Local Government News

Mariannette Miller-Meeks announces bid for House GOP Conference Secretary

U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks has announced her candidacy for the position of House Republican Conference Secretary.

By River Bend Times | Nov 12, 2024

Local Government

Legislation introduced to extend second-generation biofuel producer tax credit

U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Sharice Davids have introduced a bill aimed at extending the Second-Generation Biofuel Producer Tax Credit.

By River Bend Times | Nov 8, 2024

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Local Government

CMS approves new senior care facility in Bettendorf after Miller-Meeks' advocacy

By River Bend Times | Oct 18, 2024

U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved UnityPoint Health's application to open a new Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) facility in...

Local Government

House members urge Congress to prevent Medicare physician pay cuts

By River Bend Times | Oct 15, 2024

U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks has spearheaded an effort with 232 bipartisan House members to address a looming reduction in Medicare reimbursement for physicians. The group has urged House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to take action before the 118th Congress concludes, aiming to prevent a 2.8% cut scheduled for 2025. This proposed reduction could significantly impact patient care, particularly in rural areas, and exacerbate existing provider burnout.

Local Government

CBO estimates $1.8 trillion deficit under Biden-Harris administration

By River Bend Times | Oct 8, 2024

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has reported that the deficit for Fiscal Year 2024 is estimated to reach $1.8 trillion. This figure is double what was projected when the Biden-Harris administration began its term. Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley expressed concern over this development.

Local Government

Grassley criticizes lack of transparency in Biden-Harris budget proposal

By River Bend Times | Oct 4, 2024

Ranking Member Chuck Grassley from Iowa has raised concerns over the Biden-Harris Administration's handling of its 2025 budget proposal, citing a lack of transparency that he claims is preventing the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) from conducting a complete analysis.

Local Government

CBO projects Biden-Harris Medicare policy may cost taxpayers over $21 billion

By River Bend Times | Oct 3, 2024

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released its fiscal analysis of the Biden-Harris administration's Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration Program. The report estimates that the program could cost taxpayers over $21 billion in three years if it proceeds as planned. This initiative, launched by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), aims to reduce seniors' premiums, which have increased due to previous policy changes.

Local Government

Grassley emphasizes oversight in addressing rising housing costs

By River Bend Times | Sep 25, 2024

Senator Chuck Grassley has emphasized the need for continued oversight to address housing affordability issues in a recent statement. He highlighted the impact of inflation on housing prices, attributing a significant rise to the current administration's policies.

Local Government

Rep. Miller-Meeks honors late Lee County Sheriff Ireland

By River Bend Times | Sep 23, 2024

U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks honored David Lee Ireland, who passed away on September 17, 2024, after a prolonged battle with cancer. Ireland served as the Lee County Sheriff for 16 years and was also a Scout Master for Troop 30 in Montrose, Iowa.

Local Government

Miller-Meeks urges CMS approval for new senior care facility

By River Bend Times | Sep 20, 2024

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks has called on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to approve UnityPoint Health's application for a new senior healthcare facility in Bettendorf, Iowa. The proposed Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) location aims to provide essential services to seniors who prefer living independently while still having access to nursing home and healthcare services.

Local Government

House passes bipartisan act to improve Medicaid program

By River Bend Times | Sep 18, 2024

Yesterday, the House passed Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) bipartisan Medicaid Program Improvement Act. This legislation aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of address information for Medicaid beneficiaries, ensuring seamless access to healthcare services for millions of Americans.

Local Government

House passes bill expanding healthcare access for kids

By River Bend Times | Sep 17, 2024

Today, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) and Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Health Subcommittee, celebrated the passage of their Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act in the House of Representatives. The bipartisan legislation introduced in July 2023 aims to break down barriers for children with complex medical conditions, making it easier for families to access out-of-state care.

Local Government

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks named Legislator of the Year by Wounded Warrior Project

By River Bend Times | Sep 11, 2024

Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has named Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks as its Legislator of the Year for 2024. The award, which honors significant legislative efforts to improve the lives of post-9/11 wounded, ill, and injured veterans, was presented to Rep. Miller-Meeks at WWP’s annual Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner on September 10.

Local Government

Grassley calls for bipartisan approach to social security reform amid looming insolvency concerns

By River Bend Times | Sep 11, 2024

Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, delivered an opening statement at a hearing titled "Social Security Forever: Delivering Benefits and Protecting Retirement Security" on September 11, 2024. Grassley began by acknowledging the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who lost their lives and honoring first responders.

Local Government

Representatives introduce bill extending mental health grants for veterans

By River Bend Times | Sep 10, 2024

U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), and Jack Bergman (MI-01) have introduced the No Wrong Door for Veterans Act. This bill seeks to reauthorize the Fox Grant Program for three additional years, aiming to provide community-based mental health organizations with grant funding to enhance access to mental health care, support, and suicide prevention services for veterans.

Local Government

Congresswoman introduces tax credit bill for in vitro fertilization

By River Bend Times | Sep 9, 2024

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) has introduced legislation aimed at promoting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) through a fully refundable tax credit of up to $30,000. The bill seeks to provide financial relief for individuals and couples pursuing IVF expenses. Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-5) are cosponsoring the legislation.

Local Government

Scott County has seen an 8.2% decrease in amount of food assistance provided since 2014

By River Bend Times | Aug 31, 2024

In 2023, Scott County received $42,703,578 in food stamps, compared to $46,505,587 in 2014.

Local Government

Rep. Miller-Meeks announces fall contest for Iowa students

By River Bend Times | Aug 29, 2024

Rep. Miller-Meeks announces fall contest for Iowa students

Local Government

Grassley, Arrington request CBO analysis of Medicare cost-shifting policy

By River Bend Times | Aug 27, 2024

Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) are requesting an analysis from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) on a new demonstration program initiated by the Biden-Harris administration. This program aims to lower Medicare Part D premium payments using taxpayer funds. Known as the Premium Stabilization Demonstration Program, it was introduced in response to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which has led insurers to increase premiums for seniors and reduce plan options.