Governor Kim Reynolds issued a statement on Apr. 21 regarding the Iowa Senate Democrats’ decision to vote against confirming Larry Johnson as Director of Health and Human Services.
The issue is significant because the Director of Health and Human Services oversees Iowa’s largest agency, which manages a $14 billion state and federal budget, leads Medicaid, SNAP, child protection services, state-run institutions, and supervises 4,700 employees who support the health and well-being of millions in Iowa.
“Larry Johnson defines public service. I appointed him Director of Health and Human Services—Iowa’s largest and most complex agency—because he is a proven leader with a record of results. In this role, he has balanced discipline with compassion while working to strengthen systems that protect human dignity,” Reynolds said. She also said she was “disgusted that Senate Democrats voted against his confirmation today for purely political reasons.” According to Reynolds, this action removes the leader responsible for key programs affecting vulnerable Iowans.
Reynolds credited Johnson with securing a $209 million federal Rural Health Transformation grant and implementing initiatives like Iowa’s Healthy Hometowns plan aimed at transforming rural health care. She noted his leadership in strategies to improve child welfare systems, increase foster homes, and support families in need. “Director Johnson has been instrumental in securing a $209 million federal Rural Health Transformation grant and implementing Iowa’s Healthy Hometowns plan to transform rural health care. He is leading critical strategies to strengthen Iowa’s child welfare system, increase foster homes, and support families in need,” she said.
Reynolds described how Johnson met with Senator Tony Bisignano for nearly two hours about foster care issues as well as other legislators from both parties during the confirmation process: “He assured them of his and the agency’s strong commitment to Iowa’s most vulnerable citizens. He invited their feedback, answered their questions, and offered to keep the door open to any future conversations.” The governor also criticized Senate Democrats for breaking with custom by not informing her office about concerns before voting.
According to the official website, notable personnel for the Iowa Governor include Governor Reynolds herself along with Lieutenant Governor Cournoyer according to the official website. The site states that statewide leadership is provided by these officials according to the official website, operating from Des Moines at the State Capitol according to the official website. The governor’s office supports public initiatives such as food assistance programs according to the official website.
In conclusion Reynolds said: “Today, Senate Democrats chose to break with decades of custom. Rather than informing my office of concerns about the nomination they made a politically motivated choice to disrupt an agency responsible for the well-being of the most vulnerable Iowans. It’s disappointing and their decision puts Iowa HHS and people they serve at great risk.”
