Q&A with Iowa Rep. Joel Fry

Q. What’s in the works for 2017?

I have been named the Human Resource Committee Chairman, and so I will be spending much of my time working through legistlation that will be introduced into that committee. I expect we will be doing some review and work on our current regional mental health program, as well as making sure the most vulnerable Iowans are protected and cared for. We will continue to provide oversight to the new Medicaid Modernization process and take action if/where needed.

Q. Which issues will be highest priority?

I expect the next session to again focus on a balanced budget and making sure we fund Iowan’s priorities, like education, Medicaid and public safety, just to name a few — all this, while also making sure we protect the tax payer’s dollar. We are coming into session with less tax revenue than originally predicted, so new dollars for the state budget are less than predicted.

I also expect water quality to be a key discussion.

Q. How does it feel to be re-elected?

As always, it is a priviledge to represent House District 27. I look forward to hearing input and thoughts from across the district.

Rep. Fry’s forum dates are as follows:

February 3

March 3

April 7

8 a.m. Farm Bureau, Corydon

10 a.m. Mosaic, Creston

Noon Lakeside Casino, Osceola

2 p.m. Leon Community Center, Leon