Ragan Report

We must protect children and all vulnerable Iowans
     Iowans are outraged over crises at the Iowa’s Department of Human Services that seem to come one after another—most recently with the death of 16-year-old Sabrina Ray, who had been adopted out of foster care and was being home-schooled when her body was found in May in a Perry home.
     Our seniors, disabled Iowans and abused kids deserve dignity and the best-possible quality of life. That’s why Democrats at the Statehouse are pushing for fixes to Iowa’s safety net.
     We must backtrack on privatized Medicaid, which has wreaked havoc on Iowa’s health care system. We have to provide adequate help for Iowans struggling with mental illnesses; and we need to protect children when they have nowhere else to turn.
     The DHS director has decided to retire. That gives us the opportunity to renew our commitment to protecting vulnerable Iowans with fresh leadership. Advocating for those who have no voice must be our top priority.
     That won’t solve all the problems, though. Budget priorities are also a huge concern.
     How Iowa is failing at-risk kids and what we can do about it is something the State Government Oversight Committee has to address. We must have an open, honest assessment of the strengths and weaknesses at DHS and what the department needs to succeed.
     Sen. Amanda Ragan (D-Mason City) serves Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties in Senate District 27. She can be reached at (515) 281-3371 or (641) 424-0874. Email her at amanda.ragan@legis.iowa.gov.