Fairness for Iowa hosts ad launch Snack & Chat in Iowa City to discuss Miller-Meeks’ votes to cut health care

Last night, Iowans gathered at the Iowa City Public Library to view Fairness for Iowa’s latest ads and have a discussion about the impacts of health care cuts. 

The ads feature Joanna, a Johnson County resident, calling out Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ vote for the largest cuts in history to Medicaid last year, leaving thousands of Iowans worried about their health care options and rural hospitals at risk of closing, to make permanent massive tax breaks for billionaires. After viewing the ads, participants heard from local residents impacted by these cuts and a local physician about the harm these cuts do to Iowans and communities. 

Jonna, Johnson County mother of two, said that Miller-Meeks doesn’t seem to have the right priorities. 

“Mariannette Miller-Meeks voted to gut Medicaid in order to give tax cuts to the rich,” Jonna said. “Her vote harmed thousands of Iowans like my family, who rely on Medicaid to provide medical care, respite for caregivers, prescriptions, and housing for our loved ones with disabilities. She made it harder for us to care for our families, but we'll keep doing it - unlike Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who doesn't care for Iowans.”

Dr. Norris, a physician at a free medical clinic, said that policy decisions that leave Iowans without health care options are disastrous for communities. 

“My experience over the last 30 years of practicing as a family physician has revealed the importance of access to health care for the well-being of individuals and communities,” Norris said. “Allowing the ACA tax credits to expire without a reasonable, expert-driven alternative in place is irresponsible on the part of Congress and will lead to detrimental health consequences for thousands of Iowans”.