EXCLUDED WORKERS FUND

Starting the day I was elected to the Supervisors in June 2021, I have been leading the process to see that Excluded Workers receive funds they need and deserve. Giving $1,400 payments to county residents who have not been eligible for previous government payments is the right thing to do and it builds strength for all of Johnson County.

These tax-paying residents served all of us in their work during the pandemic, but received no payments to keep themselves or their families medically safe or financially stable. Most Johnson County residents were eligible for up to $3,200 in cash payments plus enhanced unemployment benefits. Excluded Workers started with $0.00 in cash payments and were not eligible for other programs. These $1,400 payments are too small and have been delayed too long to be just compensation, but they could have been one step toward equity. Supervisor Rod Sullivan joined me in supporting these payments. I am humbled to have led the fight to share some of the county's American Relief Program funds with them.

NO MRAP OR BEARCAT VEHICLES FOR SHERIFF

Military-style vehicles such as the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) or Bearcat have no place in law enforcement in Johnson County. I am proud to have helped lead the call to dispose of the MRAP and to not approve purchase of the smaller Bearcat vehicle. These vehicles intimidate and scare residents more than they protect officers or citizens. Alternative de-escalating policing methods exist and should be used. The MRAP remains in the county's possession, but I will continue to seek a way to dispose of it and keep the county safe.

INCREASE GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY AND RESPONSIVENESS

Johnson County can improve its legislative process to better serve the public and better respond to needs expressed by the public by doing the following:


CONTINUE GOOD RESPONSE TO COVID-19

Johnson County Public Health has shined as a leader in the local and state response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am glad to have helped give them the resources they need to protect the health of all county residents. I am also pleased to use ARPA funds to help defend against future outbreaks by hiring another Disease Protection Specialist, more Community Health nurses, and establishing a Public Health Clinic van for mobile services.


MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Johnson County is in the planning stage of working with Iowa City and other entities to include numerous units of affordable housing in a proposed new building on Clinton Street. The County is also evaluating the renovation of county-owned homes on Harrison Street and the corner of Capitol and Prentiss streets for affordable housing. These tangible projects are much needed and I will work to continue this momentum for more county supported affordable housing.

INCREASED AFFORDABLE DAYCARE SLOTS

Over $1.1M is devoted to subsidize more daycare provider slots and incentives to increase wages for workers in the new proposed Clinton Street building project. In this project, as well as others in the exploration stage with local businesses, I will work to continue the county's efforts to provide more slots for affordable daycare that also increases pay for workers, which will increase the quality of the experience for children, parents, and workers.

CONTINUE COUNTY CLEAN ENERGY PROGRESS

The Climate Crisis calls for every government entity to devote significant resources to expanding renewable energy production as fully and quickly as possible

ALTERNATIVE POLICING RULES OF CONTACT NEEDED

The Johnson County Sheriff's Department, along with many other local law enforcement agencies across America, needs to update their law enforcement rules of engagement with citizens. All but a few instances call for lower levels of aggressive response and interaction with residents. Detailing these rules, in cooperation with county residents, will ease the fears of some, and increase confidence in the Sheriff for all.

RACIAL JUSTICE REFORMS

Johnson County still has time to respond to the significant call for judicial reforms raised by Black Lives Matter, Iowa Freedom Riders, and other groups two years ago. Some of these include:

CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR LOCAL FOODS PROGRAMS

Johnson County has built a thriving Local Foods policy and program support. You can count on me to continue that support and seek ways to expand it.

OTHER USES OF ARPA FUNDS

A few other outstanding uses of ARPA funds will help many County residents: