Rep. Mary Madison is running for another term to represent Iowa House District 31 in West Des Moines.
The Democrat is running unopposed in the party’s primaries and will not face a Republican challenger in the general election.
To help voters, the Des Moines Register has sent questions to all federal and Des Moines-area legislative candidates running for political office this year. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
The primaries are scheduled for June 4, ahead of the November 5 general election.
More: Voting has begun for the June 4 Iowa caucuses. Here’s what you need to know:
Who is Mary Madison (incumbent)?
Age: 74
Party: Democrat
Current residence: West Des Moines
Education: Bachelor of Arts from St. Peter’s College, Master of Arts from Seton Hall University, Master of Education from Tarleton State University, Master of Divinity from Interdenominational Theological Center
Occupation: Ordained minister, retired teacher and school counselor
Political experience and social activities: State legislature and community advocacy. League of Women Voters, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, The Links Inc., Children & Families First Inc.
What would be your most important issue if elected?
Madison: Fully funded public schools, which will provide quality education for all students. Make public school education a priority by increasing the budget and provide school districts with timely budget information so they can plan ahead. Stop the extreme behavior and instead encourage an environment that helps our students reach their full potential. Raise reading levels and help students with career opportunities. State funding has failed to keep up with rising costs for eleven out of twelve years. Still, the Legislature provided $142 million in taxpayer money for the first year of a voucher program for private schools.
What policies would you support to improve Iowa’s education system?
Madison: Ensure that every child who needs special education gets what they need. Work on improving reading scores. The AEA system has been an excellent partner for families and local schools, both rural and urban. I would restore the relationship, trust and security that the AEA once provided. Increase the number of school counselors.
What do you think Iowa’s tax policy should be? Do you believe the state’s priority should be lowering rates or spending services on Iowans?
Madison: I believe everyone should pay their fair share of taxes. Corporate profits are at a record high and corporate taxes remain low. We need to raise the minimum wage. We can extend the tax-free holiday by another two weeks. As a community we should not be afraid of collective bargaining. When workers have a living wage, they can save, pay taxes, and buy the things they need. We need to make childcare more affordable. Why sit on a surplus of reserves and leave Iowans waiting on the disability list for years without resources, or pay direct service workers a fast food salary? Especially if things can and should be improved.
What policies would you support to improve school safety in Iowa?
Madison: Common sense gun laws would help immensely. Even most gun owners are in favor of responsible, common sense gun safety. Make recruiting qualified mental health therapists and expanding mental health beds a priority. To ensure that weapons are safely locked, lockers and trigger locks are required and available. Restrict access to weapons for high-risk individuals who are considered a danger to themselves and others. Background checks for gun purchases should be mandatory. Insurance companies are not allowed to limit the liability of those who carry a weapon in schools and public places.
What next steps do you think the Iowa Legislature should take when it comes to abortion?
Madison: The legislature must stop micromanaging women’s health care decisions. Provide the reproductive freedom women need to access reproductive care. Involving midwives in Iowa’s health care system as an option for those who choose to do so. Everyone has to make their own health care decisions. Make sure birth control is available without a prescription. Extend postpartum care for 12 months after the mother gives birth on Medicaid. Return medical decisions to doctors and the women who need care.
This article originally appeared in the Des Moines Register: Meet Incumbent Rep. Mary Madison, Candidate for Iowa House District 31
