contributed photo Rep. Jennifer Konfrst is a Windsor Heights Democrat.

In the face of rising costs for Iowans, the Governor and Republican lawmakers are pushing two bills this session that would make life even tougher for many Iowa families.

The first could take away healthcare from up to 182,000 Iowa families. Currently, those families receive healthcare through the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan. It’s part of the Medicaid program, which is a partnership between the federal and state governments.

The GOP bill adds more bureaucratic red tape through additional work requirements. It’s really a bill designed to score more political points since 75% of those Iowans are already working. For many of the other Iowans, they may be the primary caretaker of an ailing parent or attending community college or a university.

Some other states have tried this idea, but it’s failed every time. Arkansas passed it but it was stopped after 18,000 folks lost their healthcare in just the first year. Other states have tried similar ideas but found the extra red tape actually cost more than it saved.

Our goal this session should be lowering the cost of healthcare for Iowans, not taking it away.

The second controversial bill passed by the GOP this week puts new barriers on the food Iowans can purchase through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Today, there are about 270,000 Iowans who receive SNAP benefits to make sure they have enough food to eat, with a third of those being kids under 18.

The premise of the bill is getting Iowans to eat more “healthy” foods. While it’s a laudable goal, the bill is so poorly written that it does more harm than good. There’s no exception for Iowans with dietary restrictions, allergies, or religious preferences. The bill doesn’t even define what “healthy” foods are so grocery stores are stuck in a bureaucratic mess with no idea what foods can be purchased with SNAP benefits. Additionally, a recent analysis showed it could cost Iowa’s economy $1 billion and nearly 10,000 Iowa jobs.

The bill is just the latest in a string of GOP ideas that makes it more difficult for Iowans to get food. Last summer, Governor Reynolds rejected federal funds to help feed kids over the summer. Earlier this month, Elon Musk canceled a federal plan that helps local Iowa farmers sell their meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables to local schools and childcare centers. It’s a big loss for farmers, local economies, and kids who need healthy foods.

I’ve already received hundreds of emails on these bills from frustrated Iowans. So far, Reynolds and Republican leaders are focused on everything but actually lowering costs for Iowa families. Not a single bill has been passed this session that lowers the cost of childcare, healthcare, or housing.

There’s still time to make progress, but it’s time to get focused on what matters to Iowans.

That’s people over politics.

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State Representative Jennifer Konfrst of Windsor Heights serves the 32nd District in the Iowa House and is the Iowa House Democratic Leader.