Working with my colleagues in the House and Senate we passed meaningful legislation to increase human trafficking penalties to life in prison when a minor is victimized. Additionally, we passed grooming legislation to protect children from predators.
Mark's Platform Priorities
PRO-LIFE
Life begins at conception. As adoptive parents, my wife and I have been blessed by two very courageous women who made the choice to give birth and provide them with the joy of being parents. Their daughters learned at a very early age that not only did Jacki and I love them, but their birth mothers loved them so much they chose to give them life.
PRO 2nd AMENDMENT
The 2nd Amendment was designed for citizens to defend themselves, no matter the adversary. Strict gun laws are already on the books; and in places like Chicago, such laws have illustrated the fallacy of their passage. Each citizen must have the right and ability to defend themselves, particularly in light of efforts to de-fund law enforcement.
PRO FAMILY FARM
Corporate or foreign ownership of farms compete with the foundation of our farm economy over multiple generations. It is not old fashion to have families producing the vital products that end up in our grocery stores. Bigger is not always better.
HEALTH CARE
Health care is vital for our Iowans with an added emphasis of those in the rural communities in my district. Doctors must have the freedom to make their own professional decisions unfettered by government mandates or government funding. I will fight for critical reforms to increase access to quality, affordable health care that Iowa families can afford.
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Recent legislation passed includes efforts to expand access to mental health services for all ages, create a sustainable, long-term funding system, provide training to help schools address student mental health needs, and increase the mental health workforce throughout the state. Mental health is part and parcel with physical health. Mental health has a significant impact on local law enforcement. Our police and sheriffs are often tasked with incarcerating people who are mentally ill and deserve treatment, not jail. We will continue to monitor progress in expanding access to mental health treatment throughout the state, and are committed to evaluating additional funding needs in the future.
END HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Human Trafficking involves the exploitation of others for labor or sex. It is modern-day slavery and it exists and even flourishes in places we don’t want to think about right here in Iowa. Not in dirty bars or run-down neighborhoods, but in well-heeled establishments and communities. In the context of labor trafficking, it is the 21st century version of the underground railroad – only in reverse – the victims are indentured to servitude, not freedom.
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If we walk out of the Iowa Capitol House Chamber, every legislator will encounter a bevy of lobbyists. Most of the legislators have grown accustomed to their advocacy, their advice and even their assistance. They represent a broad array of interests from doctors, lawyers, bankers, farmers, lawyers and even motorcycle riders, and more.
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Human Trafficking Victims do not have a lobbyist. That leaves it to my fellow legislators and me. Two years ago, the Iowa House and Senate passed unanimous legislation, making it a Class A felony to traffic a minor. The new laws have been used to prosecute one trafficker, and others are in our court system. I am committed to finding more ways and resources to find, stop and prosecute human trafficking in our state.
EDUCATION
Parents are their children's first teachers. Mark believes that every child should have an opportunity to learn. It is essential to protect our most vulnerable as we support and protect those educating them. Elected school boards are designed to represent the interests of their community. They are the connective tissue between teacher and parents. This local involvement and leadership have proven to be effective for generations.