$1,000 head start for every child means stronger future for Iowa families

As a mother and soon-to-be grandmother, I know firsthand that raising children isn’t easy or inexpensive. Families want to give their kids a strong start and a real shot at success, but too often the odds feel stacked against them.

That is exactly why I fought for, and proudly voted to pass, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which includes one of the most consequential pro-family policies Congress has enacted in a generation: a $1,000 investment account for every newborn.

For every child born between 2025 and 2028, this account provides an immediate stake in their financial future. Families are not required to contribute a single additional dollar for the account to grow over time, yet parents or guardians may contribute up to $5,000 annually until the child turns 18.

Even without extra contributions, the initial $1,000 can grow substantially through the power of compound interest, and every additional dollar invested can meaningfully shape a child’s future. This is not a handout. It is an investment in responsibility, opportunity, and long-term independence.

This policy is personal to me. I come from a low-income family. I started working at 16, joined the Army, and worked tirelessly to provide for myself and earn a shot at the American dream. I know how hard it is to get ahead when you are starting from behind. These $1,000 investment accounts give today’s children something so many never had, a chance to begin building wealth from day one.

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That is why I fought to make these accounts part of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. When paired with consistent contributions and long-term growth, they can help families prepare for education, homeownership or entrepreneurship. This is what smart, forward-looking policy looks like, policies that strengthen families, reward hard work and help the next generation plan for the future instead of struggling to catch up.

The private sector has already recognized the power of this idea. Major employers, including Uber, Charter, Schwab, Intel, Nvidia, Broadcom, IBM, Steak ’n Shake, Coinbase, Continental Resources and Comcast, have committed to incorporating these accounts into their employee benefit packages.

Several companies, including Coinbase, JPMorgan Chase, Steak ’n Shake, and Turning Point USA, have pledged to match the federal government’s $1,000 contribution for employees’ children.

These accounts are designed to be accessible to every family, regardless of income. They create a new, tax-advantaged way for parents, grandparents and loved ones to invest early in a child’s future, ensuring every young American has a stake in our nation’s success.

Philanthropic leaders are stepping up as well. Michael Dell and his family recently announced a $6.25 billion charitable commitment to support these investment accounts. Thanks to their generosity, the first 25 million children age 10 and under living in ZIP codes with median incomes below $150,000 will receive an additional $250 contribution.

These $1,000 investment accounts are a game changer for an entire generation. For young Iowans, they represent opportunity, ownership, and a real pathway to prosperity. I fought to deliver this policy because I believe every child deserves a fair shot at building a future. This is how we strengthen families, grow wealth and keep the American dream within reach.

Nice meeting with Dr. Renfro, Chancellor of Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. We discussed the critical role community colleges play in creating career pathways beyond four-year degrees and addressing workforce needs. Dr. Renfro also highlighted key priorities, including student basic needs, Pell Grant changes, ESL and GED funding and expanding opportunities for adult learners.

Great meeting with Davenport Mayor Jason Gordon and Interim City Administrator Tim Gleason to discuss the mayor’s 2026 priorities, Community Project Funding I’m working to secure for the city, the importance of the Rock Island Arsenal and continued economic growth in the Quad Cities.

It was great welcoming President Trump back to Iowa and to celebrate all the wins from the Working Families Tax Cut. I look forward to working with President Trump to continue delivering for Iowans.