- Hinson’s child care proposals have been criticized as insufficient, failing to address broader needs like paid family leave and comprehensive supports for working families (Telegraph Herald).
- Her support for regulatory rollbacks and focus on targeting overregulation might be viewed as inadequate to address systemic access and affordability challenges for families and providers (Telegraph Herald (Dubuque); Charles City Press).
- Despite efforts to expand eligibility, Iowa still faces significant shortages and long waitlists for child care—raising questions about the real-world impact and reach of her legislative initiatives (Globe Gazette; Gazette).
- Hinson’s alignment with Republican leadership, such as supporting a state decision to decline federal child care grant funds, could be perceived as prioritizing party politics over expanding resources for Iowa families (Gazette; Globe Gazette).
- Past votes restricting access to sex education funding for organizations providing abortion services may provoke criticism on women’s health and family policy grounds (Gazette, 2019).
2024: Ashley Hinson Supported Legislation Expanding Child Care Access in Rural Iowa According to a press release from Waverly Newspapers, "Rep. Hinson will continue to support community projects and legislation that expand access to quality, accessible child care for all families in rural Iowa communities." [Press Release - Waverly Newspapers, 10/9/24]
2024: Ashley Hinson Introduced the Bipartisan After Hours Child Care Act According to a press release from Waverly Newspapers, "In Congress, Rep. Hinson has introduced the bipartisan After Hours Child Care Act to expand federal grant eligibility to include after-hours and nontraditional hours of child care for parents who work outside the hours of 9-5 and on weekends." [Press Release - Waverly Newspapers, 10/9/24]
2024: Ashley Hinson Protested Lack of Child Care Access as a Rural, Economic, and Women’s Issue According to a press release from Waverly Newspapers, Rep. Hinson stated, "Access to child care is a women’s issue, an economic issue, and a rural issue. This rural community needed improved access to child care, and I, alongside such great community partners, was proud to deliver and make it happen." [Press Release - Waverly Newspapers, 10/9/24]
2024: Ashley Hinson Committed to Supporting Child Care Solutions at the Federal Level According to a press release from Waverly Newspapers, Rep. Hinson stated, "I will continue working on solutions from the federal level to ensure every family can access convenient, high-quality child care they can trust and afford." [Press Release - Waverly Newspapers, 10/9/24]
2021: Ashley Hinson Made Child Care Access Her Top Policy Priority According to Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), 'Instead, Hinson said her first priority upon returning to Washington, D.C., would be ensuring access to child care. "That's No. 1 on the policy side that we need to be actively and urgently addressing," she said. "That's why I've introduced legislation to gather data on overregulation of child centers. How can we make it so they don't have as many pieces of red tape they need to jump through?"' [Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), 9/17/21]
October 2024: Ashley Hinson Supported Targeted Federal Investments In Childcare According to Dyersville Commercial (Iowa), "I've been trying to make specific investments rather than a one-size-fits-all program at the federal level …because the needs of every community are very, very different. We've tried to focus on, 'OK, where do we really need to expand centers and access?'" she said. "We've tried to make investments in facilities, trying to look at the regulatory environment around things, too." [Dyersville Commercial (Iowa), 10/9/24]
Ashley Hinson Led 'After Hours Child Care Act' With Bipartisan Support In 2024 According to Des Moines Register, "My After Hours Child Care Act expands affordable childcare access for those who don't work traditional 9-5 schedules, including law enforcement, nurses, store clerks, and manufacturing workers. [...] This legislation already has significant bipartisan support, and I look forward to continued work across the aisle to improve quality, convenient childcare access for working families." [Des Moines Register (Iowa), 10/20/24]
2024: Hinson Advocated For Targeted Infrastructure And Child Tax Credit Expansion According to Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, 'The Republican incumbent has also highlighted her work to expand access to maternal care for women in rural areas, expand the child tax credit for working families, provide additional resources for expecting mothers and support young families.' [Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (Iowa), 10/21/24]
2025: Hinson Described Personal Experience With Child Care Access Challenges According to Des Moines Register, "When I found out I was pregnant with my second child 12 years ago, one of the first calls I made was to my child care center to make sure they would have a spot available when he was born," Hinson, who was a reporter for KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids before being elected to Congress, said in a statement to the Des Moines Register. "That's not an uncommon story as I talk to working parents across Iowa." [Des Moines Register (Iowa), 2/4/25]
2025: Hinson Characterized Child Care Access As An Issue Affecting Women, Families, And Workforce According to Des Moines Register, 'Access to child care is a women's issue, a family issue, and a workforce issue.' U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson [Des Moines Register (Iowa), 2/4/25]
2025: Hinson Introduced Bipartisan After Hours Child Care Act According to Des Moines Register, "Hinson has introduced the bipartisan After Hours Child Care Act to expand eligibility for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, which provides funding to state to provide child care for low-income families. Hinson's bill would allow support for after-hours and nontraditional child care providers. It also would establish a pilot program to promote employers providing on-site, after-hours child care services." [Des Moines Register (Iowa), 2/4/25]
Ashley Hinson Introduced The Bipartisan After Hours Child Care Act Prior To February 2025 According to Iowa City Press-Citizen, "Hinson has introduced the bipartisan After Hours Child Care Act to expand eligibility for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, which provides funding to state to provide child care for low-income families. Hinson's bill would allow support for after-hours and nontraditional child care providers. It also would establish a pilot program to promote employers providing on-site, after-hours child care services." [Iowa City Press-Citizen (Iowa), 2/5/25]
2025: Hinson Introduced Bipartisan After Hours Child Care Act According to Des Moines Register, "Hinson has introduced the bipartisan After Hours Child Care Act to expand eligibility for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, which provides funding to state to provide child care for low-income families. Hinson's bill would allow support for after-hours and nontraditional child care providers. It also would establish a pilot program to promote employers providing on-site, after-hours child care services." [Des Moines Register (Iowa), 2/7/25]
September 2020: Hinson Called For Expanding Access To Affordable Child Care To Increase Workforce Opportunities According to The Gazette, "Congressional hopeful State Rep. Ashley Hinson wants to increase workforce opportunities, especially for younger workers, by expanding access to affordable child care as well as exploring creative approaches to paying off student debt." [The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 9/8/20]
September 2020: Hinson Urged Expansion Of The Federal Child Care Tax Credit According to The Gazette, "The mother of two school-aged children also called for expanding the federal child care tax credit." [The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 9/8/20]
September 2020: Hinson Pointed To Iowa State Legislation On Child Care As A Federal Policy Model According to The Gazette, "In answering questions during the hour-long virtual forum, Hinson frequently referred to legislation she worked on as a state lawmaker that she believes can be a model for federal policies. For example, she talked about Iowa lawmakers approving tax incentives for businesses that offer on-site care for employees' children or support the development of child care facilities." [The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 9/8/20]
September 2020: Hinson Suggested Federal Incentives For Workforce Entry In Child Care According to The Gazette, "It's also necessary to increase the federal child care tax credit as well as 'provide some incentives to people who want to enter the child care field,' Hinson said." [The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 9/8/20]
March 2021: Ashley Hinson Planned To Introduce Federal Child Care Grants Bill In The House According to The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), "Hinson plans to offer the measure in the House on Friday to increase access to quality child care in her largely rural northeast Iowa 1st District that also includes Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and Waterloo." [The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 3/25/21]
Ashley Hinson Had Prior Experience Expanding Iowa's Child Care Tax Credit According to The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), "It's not a new issue for Hinson, who worked to expand the state's child care tax credit during her four years in the Iowa House, a spokeswoman said." [The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 3/25/21]
Ashley Hinson Noted Abby Finkenauer Previously Introduced Federal Child Care Legislation According to The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), "She noted that her predecessor, former Rep. Abby Finkenauer, introduced this legislation in the 116th Congress with Ernst." [The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 3/25/21]
March 2021: Ashley Hinson Planned To Introduce House Version Of ACCESS Act To Improve Child Care Access According to The Gazette, "Hinson plans to offer the measure in the House on Friday to increase access to quality child care in her largely rural northeast Iowa 1st District that also includes Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and Waterloo." [The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 3/25/21]
Ashley Hinson Cited Child Care As Economic Priority For Iowa Families In 2021 According to The Gazette, "'As we work to rebuild our economy, it is incredibly important that we prioritize expanding trustworthy child care options for working families in Iowa,' the Marion Republican said." [The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 3/25/21]
Ashley Hinson Had Prior Experience Expanding Iowa's Child Care Tax Credit During Her Iowa House Tenure According to The Gazette, "It's not a new issue for Hinson, who worked to expand the state's child care tax credit during her four years in the Iowa House, a spokeswoman said." [The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 3/25/21]
Ashley Hinson Referenced Predecessor Abby Finkenauer Introducing Similar Legislation In 116th Congress According to The Gazette, "She noted that her predecessor, former Rep. Abby Finkenauer, introduced this legislation in the 116th Congress with Ernst." [The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 3/25/21]
March 2021: Hinson Planned To Introduce House Version Of ACCESS Act With Goal Of Expanding Child Care Access According to Muscatine Journal, "Hinson plans to offer the measure in the House on Friday to increase access to quality child care in her largely rural northeast Iowa 1st District that also includes Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and Waterloo." [Muscatine Journal (Iowa), 3/25/21]
Hinson Referenced Child Care Policy Experience From Iowa House Tenure According to Muscatine Journal, "It's not a new issue for Hinson, who worked to expand the state's child care tax credit during her four years in the Iowa House, a spokeswoman said." [Muscatine Journal (Iowa), 3/25/21]
March 2021: Hinson Emphasized Importance Of Child Care Expansion For Economic Recovery In Iowa According to Muscatine Journal, '"As we work to rebuild our economy, it is incredibly important that we prioritize expanding trustworthy child care options for working families in Iowa," the Marion Republican said.' [Muscatine Journal (Iowa), 3/25/21]
Hinson Noted Finkenauer Previously Introduced Similar Child Care Legislation According to Muscatine Journal, "She noted that her predecessor, former Rep. Abby Finkenauer, introduced this legislation in the 116th Congress with Ernst." [Muscatine Journal (Iowa), 3/25/21]
March 2021: Hinson Planned To Introduce Federal Child Care Legislation In The House According to Sioux City Journal (Iowa), "Hinson plans to offer the measure in the House on Friday to increase access to quality child care in her largely rural northeast Iowa 1st District that also includes Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and Waterloo." [Sioux City Journal (Iowa), 3/25/21]
March 2021: Hinson Cited Expanding Trustworthy Child Care As Critical For Iowa Families According to Sioux City Journal (Iowa), 'As we work to rebuild our economy, it is incredibly important that we prioritize expanding trustworthy child care options for working families in Iowa,' the Marion Republican said. [Sioux City Journal (Iowa), 3/25/21]
2021: Hinson Previously Worked To Expand Iowa's Child Care Tax Credit In The State Legislature According to Sioux City Journal (Iowa), 'It's not a new issue for Hinson, who worked to expand the state's child care tax credit during her four years in the Iowa House, a spokeswoman said.' [Sioux City Journal (Iowa), 3/25/21]
116th Congress: Hinson's Predecessor, Abby Finkenauer, Previously Introduced The Child Care Legislation With Ernst According to Sioux City Journal (Iowa), 'She noted that her predecessor, former Rep. Abby Finkenauer, introduced this legislation in the 116th Congress with Ernst.' [Sioux City Journal (Iowa), 3/25/21]
March 2021: Hinson Supported Services Provided By Dubuque Nonprofit Hills & Dales According to Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), "Hinson said she fully supports the services provided by Hills & Dales and has supported bills that provide for increased child care access." [Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), 3/26/21]
March 2021: Ashley Hinson Planned To Introduce ACCESS Act In House To Increase Child Care Funding According to Globe Gazette, "Hinson plans to offer the measure in the House on Friday to increase access to quality child care in her largely rural northeast Iowa 1st District that also includes Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and Waterloo." [Globe Gazette, 3/26/21]
Ashley Hinson Had Worked To Expand Iowa Child Care Tax Credit During Iowa House Tenure According to Globe Gazette, "It's not a new issue for Hinson, who worked to expand the state's child care tax credit during her four years in the Iowa House, a spokeswoman said." [Globe Gazette, 3/26/21]
Ashley Hinson Cited Importance Of Expanding Child Care Options For Iowa's Working Families In 2021 According to Globe Gazette, "As we work to rebuild our economy, it is incredibly important that we prioritize expanding trustworthy child care options for working families in Iowa," the Marion Republican said. [Globe Gazette, 3/26/21]
March 2021: Ashley Hinson Planned To Introduce House Version Of ACCESS Act To Expand Child Care Access According to Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, "Hinson plans to offer the measure in the House on Friday to increase access to quality child care in her largely rural Northeast Iowa 1st District that also includes Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Waterloo and Cedar Falls." [Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, 3/26/21]
Ashley Hinson Stated Support For Expanding Trustworthy Child Care Options For Working Families In Iowa In 2021 According to Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, "As we work to rebuild our economy, it is incredibly important that we prioritize expanding trustworthy child care options for working families in Iowa," the Marion Republican said. [Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, 3/26/21]
Ashley Hinson Previously Worked To Expand Iowa’s Child Care Tax Credit During Four-Year Tenure In State House According to Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, "It's not a new issue for Hinson, who worked to expand the state's child care tax credit during her four years in the Iowa House, a spokeswoman said." [Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, 3/26/21]
March 2021: Rep. Ashley Hinson Planned To Introduce Child Care Funding Legislation In The House According to Waterloo Courier, "Hinson plans to offer the measure in the House on Friday to increase access to quality child care in her largely rural Northeast Iowa 1st District that also includes Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Waterloo and Cedar Falls." [Waterloo Courier (Iowa), 3/26/21]
Rep. Ashley Hinson Prioritized Expanding Child Care For Iowa's Working Families In 2021 According to Waterloo Courier, "As we work to rebuild our economy, it is incredibly important that we prioritize expanding trustworthy child care options for working families in Iowa," the Marion Republican said. [Waterloo Courier (Iowa), 3/26/21]
Rep. Ashley Hinson Had A Track Record On Child Care Policy In The Iowa House Prior To Congress According to Waterloo Courier, "It's not a new issue for Hinson, who worked to expand the state's child care tax credit during her four years in the Iowa House, a spokeswoman said." [Waterloo Courier (Iowa), 3/26/21]
March 2021: Hinson Planned To Introduce Child Care Access Legislation In The House According to The Daily Nonpareil, "Hinson plans to offer the measure in the House on Friday to increase access to quality child care in her largely rural northeast Iowa 1st District that also includes Cedar Rapids, Dubuque and Waterloo." [Daily Nonpareil, 3/27/21]
Hinson Stated Expanding Trustworthy Child Care Was Important For Iowa's Working Families In 2021 According to The Daily Nonpareil, "As we work to rebuild our economy, it is incredibly important that we prioritize expanding trustworthy child care options for working families in Iowa," the Marion Republican said. [Daily Nonpareil, 3/27/21]
Hinson Previously Worked To Expand Iowa's Child Care Tax Credit During State Legislature Tenure According to The Daily Nonpareil, "It's not a new issue for Hinson, who worked to expand the state's child care tax credit during her four years in the Iowa House, a spokeswoman said." [Daily Nonpareil, 3/27/21]
2021: Hinson Introduced The Child CARE Act To Review Child Care Regulations According to Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, 'Hinson also touted some of the bills she helped introduce in the House, including the Child CARE Act, which would require the Department of Health and Human Services to send a report "quality measuring" regulations on child care, including whether college credit should be required for day care providers. The bill was introduced last March and referred to the education and labor committee, and no other action has been taken in the majority-Democrat body.' [Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier (IA), 2/17/22]
December 2022: Ashley Hinson Introduced Legislation To Expand Child Care Assistance Eligibility In Iowa According to Gazette, "More Iowa families would be eligible to receive financial assistance for child care services under congressional legislation recently introduced by Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson." [Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 12/8/22]
Ashley Hinson Co-Introduced Child Care Legislation With Rep. Burgess Owens In December 2022 According to Gazette, "Hinson and Utah Rep. Burgess Owens, the ranking Republican on the House Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee, introduced legislation to reauthorize the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act." [Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 12/8/22]
Ashley Hinson Addressed Waitlists And Challenges Facing Parents Seeking Child Care In Iowa In 2022 According to Gazette, "I have visited child care centers that have told me they have wait lists of over 100 kids in the area. The next option might be 30 or 40 miles away," Hinson told reporters last week on a conference call. "This is a stressful and impossible decision that many are having to make right now. What we don't want is parents forced to have to choose between working and taking care of their kids." [Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 12/8/22]
Ashley Hinson's Legislation Proposed Raising Eligibility Threshold For Child Care Assistance In 2022 According to Gazette, "The bill would: Expand eligibility for families able to receive support, by raising the state median income threshold to 150 percent." [Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 12/8/22]
Ashley Hinson Emphasized Incorporating Providers' Input And Operational Costs In Reimbursement Rate Calculations According to Gazette, "Hinson noted her bill would incorporate providers' input and operational costs in calculating reimbursement rates, which should increase certainty and solvency." [Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 12/8/22]
Ashley Hinson Commented On Iowa's Decision To Decline Federal Child Care Grant Funds According to Gazette, "Asked about the state's decision to turn down tens of millions of dollars in federal child care assistance, Hinson argued the fellow Republican governor 'has made investment in child care, and I will continue to work with her to make sure we are improving access to care for families. It is a shared priority.'" [Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 12/8/22]
December 2022: Hinson Introduced Bill To Expand Eligibility For Iowa Child Care Aid According to Globe Gazette, "More Iowa families would be eligible to receive financial assistance for child care services under congressional legislation recently introduced by Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson." [Globe Gazette, 12/8/22]
Hinson Stated Her Legislation Aimed To Ensure Family Access To Child Care According to Globe Gazette, 'This legislation will help ensure families have access to child care so that they can more comfortably live, work and raise a family in Iowa,' Hinson said. [Globe Gazette, 12/8/22]
December 2022: Hinson Bill Proposed Expanding Eligibility To 150 Percent Of State Median Income According to Globe Gazette, the bill would "Expand eligibility for families able to receive support, by raising the State Median Income threshold to 150 percent." [Globe Gazette, 12/8/22]
Hinson Responded To State’s Decision Not To Apply For Federal Child Care Grant According to Globe Gazette, "Asked about the state's decision to turn down tens of millions of dollars in federal child care assistance, Hinson argued the fellow Republican governor 'has made investment in child care, and I will continue to work with her to make sure we are improving access to care for families. It is a shared priority.'" [Globe Gazette, 12/8/22]
December 2022: Hinson Introduced Bill To Expand Iowa Child Care Aid Eligibility According to Twiner-Herald, "More Iowa families would be eligible to receive financial assistance for child care services under congressional legislation recently introduced by Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson." [Twiner-Herald, 12/8/22]
Hinson Advocated Expanded Access And Flexibility In Child Care Aid According to Twiner-Herald, 'The Marion Republican said access to affordable child care, especially for families in rural communities, is a top concern. [...] "This legislation will help ensure families have access to child care so that they can more comfortably live, work and raise a family in Iowa," Hinson said.' [Twiner-Herald, 12/8/22]
Hinson's Bill Proposed Expanded Eligibility And Support For Child Care Providers According to Twiner-Herald, 'The bill would: Expand eligibility for families able to receive support, by raising the State Median Income threshold to 150 percent; Provide assistance and support for home-based and family child care provider networks, including faith-based providers, to address supply shortages; Grant states flexibility and options to support child care educators through professional development opportunities and recruitment and retention efforts; Ensure providers' input and operational costs are included in calculating reimbursement rates.' [Twiner-Herald, 12/8/22]
Hinson Addressed State's Decision Against Federal Child Care Grant Application According to Twiner-Herald, 'Asked about the state's decision to turn down tens of millions of dollars in federal child care assistance, Hinson argued the fellow Republican governor "has made investment in child care, and I will continue to work with her to make sure we are improving access to care for families. It is a shared priority."' [Twiner-Herald, 12/8/22]
May 2023: Hinson Co-Sponsored After Hours Child Care Act With Pocan According to Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), "U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, and Mark Pocan, D-Wis., co-sponsored the After Hours Child Care Act last week, as members of the newly reformed Pre-K and Child Care Caucus. The bill would expand access to the existing child care and development block grant programs for workers with shifts outside of the typical workday." [Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), 5/28/23]
May 2023: Hinson Cited After Hours Child Care Act As Aid To Non-Traditional Hour Workers According to Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), "So many working parents are struggling to find convenient child care options that make sense for their family," she said. "This is even harder for parents who don't work traditional 9-to-5 hours, like law enforcement officers, store clerks, emergency service operators and nurses. [...] We have to make it easier for these hardworking Iowans to stay in the workforce while raising a family." [Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), 5/28/23]
May 2023: Hinson Cited Frontier Co-op Center As Inspiration For Child Care Vision According to Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), "Hinson said that Iowa-based Frontier Co-op's on-site child care center for employees' children was the model that most inspired her vision." [Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), 5/28/23]
May 2023: Ashley Hinson Co-Sponsored After Hours Child Care Act To Expand Federal Assistance According to Telegraph Herald, "U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, and Mark Pocan, D-Wis., co-sponsored the After Hours Child Care Act last week, as members of the newly reformed Pre-K and Child Care Caucus. The bill would expand access to the existing child care and development block grant programs for workers with shifts outside of the typical workday." [Telegraph Herald: Web Edition Articles (Dubuque, Iowa), 5/28/23]
May 2023: Ashley Hinson Stated Child Care Bill Would Help Both Parents And Providers According to Telegraph Herald, "During her weekly call with Iowa reporters, Hinson said that the bill would help both parents and providers. 'So many working parents are struggling to find convenient child care options that make sense for their family,' she said. 'This is even harder for parents who don't work traditional 9-to-5 hours, like law enforcement officers, store clerks, emergency service operators and nurses.'" [Telegraph Herald: Web Edition Articles (Dubuque, Iowa), 5/28/23]
May 2023: Ashley Hinson Cited Iowa-Based Frontier Co-op's Child Care Center As Inspiration According to Telegraph Herald, "Hinson said that Iowa-based Frontier Co-op's on-site child care center for employees' children was the model that most inspired her vision." [Telegraph Herald: Web Edition Articles (Dubuque, Iowa), 5/28/23]
July 2023: Ashley Hinson Highlighted Child Care Access Issues During Dubuque Visit According to Telegraph Herald, "During a visit to Dubuque on Monday, Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, took to discussing a persistent issue facing the community: child care." [Telegraph Herald, 7/25/23]
May 2023: Ashley Hinson Introduced After Hours Child Care Act To Support Nontraditional Work Schedules According to Telegraph Herald, "In May, she introduced the After Hours Child Care Act, which would expand the Child Care and Development Block Grant program to provide funds for the expansion of child care programming and facilities for families that work second and third shift hours." [Telegraph Herald, 7/25/23]
Rita Hart Criticized Hinson's Child Care Proposals As Insufficient For Iowa Families In 2023 According to Telegraph Herald, "When reached by the Telegraph Herald, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart provided a written statement criticizing Hinson's proposals as not going far enough to help Iowa families. 'If Hinson actually wants to uplift Iowa families, she would support paid family leave and provide other resources to give families good choices, not force families to sacrifice their retirements, so they can care for their newborns,' she said." [Telegraph Herald, 7/25/23]
July 2023: Ashley Hinson Toured Dubuque Child Care Center And Discussed Industry Challenges According to Telegraph Herald, "In the early afternoon, the Republican congresswoman toured Romper Room Childcare Center at 1275 Main St., popping into classrooms to say hello to children, and, perhaps more importantly, discuss with child care providers the obstacles facing the industry." [Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), 7/25/23]
May 2023: Ashley Hinson Introduced After Hours Child Care Act According to Telegraph Herald, "In May, she introduced the After Hours Child Care Act, which would expand the Child Care and Development Block Grant program to provide funds for the expansion of child care programming and facilities for families that work second and third shift hours." [Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), 7/25/23]
July 2023: Iowa Democratic Party Criticized Ashley Hinson's Child Care Proposals According to Telegraph Herald, "When reached by the Telegraph Herald, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart provided a written statement criticizing Hinson's proposals as not going far enough to help Iowa families. 'If Hinson actually wants to uplift Iowa families, she would support paid family leave and provide other resources to give families good choices, not force families to sacrifice their retirements, so they can care for their newborns,' she said." [Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), 7/25/23]
2023: Hinson Led Providing For Life Act In U.S. House According to Sioux City Journal, "Hinson is leading a package of bills in the House called the Providing For Life Act, an attempt at an ambitious overhaul of the federal government's family care system. Florida Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio introduced its counterpart in the Senate." [Sioux City Journal (Iowa), 7/25/23]
July 2023: Ashley Hinson Led House Providing For Life Act According to Globe Gazette, "Hinson is leading a package of bills in the House called the Providing For Life Act, an attempt at an ambitious overhaul of the federal government's family care system. Florida Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio introduced its counterpart in the Senate." [Globe Gazette, 7/25/23]
October 2023: Hinson Served As Co-chair Of House Pre-K And Child Care Caucus According to Telegraph Herald, "Hinson is co-chair of the House Pre-K and Child Care Caucus, where she said child care is the focus of most discussion." [Telegraph Herald, 10/31/23]
Hinson Co-Chaired House Pre-K and Child Care Caucus According to Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), "Hinson is co-chair of the House Pre-K and Child Care Caucus, where she said child care is the focus of most discussion." [Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), 10/31/23]
2024: Hinson Supported Expanding Child Care Availability Through After Hours Child Care Act According to Gazette, "Hinson touted her 2023 After Hours Child Care Act, which would expand Child Care and Development Block Grant eligibility to serve families who work outside of 9 a.m.-5 p.m. work hours, incentivizing providers to offer early morning or late night child care hours." [Gazette, 1/4/24]
May 2024: Ashley Hinson Supported The After Hours Child Care Act As Bipartisan Legislation According to Des Moines Register, "Hinson: My After Hours Child Care Act expands affordable child care access for those who don't work traditional 9-5 schedules, including law enforcement, nurses, store clerks, and manufacturing workers. [...] This legislation already has significant bipartisan support, and I look forward to continued work across the aisle to improve quality, convenient child care access for working families." [Des Moines Register (Iowa), 5/12/24]
March 2021: Hinson Called For Review Of Federal Regulations Impacting Child Care And Health Organizations According to Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), "She added that many child care and health care organizations would benefit from the removal of unnecessary federal regulations. [...] 'What we're looking at is, number one, how does overregulation drive up costs?' Hinson said. 'So, we're really trying to figure out, are there places where the regulation is not directly tied to the quality of care? I think we need to take a whole, systematic approach to figuring out what actually needs to be there for quality of care.'" [Telegraph Herald (Dubuque, IA), 3/26/21]
Ashley Hinson Noted Predecessor Abby Finkenauer Previously Introduced ACCESS Act According to Globe Gazette, "She noted that her predecessor, former Rep. Abby Finkenauer, introduced this legislation in the 116th Congress with Ernst." [Globe Gazette, 3/26/21]
Ashley Hinson’s Predecessor Abby Finkenauer Previously Introduced ACCESS Act With Joni Ernst In Previous Congress According to Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, "She noted that her predecessor, former Rep. Abby Finkenauer, introduced this legislation in the 116th Congress with Ernst." [Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, 3/26/21]
2021: Hinson Collaborated On A Child Care Bill Previously Introduced By Abby Finkenauer According to Waterloo Courier, "She noted that her predecessor, former Rep. Abby Finkenauer, introduced this legislation in the 116th Congress with Ernst." [Waterloo Courier (Iowa), 3/26/21]
December 2022: Hinson Co-Authored Legislation To Reauthorize Child Care and Development Block Grant Act According to Globe Gazette, "Hinson and Utah Rep. Burgess Owens, the ranking Republican on the House Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee, introduced legislation to reauthorize the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act." [Globe Gazette, 12/8/22]
Hinson Said Her Bill Would Expand Program And Provide Flexibility For Families According to Globe Gazette, "Hinson said her legislation will help expand the program to serve more families, and provide additional flexibility so that families can choose the provider that best fits their needs. The Marion Republican said access to affordable child care, especially for families in rural communities, is a top concern." [Globe Gazette, 12/8/22]
December 2022: Hinson Co-Introduced Child Care And Development Block Grant Reauthorization With Burgess Owens According to Twiner-Herald, "Hinson and Utah Rep. Burgess Owens, the ranking Republican on the House Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee, introduced legislation to reauthorize the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act." [Twiner-Herald, 12/8/22]
January 2023: Hinson Proposed Regulatory Review To Address Child Care Staffing Challenges According to Charles City Press (Iowa), 'Hinson suggested that regulatory reduction could ease some of the financial burden and advocated for a regulatory review to separate which rules have legitimate purpose and which ones are over cumbersome and she said she has been working on legislation to that end.' [Charles City Press (Iowa), 1/20/23]
January 2023: Hinson Announced Work On Legislation To Simplify Child Care Regulations According to Charles City Press (Iowa), '"What are the things that are actually designed for safety vs. what are the things that just sound good," said Hanson. "I think we should be looking at it from the regulatory side."' [Charles City Press (Iowa), 1/20/23]
Ashley Hinson Cited Access To Affordable Child Care As A Top Concern In Iowa According to Gazette, "The Marion Republican said access to affordable child care, especially for families in rural communities, is a top concern. Especially, she said, as inflation continues to make life less affordable for families who are increasingly concerned about the cost of child care." [Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 12/8/22]
Hinson Highlighted Stress On Families Due To Child Care Shortages According to Globe Gazette, 'I have visited child care centers that have told me they have wait lists of over 100 kids in the area. The next option might be 30 or 40 miles away,' Hinson told reporters last week on a conference call. 'This is a stressful and impossible decision that many are having to make right now. What we don't want is parents forced to have to choose between working and taking care of their kids.' [Globe Gazette, 12/8/22]
Hinson Noted Bill Would Adjust Reimbursement Rate Calculations By Including Providers’ Costs According to Globe Gazette, "Hinson noted her bill would incorporate providers' input and operational costs in calculating reimbursement rates, which should increase certainty and solvency." [Globe Gazette, 12/8/22]
Hinson Highlighted Child Care Waitlist And Distance Challenges In Iowa According to Twiner-Herald, '"I have visited child care centers that have told me they have wait lists of over 100 kids in the area. The next option might be 30 or 40 miles away," Hinson told reporters last week on a conference call. "This is a stressful and impossible decision that many are having to make right now. What we don't want is parents forced to have to choose between working and taking care of their kids."' [Twiner-Herald, 12/8/22]
February 2024: Hinson Voiced Support For North Iowa Child Care Initiatives According to Globe Gazette, "Hinson sees the work as innovative and important. 'We're watching this initiative very closely to see if it can be replicated in policy. It's relatively new and not ready for prime time, but we see it as leading the way for the future.'" [Globe Gazette (Mason City, Iowa), 2/9/24]
2019: Letter Writer Elwood Garlock Criticized Ashley Hinson's Vote Restricting Sex Education Funds According to a letter to the editor published in Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), "state Rep. Ashley Hinson has a funny way of keeping those promises. A law was passed on May 3 restricting access for state funding of sex education programs. HF766 specifically doesn't allow organizations that provide abortion services to receive state grants for the purposes of providing sex education to Iowans. [...] Hinson said that the government should stay out of women's health issues, and yet voted yes on this bill." [Letter to the Editor - Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA), 6/19/19]