Latest news with #AlexWatters
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Protect Our Care Iowa speaks out about Big, Beautiful, Bill
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — A Sioux City City councilmember is speaking out about President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the proposed Medicaid cuts in the measure. Alex Watters spoke in a 'Protect Our Care Iowa' press conference on Zoom earlier this morning. According to a recent report by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, about 8 million people would lose Medicaid coverage because of added eligibility checks and strict work requirements in the next decade. Story continues below Top Story: McCook Lake residents in need of more dirt to rebuild homes Lights & Sirens: Traffic violation scam alarms Siouxlanders; police issue alert Sports: Bishop Heelan girls soccer drops 1A State semifinal match to Davenport Assumption in 1-0 defeat Weather: Get the latest weather forecast here The proposed cuts would affect more than 600k Iowans. 'Protect Our Care Iowa' says that 81k of those people face disabilities. Council member Watters says the bill shifts the wealth in the U.S. 'We're asking our elected officials to do what's right. They need to keep these essential services and stop hiding behind excuses of waste, fraud, and abuse. This is just an opportunity to take advantage of those that have little and are working hard, and give it to those that have plenty.' The U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee says in its March 2025 report that Medicaid covers more than 350k people in Nebraska, and nearly 130k South Dakotans. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Residents voice concerns about Sioux City Human Rights Commission budget cut
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — In February, Sioux City's city council voted to reduce the Sioux City Human Rights Commission's budget by $140,000, a cut of about 40 percent. On Monday, that decision was questioned repeatedly by the public. Council members pointed to recent tax law changes passed by the Iowa Legislature, decreasing the amount of money funneled from the state to cities. According to council member Alex Watters, it was a more than $3 million hit. However, that did little to subdue the concerns of those supporting the commission. Iowa House committee unanimously advances bill requiring feminine hygiene products in public schools 'This budget cut is not just a line item. It's a direct attack on the most vulnerable members of our community,' said Shannon Kennedy, a citizen in opposition to the budget cuts. 'It sends a clear message that Sioux City does not prioritize human rights and equality.' 'Cutting funding for human rights is just irresponsible,' concerned citizen Gary Lewis said. 'We're going to start getting hit with all sorts of things, and I understand you have to go, but this is really important.' The vote to cut the Human Rights Commission's budget in February was three to two. Council member Alex Watters was one of the three yes votes approving the cut. Nonetheless, he said he is a supporter of the commission, at one time pushing to upgrade a part-time administrative secretary position in the department to a full-time. Okoboji Middle School teacher receives regional 2025 Iowa STEM Teacher Award 'I understand the work they are doing. But I also understand the budget constraints, and things change,' Watters said. 'The state ripped away $3.3 million this year.' The city must certify its next fiscal budget by April 30. Council members also approved a second reading of an ordinance that will raise garbage rates by an average of 38 cents. The biggest change comes with the 95-gallon: a 53-cent hike up to $18.38. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
