Sarah Smith announces campaign for Iowa House in the 53rd District

     Sarah Smith announced on Friday, Dec. 17 plans to run for the Iowa House District 53. As a lifelong Iowan and a fourth generation resident of the district, Smith has a vested interest in its success and is eager to learn more from its residents and business owners to support its collective growth.
      “I grew up in Poweshiek County and ​I appreciate the joys and benefits of rural Iowa,” she said. “My goal is to support rural Iowans, raising the voices and enhancing the lives of those in House District 53 first and foremost.” 
       As Director of Program Outreach and Events at Grinnell College, Smith coordinates key efforts to unite the community with the college campus. ​In the Fall, she can be found poolside coaching the Grinnell-Newburg and BGM High Schools girls swim team. ​But of highest priority, Smith is the mother of Josie, a freshman at Grinnell-Newburg High School, and Alex, a senior at the same school with plans to play baseball at Luther College. 
​      Smith earned her B.A. in Psychobiology at Luther College where she met her husband, Dustin. She is also active in community service by serving on various boards including UnityPoint Health – Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Grinnell-Newburg School Foundation and St. Paul's Episcopal Church vestry.
       Smith has spent the last year listening to residents in the district and has created focus areas for her campaign based on comments and concerns that were expressed in those listening sessions. Those areas focus on the current struggles for working families, labor shortages, rural development, safety and security and role of Government.  
Struggles for Working Families 
      Childcare deserts, unpaid sick leave and prenatal and maternity care are the crux of many issues facing working families. Smith will work with local community centers and daycare providers to subsidize childcare options while championing affordable healthcare options.
Labor Shortage
      Small businesses are the heart of Iowa's downtowns and many are experiencing labor shortages. In addition to ensuring access to the most suitable skills training, Smith will collectively work with business owners and managers to ensure their profitability while increasing wages to benefit the worker.
Rural Development 
   Smith supports Iowa's farmers and aims to ensure fair tax rates when land is moved into conservation efforts. Rural residents deserve all the same amenities as any other citizen, which is why she will continue to work toward infrastructure improvements ensuring internet access, public school support and emergency services.
Safety and Security
     Smith knows that law enforcement needs support now more than ever which is why she supports mental health crisis training. She also supports responsible gun owners and keeping the second amendment intact through required safety courses and background checks. As dangers evolve, she will continue to support laws that stop sex trafficking across Iowa and put an end to spam and identify theft.
Role of Government 
   As a non-politician, Smith believes the government's role to be one of support – providing assistance rather than mandates. In doing so, she will vouch for government support for healthcare access, hunters' rights, climate change and energy advancements and keeping the agricultural industry an even playing field. 
To learn more about Sarah Smith’s campaign and where to see opportunities for House District 53 visit her website (www.SarahSmithforIowa.com) and be sure to follow her on social media.