Tommy Hexter, Democrat
Biographical information:
Tommy Hexter, 25, Democratic Party, Grinnell, Director of Grinnell Farm to Table and Policy Specialist with Iowa Farmers Union.
What are the most pressing issues you hope to address while in office?
Water Quality, Public Education, Small Business and Small Farm Tax Credits, Reproductive Freedom.
Why should voters cast their ballot for you?
I represent a new vision for Iowa.
What is your stance on abortion laws? Specifically, how do you feel about the 6-week abortion ban?
We need to repeal the six-week abortion ban. Women's medical choices need to be between them and trusted medical professionals, not the government. Making reproductive healthcare more accessible will support women and medical professionals who live or may want to live in our state.
What is your stance on Iowa compulsory education laws, specifically SF 496?
There is an attack on public education in Iowa, evidenced by curriculum manipulation, book-banning, and drastic underfunding of our school systems. I believe it is very important that schools are not censored on the subjects that they teach. Compulsory education laws are intentionally punitive to incentivize people to leave public school systems. I believe we need to end the compulsory education laws.
If elected, what are three action steps or legislative policies you would pursue that would impact Poweshiek County?
1. Use state funds to invest in the Choose Iowa Program so that farmers have more options of crops to grow and Iowans have access to affordable local food.
2. Mandate riparian buffers along major waterways in our state and fund farmers and landowners to plant and maintain these buffers to clean up our water quality.
3. Work on a joint resolution calling the Governor to sign on to the USDA's Summer EBT program which would provide children and families much needed food over the school break.