EDITOR’S NOTE: Candidate forums will appear on page 3 in the Sunday editions of the Times-Republican throughout the month of September. The timing of the forums is to provide candidate answers for readers prior to the beginning of voting by mail on Oct. 5.

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE:

Age: 31

<strong>Residence: Cedar Rapids

Hometown: Sherrill

Profession: Community Development

Education: BA, Drake University

Family: Married

Experience: Congressional page for Rep. Jim Nussle (R); Iowa House Page for Rep. Pat Murphy (D); Iowa House Legislative Aide for Rep. Todd Taylor (D); Iowa State Legislator (2015-2018); Congresswoman for Iowa’s First Congressional District (2019-Current)

Website: www.abbyfinkenauer.com

What are three of the most important issues Iowa will face during your two-year term as a U.S. Representative?

Marshalltown and Marshall County were just hit with the equivalent of a category II hurricane. We must ensure Marshalltown and Marshall County have what they need to address the long-term effects.

We need to make sure the billions of dollars going into COVID-19 relief are used wisely, and extend unemployment benefits and direct payments to families and businesses. As chair of the Small Business Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade and Entrepreneurship Subcommittee, I held a hearing on the Paycheck Protection Program.

I introduced legislation with Senator Ernst to unlock resources for communities and public-private partnerships that would expand access to child care. I authored legislation to help businesses access capital and have pushed the Department of Agriculture to cover loan payments.

What can be changed or improved about the Affordable Care Act?

We need to bring down the price of prescription medications and healthcare coverage and ensure protection for pre-existing conditions. I was happy to pass a bill in the House of Representatives to let Medicare negotiate with drugmakers on price. Congress passed the CREATES Act into law to stop some of the anti-competitive behavior of pharmaceutical companies.

What can be done in the House of Representatives to provide relief to Iowa farmers?

I’ve been able to work with President Trump in areas like passing improvements to NAFTA. This Administration has attacked the Renewable Fuel Standard. Even after a court ruled that this Administration has been abusing the small refinery exemption program, the EPA could grant 60 more hardship waivers. I’ve worked to open an investigation into these waivers.

Where do you stand on immigration reform?

Parties should come together for immigration reform. We must have secure borders, and have a legal immigration system that functions and can be navigated. Through reforms, we can have a functioning system while keeping Americans safe.

What more can be done to provide opportunities to our veterans? How can you help assure they have accessible and comprehensive health care?

I introduced the Peer Support for Veteran Families Act to create a support network for families of veterans with a mental health diagnosis. I’ve fought for increased funding to make sure veterans have the tools to launch a business, led bipartisan efforts to increase funding and passed legislation to extend the Boots to Business Program.

How do you differentiate yourself from your opponent?

I have worked to protect coverage for pre-existing conditions and oppose the lawsuit to end those protections. My opponent voted to let insurance companies offer healthcare plans in Iowa that discriminate against those with pre-existing conditions.

My opponent voted to put in place a loophole that allows the state to get around Buy America and fair wage requirements for Iowans working on transportation construction projects. I’ve worked to close that loophole and included a fix in a bill the House passed recently.

I have also fought for legislation to raise wages and protect union workers. My opponent supported rolling back wage increases planned in our communities, and has attacked collective bargaining. I will never vote against a wage increase for Iowans, and have fought to make sure employees have a voice.