When Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds gave her Condition of the State Address last week, she outlined two priorities, including broadband internet access and childcare.

District 24 Senator Jesse Green says various entities in his district, which includes Greene County, have said childcare is becoming more of an issue, especially since the start of the pandemic. 

“I’m going to be a pretty loud voice down there (at the Statehouse) about this. With the CARES (CoronavirusAid, Relief and Economic Security) money there was some money that came through that to kind of help address this issue. The only fear on the other side – that I’m aware of or understand – is that after two years, what happens? You have this government program that’s expanded and needs funded without potentially federal dollars subsidizing it. We need to identify the problem and do what we can to fix it, that’s what we’re here for.”

As for broadband internet access, the governor laid out a plan that would contribute over $450 million to have broadband internet across Iowa by 2025. Green gives his reaction when he heard that proposal by the governor.

“That’s a big number, but what I do like about it is she’s taking it seriously. In our district in particular I think there’s four spots that need addressed. I look forward to our district getting buttoned up here pretty quick.”

Contact Green about this or other legislative matters via phone at 515-351-9761 or email at jesse.green@legis.iowa.gov. You can hear updates from Senator Green on our legislative update programs with Community State Bank in Paton Let’s Talk Greene County on Mondays during the legislative session.