Jobs- Growing the Cedar Rapids economy and creating new jobs is Renee’s highest priority.  She will accomplish this by removing barriers to entrepreneurs and small business development to help Iowa compete nationally and globally.  Lowering taxes, improving availability of healthcare benefits, and supporting local business development are keys to improving our economy.

Taxes – With the cost of living skyrocketing and families facing difficulties making ends meet, Renee will work to lower income taxes.  The family budget deserves as much of her attention as the state budget.  Ensuring that tax dollars are spent wisely to the highest benefit for every Iowan is important to Renee.

Children- Renee and her husband Brent have given their lives to helping children and have opened their home to the care and nurture of foster children in need.  Iowa’s children need and deserve to be protected, nurtured and given every opportunity to grow strong and productive.  Healthcare and mental health services should be available for every child who needs it.

Families – Families are stressed when the economy is stressed, when resources are limited, when values are eroded.  In her professional life, Renee has worked and counseled with hundreds of families in need.  She will bring this compassion and understanding of family issues to the Iowa House.

Seniors- High property taxes and taxes on retirement income are forcing many seniors to leave the state.  Renee knows how expensive healthcare and prescription drugs are for seniors.  She knows how important it is to seniors to be able to stay in their own hones as long as possible.  Renee wants seniors to stay in Iowa with their families and she will work to lower retirement costs.

Schools – Renee is proud of the area schools and the quality education they provide.  She will work to give parents and teachers the tools and resources they need to help children learn.  As a college professor, Renee believes higher education should receive the attention and support of the legislature.  Renee will work to make education in Iowa even better than it already is.