Senate Journal: Page 34: Tuesday, January 15, 2002
trips in Iowa to the places highlighted in the book. Christie deserves our thanks for
her volunteer efforts on behalf of literacy in our state.
Early childhood efforts require better coordination and advocacy within state
government. For that reason, I will be signing an executive order establishing a
“Children’s Cabinet” to better coordinate and advocate on behalf of our youngest
children.
But these private efforts and advocacy need matching support from the state, to
insure that our young people start school ready to learn and excel. It’s an investment
that will pay off many times in the future—and one that will greatly enhance the
impact of all our investments in K through 12 and beyond.
To that end, I propose the establishment of a permanent endowment for early
childhood education. Any funds remaining after fully funding the Rainy Day Fund over
the next five years will be transferred into the endowment when the books are closed,
where it will be invested. Income will be appropriated annually by the legislature to
promote early childhood learning and literacy.
All of these steps will build on the progress that has been made on our number one
priority.
Although we have made great progress in expanding access to quality healthcare,
we must remember that there is another group of Iowans that we cannot afford to leave
behind—those affected by mental illness. Mental illness directly affects one out of
every four Iowa families. It is a disease that can tear families apart, damage the bonds
of friendship and cause Iowa businesses lost time, and with it, productivity and profit.
Mental illness is a disease. It can be treated. It should be fully covered by health
insurance policies—the same as any other disease. The sad truth is that many
mentally ill people do not get help simply because their health insurance doesn’t cover
their illness. Without adequate coverage, they cannot afford the care they need. These
people need insurance parity.
Many studies have shown that the benefits of parity far outweigh the costs. Mental
health and substance abuse parity will provide more Iowans with the healthcare they
need to live healthy and productive lives.
I want to thank Lt. Governor Sally Pederson for leading the fight for parity in Iowa.
Her lifelong advocacy has done much to secure the blessings of liberty for our children,
for people with special needs, and other vulnerable Iowans.
She is working now in partnership with counties, providers, adults with disabilities,
and families to create a consumer-driven system of services for Iowans with mental
illness, mental retardation, and developmental disabilities.
With Lt. Governor Pederson’s leadership, and support from members of the
legislature, let us make this the year we achieve mental health and substance abuse
parity in Iowa. I know there are powerful interests who will work hard to block this
progress, as they have in the past. But let us make this the year that we take a giant
step that could help thousands of Iowans to be healthy participants in the growth of
our state.
© 2002 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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