UNITED to THRIVE

The five elements of a thriving community are the interconnected areas of focus United Way of Central Iowa uses to create strategies and set goals to improve the lives of every person in our community.

ESSENTIAL NEEDS

Lead efforts to begin state investment in the statewide 211 coalition for resource referral and disaster recovery services provided to Iowans.
Support efforts to address affordable housing and reduce cost-burdens for families seeking homeownership.
Support a direct appropriation for the Double Up Food Bucks program allowing SNAP participants better access to healthy, nutritious fruits and vegetables.
Support efforts to increase SNAP access post-pandemic by bringing Iowa’s income eligibility more in line with federal guidelines.

EARLY CHILDHOOD SUCCESS

Support efforts to increase funding for the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program to allow more families to access the program.
Continue to support English-language learners by increasing opportunities and funding for instruction and support.

EDUCATION SUCCESS

Expand career pathway exploration in the PreK-12 education system so students are better prepared for career decisions.

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Support the recommendations of the Iowa Skills2Compete Coalition, including:

Lead efforts to increase affordable access to quality childcare and promote stabilization in the childcare workforce.
Support efforts to develop equitable access to broadband across central Iowa.
Maintain current investments in adult basic education, PACE programs, pathway navigators, industry sector partnerships, and GAP tuition assistance at $12.5 million. Expand PACE programs to include apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities.
Support the Future Ready Iowa initiative to help Iowa's workforce grow through new investments that build on the solid foundation of programs and funding currently in place.
Lead efforts to expand engagement with the federal (SNAP E&T) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment & Training program.
Support quality job creation that provides the necessary training, education, and professional development to ensure workers are equipped to succeed in their work and career.

Support the recommendations of the OpportUNITY Reentry Taskforce, including:

Support state IDs and/or driver’s licenses for returning citizens.
Work to address court debt, so returning citizens can stabilize and reintegrate while addressing ongoing debt.

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Support the children’s mental health system through the (CAMHI4KIDS) Coalition to Advance Mental Health in Iowa for Kids.
Educate policymakers on the importance of overall oral health in partnership with the Oral Health Iowa coalition.
Support the recommendations of the Well Kids of Central Iowa Coalition.
Support the recommendations of the Iowa Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs 360) Coalition.

2021 Legislative Scorecard

Each year United Way of Central Iowa and other United Ways around the state collaborate to develop our top priorities for the Iowa legislature related to the 5 elements of a thriving community; essential needs, early childhood success, education success, economic opportunity, and health and well-being.. Our work to advocate for public policy changes happen both directly through face-to-face meetings with legislators, leaders, and influencers in our community, and indirectly by helping all central Iowans engage their legislators regarding these issues.

Below are United Way of Central Iowa's legislative priorities for the 2021 legislative session, and the results once the legislative session ended in June 2021.