Warme

As we pass what was supposed to be the final day of session, our commitment to finishing strong hasn’t wavered. This week brought a major milestone on a top priority of mine: smart PBM reform. Senate File 383 delivers meaningful reforms to pharmacy benefit manager practices, putting patients first, cutting costs and supporting the rural pharmacies that are often lifelines in our communities. It’s a win for health care access, affordability and fairness across Iowa.

In big-picture news, Senate Republicans and Governor Reynolds announced a budget agreement totaling $9.417 billion–an increase of nearly $470 million (or 5.25%) from Fiscal Year 2025. My focus continues to be on ensuring these investments reflect our conservative budgeting principles while supporting vital services. I’m continuing to gather feedback from constituents as we shape policy that reflects the needs and goals of the people I serve.

In my role on the HHS Appropriations subcommittee, I worked extensively this week on the $2.8 billion Veterans and Health and Human Services budget, outlined in Senate Study Bill 1237. This is a 9% increase or nearly $228 million compared to our current Fiscal Year 2025. It’s a tough balancing act, meeting many worthy requests while ensuring effective stewardship of your tax dollars. A few highlights:

Veterans Affairs: $13.2 million appropriated, including a $500,000 increase for the Veterans Home Ownership Assistance Program–an investment in those who’ve served us.

Maternal Health: Division XV of the bill streamlines the MOMS (More Options for Maternal Support) Program, easing red tape and improving access to care for expecting mothers.

Mental Health: We continue to see strong mental health Medicaid funding–an area where consistency matters (and fitting with May being Mental Health Awareness Month!).

HCBS Support: $5 million for Home and Community-Based Services to help Iowans remain independent and reduce long-term costs through less institutionalization.

Another major milestone was reached with the signing of Iowa’s new school cell phone policy into law! It was heartening to hear about the positive results already seen at schools like Hoover and Ottumwa. I was especially proud of Grace, a 9th grader from Story County, who bravely spoke in favor of the bill during subcommittee hearings. This is a step forward in improving mental health, student behavior, and learning outcomes, and I am excited to hear similar results from many more schools across Iowa as new and stronger policies are enacted.

Sometimes, the most meaningful moments happen outside the chamber. This week, I had the honor of stepping in for the Chief of Police to offer a prayer for law enforcement and our military during the Iowa National Day of Prayer. Alongside state leaders and fellow Iowans, we came together to reflect, ask for guidance, and lift up the spiritual well-being of our state and nation.

Thank you for staying engaged in the work we’re doing together. As we move into the final stretch of the session, I’ll continue fighting for the values and priorities that matter to you.

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Kara Warme, a Republican from Ames, represents District 26 in the Iowa Senate.