org/2020census/committees Find out who serves on the Commission: https://governor.iowa.gov/2019/12/gov-reynolds-names-members-of-iowa-2020-census-complete-count-committee

On Monday, after months of delay, the U.S. Senate released its proposal for the next round of Covid-19 relief, which utterly fails to meet the challenge of the unprecedented crisis we face. So does it constitute a “relief” package? We'll find out after the Senate, House and White House negotiate in the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, Center and IPP staff join Anne on the pod to discuss what the Senate bill should've been — and what's needed to help Iowans get to the other side of this once-in-a-lifetime crisis.

With the end of COVID-19 nowhere in sight, Iowa child care providers and families face many unknowns heading into the fall. State Representative Tracy Ehlert returns to the podcast to talk about her experience as an early childhood educator — and how she and her colleagues are trying to navigate the uncharted waters of keeping kids safe, engaged and learning during a once-in-a-generation pandemic.

What will school in the fall look like? It's a question Iowa families, educators and administrators are asking. But with only six weeks until classes begin, the answer is still unclear. Late last month, the state's education and public health departments issued their back-to-school guidance — strikingly brief and ambiguous — that leaves school districts largely on their own in keeping students, faculty and staff safe. Mike Beranek, president of the Iowa State Education Association, digs into challenges school districts face, how the state guidance falls short — and ideas for a more robust back-to-school plan in the fall.

State legislators return to Des Moines after session abruptly halted in March due to Covid-19. Much has changed during the two-month recess, with many Iowans struggling to weather a public health crisis and economic downturn. Will our elected leaders prioritize kids and their families as they make decisions in the days ahead — or will our youngest Iowans be left out of the conversation? The Center's Mary Nelle Trefz and Sheila Hansen along with IPP's Peter Fisher join Anne to map a path forward for the legislature, one that ensures our children, families and communities aren't left behind.

We're witnessing an unprecedented moment in American history: the Census coinciding with a global pandemic. The enormous task of counting every person in the country is off to a rocky start, with the U.S. Census Bureau having to postpone or cancel much of its outreach efforts due to Covid. What's more, we know the Census is prone to missing folks, especially babies and young children, leading to an undercount. The implications are severe: when we don't count kids, they miss out on federal funding for vital programs like children's health insurance, education and child care — for an entire decade. Deborah Stein with the Partnership for America's Children joins Anne to discuss how advocates and communities are working together to ensure all kids are counted in the 2020 Census. Then, Anne and Stephen take a quick dive into Iowa-specific Census data, including self-response rates, compared to where we were as a state 10 years ago. SHOW NOTES “Count All Kids” campaign: https://countallkids.org/ “Count All Kids” outreach materials: https://thesocialpresskit.com/countallkids U.S. Census Bureau self-response data: https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html Census Hard to Count maps: https://www.censushardtocountmaps2020.us/ CFPC infographic on Iowa self-response rates: https://www.cfpciowa.org/en/advocacy/census_2020/

Already facing challenges, homeless youth now must navigate Covid-19 without a place to call home. But advocates and organizations are working hard to make sure they're not alone. Andrea Dencklau (Youth Policy Institute of Iowa) and Elizabeth Patten (Iowa Youth Homeless Centers) join Anne to walk through youth homelessness in our state: its causes, who it affects, what policymakers can do to help — and how coronavirus has changed (but not hampered) efforts to support these courageous youth. SHOW NOTES Learn more about the Youth Policy Institute of Iowa (http://ypii.org/) and Iowa Homeless Youth Centers (https://www.yss.org/locations/iowa-homeless-youth-centers/)

Iowa's Department of Human Services (DHS) exists to help Iowans achieve healthy, safe and stable lives. But with the arrival of Covid-19, the state's largest department is facing uncharted territory — and whose role is critical, now more than ever, in keeping Iowa's children safe. Anne is joined by Janee Harvey, child welfare bureau chief, to discuss how DHS is responding to the crisis and exciting changes on the horizon for foster care in Iowa.

Direct care workers—nursing assistants, home health aides and personal care aides—fill essential roles in our communities, supporting hospitals, nursing homes, hospice homes and Iowans needing in-home care. In the wake of Covid-19, these professionals now find themselves on the front lines of the fight against the pandemic in Iowa. But with many risking their own health and safety to care for others, where is the support they need to make it through this crisis? Di Findley, executive director of Iowa CareGivers, talks with Anne about policy solutions the direct care professionals her organization represents need to meet and overcome the challenges ahead. SHOW NOTES Learn more about Iowa CareGivers: https://www.iowacaregivers.org/

With more Iowans facing food insecurity and unemployment, the state's food pantries are scrambling to meet the increased need. The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC), an interfaith organization of more than 125 congregations, is leading a united effort to ensure Iowans in or around the state's largest city can put food on the table during this crisis. Listen in as Anne talks with DMARC CEO Matt Unger about the organization's food pantry network and how state and federal lawmakers can support their important work. SHOW NOTES If you're able, donate to DMARC here: https://www.dmarcunited.org/donate/donate-online/

Food is a fundamental human need, one that many Iowans struggled to meet, even before the COVID-19 crisis. Now, after nearly 60,000 Iowans applied for unemployment insurance last week — and with economy on the cusp of a recession — food security is now top concern for many. Like many food banks across the state, the Coralville Community Food Pantry is on the front lines supporting Iowans — one bag of food at a time. Executive Director John Boller talks about the short- and long-term challenges facing the community, and how his organization is stepping up to meet Iowans' most basic needs. SHOW NOTES Financially support the Coralville Community Food Pantry: https://www.coralvillefoodpantry.org/give-1

Iowa child care providers are facing a nearly impossible decision: whether or not to stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Home- and center-based providers alike are weighing the health risks of staying open — and the financial risks of shutting down. Melissa Juhl, the Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral Regional Director at Mid-Sioux Opportunity, joins the podcast to share how she's working with providers during the crisis, as well as steps the state can take to help these small business owners stay afloat.

The COVID-19 crisis has upended much of daily life for Iowans across the state, and we're all trying to find a new normal. Over the next few weeks, we're releasing mini-series about the virus in Iowa — discussions with fellow advocates, partners and community members on what this crisis means for them, their livelihoods and the future of our state. We kick things off with Denise Rathman, the executive director of the National Association of Social Workers Iowa chapter. Denise gives fascinating insight to the challenges and opportunities social workers in Iowa face in wake of COVID-19 and social distancing. SHOW NOTES Subscribe for email updates: bit.ly/2MKsPCd Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/cfpciowa), Twitter (twitter.com/childfampolicy) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/childfampolicy/)

In 2010, Iowa voters overwhelmingly supported a constitutional amendment that set aside three-eighths of a cent sales tax increase, generated in addition to current revenue, to fund environmental initiatives. Ten years later, Gov. Reynolds's proposed tax bill could change the rules, causing problems for low- and middle-income Iowans — and leaving promises made a decade ago only half-kept. Anne talks with Peter Fisher at Iowa Policy Project about concerns with the governor's proposal, as well as alternatives that would better support all Iowans.

The shortage and expense of child care in Iowa has real-life consequences for many families—and lawmakers are looking for solutions. Some have their eyes on child care tax credits, which are designed to offset the high cost of child care by giving families, employers and developers a break on their taxes. This week on the podcast, Amy Matsui with the National Women's Law Center gives the lowdown on these credits — what they are, how they work and just how helpful they are.

Redlining, an unjust city planning practice used for decades in the U.S., came up at this week's heated Democratic debate in Nevada. It has a dark history of systemically segregating communities by color and economic status — and its repercussions are still felt today, often by vulnerable children and their families. Re-listen to this episode we did last summer with Eric Burmeister at the Polk County Housing Trust Fund. He breaks down redlining: its history, its consequences for today and possible solutions moving forward. **Originally broadcasted on August 1, 2019**

The legislature is considering a slew of bad bills that would increase vaccine hesitancy — and ultimately threaten the health and well-being of Iowa kids. But health advocates are fighting back. Dr. Nathan Boonstra, pediatrician and immunization advocate, shares how he talks with families — and legislators — about the importance of vaccinations, and the grave threat the alternative poses.

It's a well-known fact that Iowa has a child care crisis — quality care is difficult to find and even more so to afford. And since the legislative session began in January, policymakers have tried responding to the crisis with their ideas for possible solutions. Anne and Sheila look at child care from all sides — and discuss which solutions would make the biggest difference for Iowa kids and families.

How much red tape should vulnerable Iowans cut through to receive supports like health care and food assistance? That's the big question we're asking during this week's episode. Two bills, one in the Iowa House and the other in the Senate, threaten to bury Iowans in bureaucracy, denying some food on the table and the chance to see a doctor when sick. Anne, Mary Nelle and special guest Denise Rathman (National Association of Social Workers) unpack what these harmful pieces of legislation would mean for kids and families — and whether they're even justified in the first place. SHOW NOTES Sign up for our weekly newsletter: bit.ly/2MKsPCd Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/cfpciowa), Twitter (https://twitter.com/childfampolicy) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/childfampolicy/)

As the Caucus for Kids Campaign enters its final push to February 3, Anne sits down with Jill Applegate (Every Child Matters) and Emilee Harris (State Public Policy Group) to reflect on the important venture that's been over a year in the making — getting presidential candidates to talk about child and family issue areas. SHOW NOTES Where do candidates stand on children's issues? Check out Digital Dialogue from Every Child Matters: https://everychildmatters.org/

During her Condition of the State address, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds charged lawmakers to "be bold and visionary" in 2020. With kids and families in mind, CFPC's Anne Discher, Sheila Hansen and Mary Nelle Trefz take a look at the governor's proposals — some bold, some visionary and others...not so much. SHOW NOTES Together with our friends at Iowa Policy Project, we published our thoughts on many of the governor's policy proposals, some of which aren't covered in this episode. Check out the full report: http://www.iowafiscal.org/ifp-news-not-2020-vision/

We kick off our second season of 'A Deeper Dive' by looking ahead to the 2020 legislative session in Iowa. With lawmakers returning to the state capitol on Monday, CFPC's Anne Discher, Mary Nelle Trefz and Sheila Hansen make a case for both optimism and caution as the legislature is poised to improve — and potentially harm — the lives of kids and families in Iowa. SHOW NOTES Sign up for our weekly newsletter: bit.ly/2MKsPCd

After failing to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act in 2017, the Trump administration is employing a back-door strategy to undermine Medicaid — and take away health coverage from kids and families. Kelly Whitener with Georgetown Center for Children and Families in Washington, D.C., talks with Anne about the administration's wonky and largely unsuccessful attacks on Medicaid.

Many Iowa families struggle to afford fresh, local food. But some cool organizations and initiatives are trying to help folks stretch their SNAP benefits and maximize the fresh fruits and veggies they can buy. Anne talks with Aryn McLaren, the Double Up Food Bucks Coordinator for the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative, and Andrea Vaage, economic development supervisor, Refugee Community Services for Lutheran Services of Iowa, about how they partner with local farmers, community gardens and farmers markets to make fresh produce more affordable. SHOW NOTES LSI Global Greens: https://lsiowa.org/refugee/global-greens/ Double Up Food Bucks: http://www.iowahealthieststate.com/resources/communities/double-up-food-bucks/

How much do Iowa families have to earn to make ends meet? And how many actually do? This week on the podcast, Natalie Veldhouse from Iowa Policy Project unpacks a new cost of living report that shows just what Iowans — urban and rural alike — are up against to survive financially. SHOW NOTES: Iowa Policy Project report: http://bit.ly/2oCtBp4

Head Start, a widely popular and equally effective federal program, was born out of President Johnson's "War on Poverty" in the 1960s. Decades later, Head Start continues to provide comprehensive early childhood education, nutrition, health and parenting support services for low-income families. Anne Discher talks with Tom Rendon and Carrie Sodders about the ins and outs of Head Start in Iowa. SHOW NOTES Sign up for our newsletter: http://bit.ly/2FyzOXv

Standing in for Anne on the podcast this week, Stephen Dykstra talks all-things back to school with a very special guest, his mom. Anna Dykstra is an educator in central Iowa with more than 15 years of full time teaching experience. Here's their discussion as Anna prepares to teach another year of second grade, with the first day of school right around the corner.

Managed care has been a high-profile topic in Iowa since the state's Medicaid program made the transition from fee-for-service in 2016. With the addition of Iowa Total Care to the MCO lineup early last month, it's a good time to revisit managed care by talking to people and organizations working on the front line of Medicaid in Iowa. In this episode, Anne sits down with Cyndy Miller, legal director at Disability Rights Iowa, to unpack their work of ensuring disabled Iowans get the health care they need — and are entitled to under the law. SHOW NOTES Disability Rights Iowa: https://disabilityrightsiowa.org/ Subscribe to our newsletter: bit.ly/2MKsPCd

Redlining, an unjust city planning practice used for decades in the U.S., has a dark history of systemically segregating communities by color and economic status. Its repercussions are still felt today, often by vulnerable children and their families. In this episode, Eric Burmeister with Polk County Housing Trust Fund breaks down redlining: its history, its consequences for today and possible solutions moving forward. SHOW NOTES Waterloo map: https://twitter.com/nhannahjones/status/1034834576638730240 Sign up for our newsletter: bit.ly/2MKsPCd

It's no secret parenting can be overwhelming, especially for under-served families lacking support. Home visiting, a decades-long practice still used today, is designed to meet that need. This voluntary program pairs parents with a family support worker who helps them navigate the demands and unknowns of parenting. In this episode, Janet Horras (IA Dept. of Public Health) and Rachel Bardwell (Partners in Family Development) unpack home visiting and how it supports children and families in Iowa. SHOW NOTES Iowa Family Support Network: iafamilysupportnetwork.org/ Sign up for our newsletter: bit.ly/2MKsPCd

Sam Gabriel is the co-founder of the Genesis Youth Foundation, a Des Moines-based nonprofit investing in refugee and immigrant youth and families. Sam and his wife Tricia draw from their own experiences as Liberian refugees to connect with kids through soccer, the arts and education. In this episode, learn how Sam's past has shaped his vision for Genesis — and discover ways you can help immigrants and refugees living in Iowa. SHOW NOTES Genesis website: http://bit.ly/2xWjRaE Sam and Tricia Gabriel in Des Moines Register: http://bit.ly/2SnfX3W

The Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2019 national KIDS COUNT® Data Book is out, with Iowa placing third overall in child well-being. At first glance, our state's high ranking suggests most kids in Iowa are faring well — but a deeper dive into the issue clearly shows there remains much work before all kids and families are able to thrive. Join the Center's Anne Discher, Sheila Hansen and Mike Crawford as they unpack the report findings. Show notes: KIDS COUNT links: www.cfpciowa.org/en/data/kids_count/ and www.aecf.org/resources/2019-kids-count-data-book/

An early education and child care professional, freshman legislator Tracy Ehlert brings a unique — and essential — perspective to the state capitol. On this week's podcast hear what Ehlert, a Cedar Rapids local, has to say about her experience as a first-time legislator, while also being a wife, mom and educator. About the series: Iowa Leaders is a new podcast series featuring honest conversations with state lawmakers, newbies and veterans alike, from both sides of the aisle and representing different regions of Iowa. We'll occasionally return to the series throughout the remainder of 2019.

A new poll shows that 80 percent of Iowa voters believe “improving the health, education, and well-being of children” is a high priority for the next president to address. Join our conversation with Brian Ahlberg, Jill Applegate and Renee Coe (Every Child Matters) and Laura Linnenbrink (Iowa AEYC) to learn about the Caucus for Kids Campaign — and why we're challenging all major-party presidential candidates to make kids a top priority.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we revisit the importance of children's mental health (see Episode 4 for the first installment). Anne Discher talks with Anne Starr (Orchard Place) and Chaney Yeast (Blank Children's Hospital) to get a big-picture perspective on mental health — what is it, why does it matter and how is Iowa doing in getting kids the help they need?

Dr. Amy Shriver is a faithful child advocate at the Iowa State Capitol, helping legislators understand the importance of child health and the policies that support it. This week Anne Discher catches up with Dr. Shriver, getting her take on effective advocacy, child health, immunizations and more.

Buckle in for a whirlwind recap of the 2019 legislative session in Iowa. Join Center staff Mary Nelle Trefz, Angelica Cardenas and Sheila Hansen, along with host Anne Discher, as they sort out the good, the bad and the ugly from session. Medicaid, children's mental health, education, child care, taxes—it's all included in this week's episode.

Early Thursday morning, Iowa lawmakers approved a bill that would limit the ability of city and county governments to fund public services. Anne Discher talks with Iowa Policy Project research director Peter Fisher about the ways the bill would enshrine minority rule, punish public-sector employees, penalize economic growth and hamstring cities recovering from natural disaster.

What's a child care desert? Why does child care cost so much? Is it true child care costs more than in-state college tuition? Good questions. Join the Center's Sheila Hansen and Dave Stone with the United Way of Central Iowa as they unpack the world of child care in Iowa—and why the state's situation is already at a crisis.

10. Early Childhood Iowa (ft. Barb Bremner) by Common Good Iowa

A conversation about excited changes to Iowa's foster care system with Janee Harvey, Kayla Eckerman and Angelica Cardenas.

Iowa NYTD: http://bit.ly/IowaNYTD Contact Taylor Berry: nytd@iowa.gov Iowa Youth Resources: http://bit.ly/IAYouthResources

7. School vouchers with Melissa Peterson by Common Good Iowa