Heikes announces her candidacy for Iowa Senate

Decorah resident Jan Heikes has officially announced she is running for the Iowa State Senate, seeking the Democratic nomination in Senate District 28, which is comprised of all of Allamakee and Clayton counties and parts of Fayette and Winneshiek counties.

Heikes has worked for over 30 years in mental health services, including at Oneota Riverview Care Facility (Wellington Place), as the Central Point of Coordination Administrator for Mental Health & Disability Services in Winneshiek and Allamakee counties, and as a Program Planner in the Community Services Bureau of the Department of Human Services.

She has volunteered with the Decorah Free Clinic, Winneshiek County United Way, Winneshiek County Habitat for Humanity, Hesper Helpers 4-H Club Leader and at the North Winneshiek and Decorah Schools.

"I want to use the experiences and knowledge I have gained over the years to serve as an advocate for those in my community, our district, and all around the state who are dealing with issues that deserve a voice in Des Moines," said Heikes.  Those issues, said Heikes, include adequately funding local public schools, ensuring affordable community college for workers to receive needed training and helping to improve access to affordable healthcare for all Iowans.

Heikes can be contacted at janheikes2016@gmail.com