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Meeting Public Comments

Subcommittee meeting and times are as follows:
HF 2438
A bill for an act relating to public assistance program integrity.(Formerly HSB 698.)
Subcommittee members: Meyer, A.-CH, Forbes, Fry
Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Time: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Location: House Lounge
Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.
Comments Submitted:

03-08-2022
Di Findley [Iowa CareGivers]
Iowa CareGivers opposes HF2438 because many direct care workers must depend on HAWKI, SNAP, child care subsidies and other supports so they can work. These essential workers have been at the epicenter of the COVID19 pandemic the past three years, working long hours under extremely demanding conditions and shortstaffed. This bill would add additional unnecessary burden on a workforce that is already dwindling in numbers. The bill, considered to provide program integrity in many ways calls into question the very integrity of those being referred to as heroes only two years ago. This will add one more reason for people to leave the field. Rather than making it more difficult for people to work and survive, we would urge you to focus on wage enhancements so essential workers aren't forced to rely on food and health care assistance in order to provide care and support for older Iowans and people with disabilities. Please do not pass HF2438 Thank You for your consideration.In 2019 23% of DCWs received health care coverage through Medicaid54% had children on HAWKI17% relied on SNAP10% relied on WIC
03-09-2022
Brian Carter [IOwa United Methodist Church]
I am Rev. Brian Carter, Legislative Advocate (lobbyist) for the Iowa United Methodist Church. We are registered against HF2438 and urge you to vote against this bill.We are not against making sure that those who are poor are the one's getting needed assistance, but we believe we are called to support and poor. We believe we should be emphasizing measures that build and maintain the wealth of poor people. This spends precious resources on checking for cheaters rather than building programs that truly help the poor.