Thank you to the dentists who took time out of their busy schedules to speak with legislators, from left to right, IDA President-Elect and Legislative Committee Chair Dr. John Arend of Independence, IDA Past President Dr. Marty Gleason of Fairfield, IDPAC Chair Dr. Michael Franzman of Bettendorf, and IDA Past President Dr. David Davidson of West Des Moines.
On April 28, the ADA facilitated virtual meetings with Iowa dentists and Iowa's federal delegation. IDA member dentists met with all six of Iowa's federal legislators and/or their staff, including:
- Senator Charles Grassley
- Senator Joni Ernst
- Representative Cindy Axne
- Representative Randy Feenstra
- Representative Ashley Hinson
- Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD
These conversations focused on bipartisan federal legislation. IDA dentists asked legislators to support two pieces of COVID-19 relief legislation, the Eliminating the Provider Relief Fund Tax Penalties Act and the Business PPE Tax Credit Act. These pieces of legislation would provide tax advantages to dentists and small business owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, they discussed issues surrounding student loan debt. IDA members asked legislators to support two bills, the Student Loan Refinancing and Recalculation Act and the Student Loan Refinancing Act, which would allow students to take advantage of refinancing opportunities and pause payments and interest while still in school. Finally, dentists thanked all Iowa’s federal legislators for supporting the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act. This act ensures that congenital anomalies and birth defects are considered medically necessary for insurance purposes.