Breckenridge hopeful for progress in upcoming session

Editor’s Note: Each year before the Iowa Legislative Session convenes, the Newton Daily News interviews local legislators. The following Q&A features Iowa State House Representative-Elect Wes Breckenridge who is newly elected to District 29, which covers the majority of Jasper County. The Legislature convenes Jan. 9, 2017.

Q. As a freshman Democrat joining a Republican majority at the statehouse, what do you hope to accomplish in the 2017 session?

A. Even though Democrats are in the minority in both the Iowa House and Senate, I’m hopeful we still can make progress on solutions to state problems that both parties want and need to solve. Both sides want cleaner water, strong Iowa public schools, and efficient delivery of health care and other services to Iowa’s most vulnerable citizens.

Q. You campaigned heavily on addressing mental health care. How will you address this issue in the upcoming session?

As a police officer, I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous cost of lack of available mental health resources. When individuals don’t get the care they deserve, they suffer, as do their families. Issues relating to mental health have probably directly or indirectly affected every Iowan. Providing timely assistance saves money and heartache. I want to look at investing in the front end to help those in need instead of paying on the back end where we are expending money for emergency room visits and county jail stays, where they don’t have adequate resources to help those in need. The answer needs to be a bipartisan one.

Q. Medicaid privatization has caused delays in service and other issues within your district. Aside from reaching across the aisle in general, what steps will you take to address these issues and what action can be taken at the statehouse this session?

A. We have conducted two Medicaid-specific forums prior to this upcoming session and gained valuable input from providers and clients. We need to take current stock of the problems that still exist after eight months since the April 1 start of Medicaid privatization. The more specific we can be about the nature of the challenges faced by patients and providers, the more quickly we can move to clear them up.

Q. A Republican majority makes it seem possible some abortion restriction proposals might be pursued. Do you feel these will be largely partisan issues, and how will you and your party approach such proposals?

Once the session starts we will see what the Republican majority will propose and how we can work together in the best interest of all Iowans. However, I don’t feel a proposal to increase barriers for women to access healthcare services they presently have would be appropriate.

Q. Medical cannabis is a known priority to you. In 2017, how aggressively will you pursue greater access to this medicine?

I support making medical cannabinoid oil legally available in the state of Iowa for relief of a number of medical symptoms. I will reach across the aisle to garner support. I am hopeful that we will be able to work together on this issue.

Q. Republicans have mentioned various ways to fund more water quality programs. What kind of funding approach do you support?

A. I am open to looking at funding options as long as it doesn’t take away from other services such as education or mental health resources. We could look at implementing the Iowa Land and Water Legacy amendment approved by 63 percent of Iowans in 2010. In addition we need to assist farmers in utilization of Agricultural Best Management practices. This problem was not created overnight and won’t be fixed overnight, but we can work together toward improving Iowa’s waters.

Q. Education funding continues to be a contentious issue in the Legislature. What steps will you take to ensure Iowa schools are adequately funded?

A. I support continuing dedication of SAVE monies to Iowa schools. The SAVE Program was voted on and approved by Iowans to allow for additional revenue for local school district infrastructure needs. I would also support adequate funding to ensure our teachers and administrators have the necessary resources to aid in helping our children be successful. Also, allowing school to have more flexibility with educational funds would allow them to the meet the needs of their schools. Each school has different needs and we should minimize the categorizing of funds.