STATE FAIR WEEK: MILLER-MEEKS SKIPS CONSTITUENTS, PICKS RFK JR

Miller-Meeks attempts to rewrite her record on health care

DES MOINES, Iowa — Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks chose not to speak to her constituents at the Iowa State Fair’s Political Soapbox on Monday, opting instead to visit with partisan, out-of-state hecklers and appear at a private event in Newton alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The decision comes as Miller-Meeks faces growing questions about her record on health care, including her vote for the Republican Tax Law, which cut Medicaid and set in motion new restrictions that could cause sick Iowans to lose coverage and voting against extending the ACA tax credits.

While Miller-Meeks and Kennedy promoted their health agenda in Newton, Iowans gathered outside the event to voice opposition to the Trump administration’s health care policies.

For Iowans, the contrast is difficult to miss: Miller-Meeks had an opportunity to stand on the State Fair stage and talk to the people she represents. Instead, she chose a private event with one of the Trump administration’s most controversial health officials who is promoting the gutting of Medicaid and attacking vaccines.

“I came out today because, as a Newton mom and healthcare professional, I’m deeply concerned about RFK Jr.’s approach to vaccines and the way he has undermined trust in evidence-based public health,”  said Reanna from Newton. “When I heard he was going to be in my community, I felt it was important to show up and make my voice heard. I want our elected officials to listen to the people they represent and make healthcare decisions based on strong scientific evidence.”

That choice to feature RFK Jr. is especially glaring as Iowa prepares to implement new Medicaid eligibility requirements that could threaten coverage for people with serious health conditions.

Medical experts and patient advocacy organizations across the country have sounded the alarm. 48 national patient organizations representing people with cancer, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions warned that the new rule could dramatically increase coverage losses among vulnerable patients. 

Iowa is fast tracking its own implementation, with new cuts taking effect a year early. 

Iowans with serious illnesses are not only dealing with bad policy, it’s landing on their doorstep practically tomorrow. Speeding up coverage loss that will cost Iowans access to medications, doctors and treatment that people depend on to stay healthy.

Miller-Meeks voted for the Republican Tax Law that created these Medicaid cuts to fund tax breaks for billionaires. 

“Miller-Meeks had a choice: she could have spoken at the State Fair to share her vision and listen to Iowans, or she could stand beside RFK Jr. and promote a health care agenda that is putting their health and safety at risk. She chose RFK Jr.,” said Mazie Stilwell, Executive Director of Progress Iowa. “Iowans deserve to know why she is more comfortable standing behind closed doors with Trump’s health secretary than standing in front of Iowa families and answering for her record of cutting health care and rising monthly premiums.”