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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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