Melissa Vine

Healthcare I’m committed to working toward a healthcare system that provides coverage for all Americans, regardless of pre-existing conditions or income level. This includes supporting efforts to strengthen and improve the Affordable Care Act, expanding Medicaid, and implementing a public option to increase competition and lower healthcare costs. I will also prioritize investments in preventive care, mental health services, and rural healthcare infrastructure to ensure that every Iowan has access to the care they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Social Services I will fight to protect and strengthen Medicare and Social Security, ensuring that our seniors can retire with dignity and have access to the healthcare they need. I will work to expand access to quality, affordable healthcare, including lowering prescription drug costs. Social Services I will advocate for stronger protections against discrimination, improved access to healthcare and assistive technologies, and expanded job training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. We must also invest in accessible infrastructure and transportation to promote inclusivity in our communities. Environment / Energy I will advocate for policies that promote clean water initiatives, including investing in infrastructure upgrades to prevent pollution and contamination, supporting conservation efforts to preserve our natural habitats, and holding corporate polluters accountable for their actions while working with family farms to ensure their future success. I will also work to strengthen regulations and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that our waterways remain safe and sustainable for future generations. Economy I will also support measures to address the rising cost of housing, education, and other basic necessities, making sure that hardworking Iowans can afford to live and thrive in our communities. Government Reform I will fight against voter suppression tactics that disenfranchise communities of color, support efforts to expand voting rights and access to the ballot box, and advocate for campaign finance reform to reduce the influence of money in politics. I will also work to strengthen our democratic institutions, hold elected officials accountable for their actions, and promote transparency and accountability in government. Guns I will advocate for universal background checks, closing loopholes – including the boyfriend loophole – that allow individuals to purchase firearms without proper vetting, and implementing red flag laws to temporarily remove guns from individuals deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. I also support efforts to invest in mental health resources and community-based violence prevention programs to address the root causes of gun violence in our society. Immigration I support immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are contributing, law-abiding members to our society, protects our Dreamers and secures our borders. Wages / Job Benefits I will stand with unions to protect workers’ rights, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to affordable healthcare and retirement benefits. We must oppose efforts to weaken unions and fight for policies that promote job security, economic stability, and a level playing field for all workers. Abortion / Contraception I believe in upholding the protections established in Roe v. Wade and ensuring that reproductive healthcare remains accessible to all women, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location. I will advocate for policies that promote comprehensive sex education and violence prevention, affordable contraception, and reproductive healthcare services. Abortion / Contraception I support women’s reproductive freedom and I believe women have the right to make their own healthcare decisions, including access to safe and legal abortion services. Defense / Veterans I will fight for increased funding for VA healthcare services, mental health support, and job training programs specifically tailored to veterans. Additionally, we must address the backlog of VA claims to ensure timely access to benefits for those who have served our country.