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Good News for Newton Families: More Childcare on the Way

I’ve got some exciting news to share for Newton and Jasper County families.

I secured $2.78 million in Community Project Funding for the Newton YMCA Community Enhancement Project. These funds will help expand the current YMCA facility and create space for 50 additional childcare slots right here in our community.

Access to safe, reliable childcare is one of the biggest challenges I hear about from parents and employers across Jasper County. This project will:

• Open more childcare opportunities for local families
• Help parents stay in the workforce or return to work
• Support the health and well-being of children
• Strengthen Newton’s role as a great place to live, work, and raise a family

I fought for this funding because I know how important it is for working families and for our local economy. Investing in childcare is investing in Jasper County’s future.

Representing Iowa's First District

Great starting Veterans day off at the Hy-Vee in Fairfield for their annual Veterans Day breakfast!

Hy-Vee’s Veterans Day breakfast in Mt. Pleasant was packed! Dozens of veterans and their families came out to enjoy a warm meal together. I’m so thankful for each and every one of these heroes and for their service to our country.

While attending the Veterans Day Breakfast in Mt. Pleasant, I had the honor of meeting West Point graduate and fellow Army veteran, LTC Jon Zimmer.

Jon proudly follows in the footsteps of his father, LTC Leon Zimmer, who also graduated from West Point and served our nation with distinction. Now, Jon’s son, Jonah, continues that legacy as a cadet at West Point, Class of 2029.

Three generations of service, sacrifice, and love of country.

Families like the Zimmers represent the very best of America, duty, honor, and devotion passed down from one generation to the next.

Honored to speak at Fort Madison High School’s Veterans Day Assembly.

It’s always inspiring to see young Iowans take the time to honor those who’ve served and sacrificed for our freedoms. Thank you to the students, staff, and veterans who made this special day possible.

Glad to join the Iowa Society of Anesthesiologists annual meeting. As a physician, I spoke about the challenges facing the medical profession and the urgent need to increase the number of physicians, especially in rural communities. We discussed the need to reform prior authorization, reduce regulatory burdens, advance physician payment reform, and address up-coding by insurers in Seniors’ Health Insurance Advantage.

I held a town hall in Keosauqua where I got to answer constituents questions and listen to their concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

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