Senate Journal: Page 172: Thursday, January 28, 1999

  conditions by reducing the waiting period to six months.  Let us stop
  insurance
  companies from "gagging" doctors so that they are prevented from telling us
  the
  information we need to know.  Let us make sure that the information we
  receive about
  a health plan's record is accurate; that it promotes good medical practices
  and let us
  above all else require a fair and legitimate appeal process to resolve
  managed care
  disputes.  Children in this state specifically are at risk and for that
  reason we will
  propose a specific and targeted set of proposals and protections designed to
  provide
  these opportunities for Iowa's children as well.

  But we acknowledge the best way to be first in health is through good
  preventive
  care.  We have therefore proposed initiatives for women over 50, addressing
  the
  increased risks of breast cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease; we will
  launch a public
  awareness campaign; strengthen local health systems and promote community
  health
  and public education.

  Beyond that initiative it is our commitment to enhance child dental care and
  child
  nutrition programs and perhaps the boldest stroke of all - we are
  recommending over
  one million dollars of support to establish a new School of Public Health at
  the
  University of Iowa. We take these steps because we know prevention works.
  We know
  prevention saves money.  And most important of all, we know prevention saves
  lives!

  Finally, our health care program includes protection for Iowa's seniors.
  They are
  those who farmed our land, who taught our children, who worked in our
  factories and
  businesses - and as such they deserve to live their last years in quiet
  dignity.  If we
  restructure Medicaid funding, we can increase direct care staff salaries and
  improve
  the quality of care in nursing homes. If we establish an annual "Governor's
  Award for
  Quality Care" we can recognize outstanding nursing facilities. If we create
  additional
  long-term care ombudsman positions we can work together to correct nursing
  home
  deficiencies. And, if we stiffen fines for repeat violators and focus health
  facility
  inspections on those chronic violators we will enhance the good reputation
  of the vast
  majority of nursing homes and facilities in our state today.

  Our goal is improved and fairer health care for all.  Let it be said that
  here in Iowa,
  we put our money where our most vulnerable populations are.

  The safety, security and well-being of Iowans is the responsibility of each
  of us.  But
  nowhere, perhaps, is that responsibility accepted with more courage and more
  dedication than in the selfless service provided by our peace officers.
  Today, we, as a
  grateful people, salute and thank every peace officer who puts his or her
  life on the line
  every day for our families and ourselves.  With us this morning are two men
  who are
  living proof of that dedication and courage.

  When the time finally came, after four intense days in the middle of a
  hostage crisis,
  a distraught and dangerous father, charged with numerous crimes including
  attempted
  murder and kidnapping brought his two sons out into the Indianola sunlight.
  As he
  began to pull a loaded hand-gun from his pocket, Ken Haut rushed in and
  flung his body
  in harm's way, tackling and subduing the prisoner. Serving with him were his
  fellow
  troopers and other peace officers.

  Without thinking of his personal safety, this humble Lamoni Chief of Police
  pursued two suspected murderers and bank robbers.  In an instant his life
  changed
  forever.  His sacrifice was great.  He lost an eye and might have lost his
  life.  But Dale

© 1999 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

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