Reichman's Remarks

Week six remained busy in the Iowa Senate as we welcomed guests, met in committees, subcommittees, and worked on new solutions to help better our state. On Tuesday, we were privileged to host several guests to the Capitol, including the University of Northern Iowa. We met with staff, alumni, and students who represented their university. Wednesday we welcomed ABATE members from all over Iowa. We also met with members of the Iowa Motor Truck Association to learn more about the Iowa trucking industry. The trucking industry is a vital part of both the Iowa and American economy.

Senate Study Bill 1105 started going through the legislative process this week and is designed to address the issue of errors and fraud in Iowa’s public assistance programs. According to the Iowa City Press Citizen, the total amount of unemployment insurance overpayments for 2022 was up 6,086% since 2017, costing over $129 million in unwarranted spending. Fraud payments were also up 242% last year totaling $13.8 million. This unwarranted spending takes away benefits from those who are legitimately in need. SSB 1105 helps ensure these programs are available for Iowans in legitimate need and protect the taxpayer from fraud and government inefficiency.

During her Condition of the State address, Gov. Kim Reynolds shared her priority for making government “efficient, effective, and small again,” by putting forward a major plan for realignment of departments this year. Gov. Reynolds wants to streamline Iowa’s 37 cabinet agencies to 16. She has introduced Senate Study Bill 1123 to accomplish this goal. The goal of this bill will be to reduce unnecessary friction among agencies, improve efficiency and collaboration, and prevent government from enlarging.

We also had floor debate this week. One notable bill, Senate File 75, creates a new license for hospitals, called Rural Emergency Hospitals (REH). I personally had the bill drafted and was the bill sponsor. A rural emergency hospital means a facility that provides rural emergency health services 24/7 and does not provide any inpatient acute care. This designation would help stabilize rural hospitals that may be struggling and help bring in more money through Medicare. This bill also included state licensure of ambulatory surgical centers to provide better transparency and enforcement of these health facilities. Health care access is a major concern in rural Iowa, and one we hear often about from constituents. Senate File 75, which passed the Senate 48-0, helps keep hospitals open in our rural communities and help ensures Iowans have access to important health care services.

Last week I said medical malpractice reform wouldn’t fix everything, However, SF 75 will take one more step toward ensuring all Iowans have access to the care they need. Access to health care services is a critical issue in our state and with the passage of Senate File 75, more hospitals will be able to stay open and provide services to the Iowans who need them. Rural emergency hospitals will help rural communities that need health care services, stabilize hospitals that may be struggling in rural areas, and help ensure an essential need for Iowans and specifically for us in Lee County.

When we lost our local hospital last year there were naysayers claiming Gov. Reynolds didn’t support Rural Emergency Hospitals. They were entirely wrong, and I would like to thank Gov. Reynolds and her staff for their help.

Rural Emergency Hospital legislation still needs to pass the House and be signed by Gov. Reynolds. However, I have a great deal of confidence the House will pass it soon.