Andy McGuire in 2018 IA Governor's race
On Immigration:
We need comprehensive federal immigration policy
A hot topic [at the Democratic debate] was immigration, and if these candidates would support the use of local law enforcement during federal immigration raids. This comes after federal agents arrested 32 suspected undocumented immigrants at a business
in Mount Pleasant last week."It's a problem with our federal immigration," Andy McGuire said. "To make laws where we would have a comprehensive policy."
"This past legislation session I was proud to stand up and speak against a bill that would
have, and will federalize law enforcement," Nate Boulton said.
"That bill listed under public safety is a charade. All they are trying to do, the Republican legislature there, is divert attention from the very poor fiscal management they are doing
for our state," Fred Hubbelll said.
"The governor should use the voice at the federal level that we have a path to citizenship that doesn't tear families apart," Cathy Glasson said.
Source: KCRG-TV9 on 2018 Iowa gubernatorial debate
May 13, 2018
On Civil Rights:
Conversion therapy is torture, not treatment
Over a decade ago, Iowa was one of the leading voices in the fight to legalize marriage equality. We should be proud of the progress we've made while recognizing the struggles that remain and the tasks at hand. With Republicans controlling both the Iowa
House and Senate, we must be vigilant in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality and work to elect a governor who can always be counted on to stand with the LGBTQ+ community. I want to be that voice, and I can guarantee that the LGBTQ+ community will
always have an ally if I am elected governor.As governor, I will also fight to end conversion therapy, a heinous and despicable practice that has no place anywhere in society. It's torture, not treatment. You cannot "pray the gay away".
Being LGBTQ+ is not a disease. We cannot, and we should not seek to "treat" or "cure" it. Iowa can be a leader in the LGBTQ+ community, once again, by joining nine other states that have banned this dangerous and misguided draconian practice.
Source: 2018 Iowa Governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Mar 21, 2018
On Environment:
Put teeth into our water quality regulations
We can't afford to wait any longer to address our state's water quality issues. I believe that access to clean water is a basic right that every Iowan deserves. Our state is currently in the middle of a devastating water quality crisis.
When Iowa communities continue to fail tests that measure contaminants such as nitrates and lead in our water that can cause infertility in women and high blood pressure in men we all need to be concerned. According to the Iowa Department of Natural
Resources, there are 750 bodies of water with more than 1,000 impairments. I believe that we can do better.
As Governor, I will make the Nutrient Reduction Strategy (NRS) a mandatory goal, rather than voluntary, along with other strategies to
work toward managing Phosphorus and Nitrate run-off from fields into our waterways. We must put teeth into our regulations while at the same time recognizing that our farming practices need to address our environmental concerns.
Source: 2018 Iowa Governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Mar 21, 2018
On Free Trade:
Unfair trade deals shut down factories & ship jobs overseas
I know that here in Iowa we have some of the hardest working people who want to earn an honest paycheck so they can support their families. Unfortunately, the recession has left many out of work while unfair trade deals shutdown factories and shipped
jobs overseas. While we have begun to see the reemergence of American manufacturing, more must be done to ensure that everyone who wants a job can get one.It is clear that more must be done to jumpstart our economy and ensure
everyone has a chance to get a good paying job. As governor, I'll look for new solutions to attract and retain businesses here in Iowa, make sure economic development
reaches all four corners of our state, support policies that ensure employees are compensated fairly and receive the benefits that they deserve, and dedicate additional resources to job training programs.
Source: 2018 Iowa Governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Mar 21, 2018
On Government Reform:
Repeal the voter ID law; lengthen the absentee voting
This past legislative session, Republicans made it even more difficult for Iowa's elderly population to have a voice and create change. The legislature passed a strict Voter ID law that requires identification to vote.
The ACLU estimates that the new law could impact 11 percent of Iowa voters, 260,000 people. Iowa's elderly population are among the groups most affected by this unnecessary law.
For many senior citizens, their drivers' licenses have long expired, and many aren't physically able to obtain new identification.
We should be making it easier for seniors and everyone to vote. As governor, I will work to repeal the voter ID law and work to lengthen the absentee voting by mail window.
Source: 2018 Iowa Governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Mar 21, 2018
On Abortion:
Restore Planned Parenthood funding from the dark ages
I am disgusted by the regressive, anti-choice legislation that the Branstad-Reynolds administration signed into law. It takes women's health back into the dark ages.And the Branstad-Reynolds administration effectively defunded Planned Parenthood
forcing four clinics in our state to close. This takes away women's health services including cancer screenings, STD testing, and access to birth control. As governor, I will restore funding for Planned Parenthood on my very first day in office.
Source: 2018 Iowa governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Jul 2, 2016
On Budget & Economy:
No more handouts for big corporations
"Just last week it was announced that a tax break for manufacturers, originally projected to cost the state $21.3 million, is now estimated to cost closer to $100 million," said McGuire. "The state of Iowa simply cannot afford an administration
who saddles us with an $80 million 'oops'. It's clear that we need new leadership to change the direction of our state. No more handouts for big corporations; instead, we must put Iowa's workers and families first."
Source: 2018 Iowa governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Jul 2, 2016
On Budget & Economy:
Strategize for economic development in rural Iowa
In order to implement the best ideas to help strengthen our rural economies, I'll create a division within the Iowa Department of Economic Development to bring together local economists, business leaders, and educators in our communities to strategize
the best path forward for job creation. I believe that the best way to encourage economic development is to approach it at the local level because what may work for one town in eastern Iowa may not work for a similar town in western Iowa.
Source: 2018 Iowa governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Jul 2, 2016
On Corporations:
State loans for new or expanding small town businesses
I'll also look for new ways to help businesses through the creation of regional targeted loan funds that are tasked with encouraging economic development in towns smaller than 25,000 residents.
These funds can be used to help existing businesses that are looking to expand or new companies looking to open that can show economic viability.
Source: 2018 Iowa governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Jul 2, 2016
On Drugs:
Fund programs for mental health
The Reynolds administration has ignored the mental health crisis in our state and through regressive policies has only made it worse. Iowa now ranks dead last in the country for the number of psychiatric beds per capita.
And our state ranks 47th in the country for the number of psychiatrists per capita. With more than 120,000 Iowans with a serious mental illness, we must do more to address this growing problem...
As governor, I'll make mental health treatment funding a priority instead of cutting it.
I believe that when we provide help to those suffering from mental health illnesses before it's too late, we greatly improve quality of life and reduce the demands on our criminal justice system.
Source: 2018 Iowa governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Jul 2, 2016
On Education:
Restore cuts: put students ahead of lobbyists
I have spoken with educators who did not have enough desks for their students so some sat on the floor during class. I have heard from others about history textbooks that are so old they do not include Sept. 11, 2001; and other school districts that do
not have the funds to offer music, art or language courses. Iowa's public school students deserve better. Our families deserve better. I believe it is a matter of priorities, and as governor I will make those hard choices and put our students ahead of
lobbyists and corporate tax giveaways.The issue in Iowa is further complicated by the growing uncertainty in Washington, DC. President Trump's budget calls for education cuts of nearly $10 billion, which will have devastating impacts across the state.
The Trump budget will cut millions from career and technical education programs which are so important to our future economy. The Trump budget slashes much needed funds for after-school programs, teacher training and class-size reduction.
Source: 2018 Iowa governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Jul 2, 2016
On Education:
Restore $21M in cuts to higher education
Because of mismanagement of the state's budget by the Branstad-Reynolds administration, Iowa state universities received budget cuts of $18 million. Additionally $3 million was cut from our community colleges.Rising tuition costs mean fewer families
are able to send their kids to school, and those who attend, end up with high student loan debt. Rising community college tuition has an adverse effect on enrollment at a time when employers need a specialized workforce.
Source: 2018 Iowa governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Jul 2, 2016
On Energy & Oil:
Trump full of hot air on wind power
Donald Trump's attack on wind is an attack on Iowa's economy. Wind energy is absolutely critical to growing our economy and creating good paying jobs. It accounts for 37% of all energy generated in the state.I will bolster the progress we've made as
a leader in wind energy, and I will fight to ensure that our state transitions to 100% clean renewable energy produced right here in Iowa. Trump sounds like a typical Washington politician--full of hot air and no clue what he's talking about.
Source: 2018 Iowa governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Jul 2, 2016
On Families & Children:
Time for state Family/Medical Leave Act
As a mother of seven, I know the challenges of raising a family while balancing a career. When I gave birth to my second child, Hugh, I had to be back at work just three days later. This scenario happens all too often and extra time off from work is
an expensive luxury when there is no paycheck attached to the extra time at home.I think this is wrong, and it's time to finally have paid family and medical leave for all Iowans.
Source: 2018 Iowa governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Jul 2, 2016
On Health Care:
Healthcare is a right for all Iowans
Right now, we need to generate new ideas to bring down costs and ensure comprehensive coverage because I believe that healthcare is a right for all Iowans not a privilege for the chosen few.
With the three insurance companies that provide individual policies to Iowans threatening to leave the state, we must look for new solutions to stabilize the marketplace.
Source: 2018 Iowa governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Jul 2, 2016
On Health Care:
Reduce costs through preventive care, lower drug prices
As a doctor, I know that the best way to lower healthcare costs is to reduce the amount of care a patient needs. When patients needs fewer medical services, we're able to reduce costs across the system. This is why I'll support programs that
encourage more Iowans to seek preventive care in order to identify potential health problems before they arise. And as governor, I'll support legislation that works to drive down the costs of prescription drugs.
Source: 2018 Iowa governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Jul 2, 2016
On Jobs:
Dedicate resources to apprenticeships & job training
I'll work to make it easier for our community colleges to collaborate with their local business community and chambers of commerce to better align the supply of new workers with the needs of local available positions.
And I'll support the creation of new entrepreneurship programs within our community colleges that work with people who want to start a small business but need help getting it off the ground.
Source: 2018 Iowa governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Jul 2, 2016
On Jobs:
Raise the minimum wage to $15/hr
Republicans froze the minimum wage at $7.25/hour. In the process, they made Iowa the 3rd-lowest in the nation for minimum wage rates. This regressive policy hurts hardworking Iowans and forces many to work two or three jobs just to make ends meet. At a
time when corporate executives are making record profits, there should be no issue raising the minimum wage statewide.I support raising the minimum wage to $15.00/ hour across Iowa. And as counties vote for higher minimums those should stand as well.
Source: 2018 Iowa governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Jul 2, 2016
On Jobs:
Restoring collective bargaining for Iowa workers
Iowa workers saw an attack from Gov. Reynolds and Republicans in the legislature on their right to collectively bargain for better wages and benefits. No longer are our workers allowed to bargain over issues such as healthcare--something that
I think is a vital benefit our workers depend on. Their legislation is nothing more than another handout to corporations while hardworking Iowans are forced to suffer. I will immediately restore collective bargaining rights for all Iowans.
Source: 2018 Iowa governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Jul 2, 2016
Page last updated: Aug 10, 2019