Representative Mary Madison is an incumbent Congresswoman running for another term to represent Iowa's 31st Congressional District in West Des Moines.
The Democratic candidate was unopposed in the party's primary and will face no Republican challenger in the general election.
To help voters, the Des Moines Register sent questions to all federal and Des Moines-area legislative candidates running for office this year. Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
The primary election is scheduled for June 4th ahead of the November 5th general election.
more:Early voting has begun for Iowa's June 4 primary election. Here's what you need to know.
Who is Mary Madison?
Year: 74
party: Democratic Party
Current Residence: West Des Moines
education: from St. Peter's College, an M.A. from Seton Hall University, an M.Ed. from Tarleton State University, and an M.D. from Interdenominational Theological Center.
Profession: Pastor, retired educator, and school counselor
Political experience and civic activities: State legislator and community advocate. League of Women Voters, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, The Links Inc., Children & Families First Inc.
What would be your biggest issue if elected?
Madison: Ensure public schools are adequately funded and provide a quality education for all students Increase budgets to prioritize public schools and provide timely budget information to school districts so they can plan End extreme behaviors and instead encourage environments where students can reach their full potential Increase reading proficiency and support students in their career choices State funding has not kept up with rising costs for 11 of 12 years, yet the Legislature provided $142 million in taxpayer funding in the first year of the private school voucher program.
What policies would you support to improve Iowa's education system?
Madison: Ensure that every child who needs special education gets what they need. Work to improve reading comprehension. The AEA system has been a great partner to families and local schools, rural and urban. I want to restore the relationships, trust, and security that AEA once provided. Increase the number of school counselors.
What do you think Iowa's tax system should be? Do you think the state's priority should be lowering taxes or spending on services for Iowans?
Madison: I believe everyone should pay their fair share of taxes. Corporate profits are at an all-time high, yet corporate taxes remain low. We should raise the minimum wage. We can extend the tax holiday by two weeks. As a community, we should not be afraid of collective bargaining. If workers can earn a minimum wage, they can save, pay their taxes, and buy what they need. We should make child care more affordable. Why build over-reserves and allow Iowans to be on the disability rolls for years with no resources? And why pay direct service workers fast food wages, especially when we can and should do so much better.
What policies would you support to improve safety in Iowa schools?
Madison: Common sense gun control would go a long way. Most gun owners also support common sense responsible gun safety. Prioritize hiring qualified mental health therapists and expanding mental health beds. Make sure guns are safely locked up and that cabinet and trigger locks are mandatory and available. Limit access to guns by high-risk individuals who are considered a danger to themselves or others. Require background checks for gun purchases. Insurance companies should not be allowed to limit their liability for people who possess guns in schools or public places.
What action do you think the Iowa Legislature should take next regarding abortion?
Madison: The state legislature should stop micromanaging women's health care decisions. Give women the reproductive freedom they need to access reproductive health care. Include midwifery in Iowa's health care system and make it an option for those who want it. Everyone should be able to make their own health care decisions. Make birth control available over the counter. Extend postpartum care for mothers who give birth on Medicaid until 12 months after giving birth. Give power over health care decisions back to doctors and the women who need the care.
