Statewide Iowa (RI) — Some of Governor Reynolds’ health policy agenda is outlined a bill that’s cleared a House subcommittee.
The bill calls for Iowa doctors to complete an hour-long nutrition education course, and it would ban some food dyes and additives from school meals.
Jon Murphy, a lobbyist for the Iowa Beverage Association, says the group opposes that.
The bill would require the state to keep applying for federal waivers in order to restrict food stamp purchases to healthy foods. Iowa currently bans using food assistance for taxable food items, like candy and soda.
Marc Craig, who is homeless and receives SNAP benefits, told lawmakers the new rules are confusing.
The bill does not include the governor’s proposal to allow over-the-counter sales of contraceptives, but it would let Iowa pharmacies sell ivermectin to customers without a prescription.
Representative Austin Baeth, a Democrat from Des Moines who is a doctor, says that’s a concerning part of the bill.
A section of the bill that would have implemented the governor’s proposal to raise the state taxes on cigarettes and vaping products has been removed. House lawmakers say they intend to consider that proposal separately.
KIWA Staff Photo
