Fred Hubbell in State of Iowa Archives
On Abortion:
AdWatch: commitment to Planned Parenthood
The first TV commercial promoting Fred Hubbell for governor begins running today. Opening campaign commercials are often biographical. Notably, Hubbell chose to introduce himself to Iowa television viewers by emphasizing his commitment to
Planned Parenthood rather than his extensive business career. It's the latest sign that his early internal polling showed a strongly positive response when Democrats learned about Hubbell's support for a leading women's health care provider.
Source: BleedingHeartland.com AdWatch on 2018 Iowa Senate race
Oct 20, 2017
On Abortion:
Work to reverse IA's abortion ban
Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal? Hubbell: Legal. Will work to reverse IA's abortion ban, one of the strictest in the country.
Reynolds: Ban. Signed "Heartbeat Bill," banning abortion if fetal heartbeat detected.
Healthcare:
Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion health services?
Hubbell: Yes. Also former chair of Planned Parenthood of Mid-Iowa.
Reynolds: No. Support defunding Planned Parenthood.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Iowa Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Budget & Economy:
Many budget benefits go to companies that don't need them
Hubbell, a long-time businessman, says his platform is centered on people, and calls them the state's best resource. Hubbell is partially in favor of Iowa's recent tax cuts. He says some parts are good, but he is frustrated at the bill's timing.
He adds the legislature has needed to make mid-year budget cuts to avoid overspending in the last two years and many of the benefits are going to people and companies that do not need them.
Source: 1380 KCIM CBC online on 2018 Iowa Gubernatorial race
Jun 4, 2018
On Civil Rights:
Proud of Iowa's equal protection for same-sex couples
When asked to explain her stance on same-sex marriage, Gov. Kim Reynolds replied, "I think that's been determined," a reference to the state and federal court rulings on the issue. When pressed again on the question, she said that people have
traditional views on what they believe marriage consists of, and they have every right to have those views, but that the issue has been decided by the courts.Reynolds also said that a vote of the people on the issue would stop "this back and
forth" debate over the matter. She did not say when or how that vote should take place.
Reynolds' press secretary clarified the governor's comments after the news conference, saying: "The governor believes that this issue is settled."
Fred Hubbell, Iowa's Democratic nominee for governor, supports same-sex marriage. "Fred is proud that Iowa's Supreme Court led the way in defining equal protection, affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court," said a Hubbell aide.
Source: Des Moines Register on 2018 Iowa gubernatorial race
Jun 12, 2018
On Corporations:
Stop giving unproductive tax credits to big corporations
The best approach to creating jobs and spurring economic activity is to invest in our local communities and grow them from the ground up. For too long the legislature has created special tax giveaways for big
corporations that don't create enough jobs and don't help get incomes rising. That money should be used to grow local Iowa businesses--including expansion of broadband internet access across the state.
Source: 2018 Iowa Gubernatorial campaign website, FredHubbell.com
Jun 26, 2018
On Corporations:
Opposes corporate subsidies to big companies to create jobs
Taxes: Support IA's recent $2 billion tax cuts?Hubbell: No. Opposes major cuts to revenue streams. Considers fiscally irresponsible, and similarly opposed Trump tax cuts as regressive.
Also opposes corporate subsidies like giving Apple $20 million credit to create 50 jobs.
Reynolds: Yes. Believes they provide important relief to middle and working class individuals and small businesses.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Iowa Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Crime:
Life sentence is sufficient instead of death penalty
Q. Do you support reinstating the death penalty?Hubbell: We already have the death sentence, it's called life without parole. The only way you get out is in a box.
Reynolds: No.
Q. Do you favor legalizing marijuana for recreational use?
Reynolds: No
Hubbell: No
Q. Do you favor restricting fireworks again?
Reynolds: That's a local decision, no.
Hubbell: I think it's a local issue.
Source: Des Moines Register on 2018 Iowa gubernatorial debate
Oct 10, 2018
On Drugs:
Wait-and-see on decriminalizing marijuana
Hubbell received a loud "boo" from the audience when he said he was against decriminalizing, or lowering the judicia penalties against, marijuana. "Not yet," he said. "I think we need to see how it actually works in other states for a longer period
of time first." Hubbell said he has a "wait-and-see attitude toward recreational marijuana.""The other states that are doing it, they have problems, and I want to see what's the best way before we go down that path," he said.
Source: Des Moines Register on 2018 Iowa Gubernatorial race
May 30, 2018
On Drugs:
Yes to expanding medical marijuana use
Marijuana: Legalize or decriminalize marijuana?Hubbell: No for recreational until more results from other states. Yes to expanding medical use.
Reynolds: No for recreational. Authorized limited medical marijuana bill but opposes expansion.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Iowa Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Education:
School systems and teachers know best what they need
Fred will work with local school districts to give them more discretion over how they locally allocate funds. Whether schools need better transportation options, programs to attract top-notch teachers in rural areas or special funding for
ELL programs in urban areas, each school system across the state should be able to provide for their community in the best way possible. Teachers deserve the resources they need to educate and children deserve stability in their education.
Source: 2018 Iowa Gubernatorial campaign website, FredHubbell.com
Jun 26, 2018
On Education:
We've been cutting, cutting, cutting college funding
Education: Increase state funding for higher education? Hubbell:
Yes. "We've just been cutting, cutting, cutting." Proposes tuition payback for students at Iowa colleges who commit to 5 years working in rural Iowa.
Reynolds: No. Supported major cuts to address budget shortfall.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Iowa Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Energy & Oil:
Grow the economy using biomass, sun, and wind resources
[Asked about economic growth, Hubbell answered], "I think the best way to grow a state's economy is first of all start with your strengths," Hubbell said. "We have the fourth best wind in the country for producing energy.
We have the 14th best sun for producing energy. We also have some of the world's biggest amount of biomass for ethanol and biodiesel and related products. My suggestion is we should try to build on the natural strengths that we have in those areas."
Source: WHBF Our Quad Cities on 2018 Iowa Gubernatorial race
May 28, 2018
On Energy & Oil:
Avoid the pending disaster of climate change
Climate Change: Consider climate change a critical threat? Regulate greenhouse gases? Hubbell: Yes. "Avoiding the pending disaster of climate change is the responsibility of each and every one of us." Hubbell and his wife are on board of
Environmental Policy and Law Center, which supports Obama's Clean Power Plan to regulate utility emissions.
Reynolds: Despite requests from legislators, has not joined US Climate Alliance, a coalition of states committed to fight climate change.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Iowa Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Environment:
Protect water, air and topsoil resources
As Iowans, we take great pride in our land and natural resources--from our fertile soil to our rivers, lakes and trails. They not only drive our economy, but boost our quality of life. By investing in renewable energy, preserving our topsoil,
and bringing together all Iowans to address growing water and air quality concerns, we can ensure that the Iowa we all love is safe and protected for future generations.
Source: 2018 Iowa Gubernatorial campaign website, FredHubbell.com
Jun 26, 2018
On Free Trade:
Farmers are on the edge financially because of trade war
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Fred Hubbell called out Gov. Kim Reynolds for not taking a more aggressive public stance on behalf of Iowa farmers and rural interests that are being hurt by President Trump's trade war with China. Instead of rallying
for farmers, Hubbell said at the State Fair, the governor has been "toeing the party line" in the trade dispute. Hubbell said many Iowa farmers, implement dealers, suppliers and people reliant on agriculture are "on the edge" financially because of
the effects of the trade war. Hubbell said, and that should have been the time for Reynolds to start discussing with President Trump how harmful a trade war would be for Iowa farmers. "They're the ones who usually receive the brunt of it," Hubbell said.
"Our governor didn't try to stop that and once it started she basically has been toeing the party line. Chuck Grassley's been a lot harder on this whole Trump and tariff war issue and he's right," Hubbell told reporters.
Source: Cedar Rapids Gazette on 2018 Iowa gubernatorial race
Aug 11, 2018
On Government Reform:
Supports term limits for Iowa governor
Q: Do you think Iowa should have term limits for governors?Hubbell: Yes
Reynolds: No
Q. What is one issue that you won't compromise on?
Reynolds: Life.
Hubbell: Sound fiscal management.
Q. If elected will you commit to weekly news conferences?
Reynolds: I do it all the time.
Hubbell: Yes
Source: Des Moines Register on 2018 Iowa gubernatorial debate
Oct 10, 2018
On Gun Control:
Start the conversation between gun control & public safety
Multiple questions were asked about his stance on gun use and how prolific they should be in society, to which Hubbell said he did not support arming teachers to ward against school shootings and wanted to have a productive conversation about
improvements that could be made to Iowa's gun laws. "We need to have a serious conversation about gun control and public safety," Hubbell said. "We should be having conversations about where do you draw the line between gun safety and public safety."
Source: The Hawk Eye on 2018 Iowa Gubernatorial race
Mar 22, 2018
On Health Care:
Stop Medicaid privatization; it failed the most vulnerable
Medicaid privatization has left many of the 600,000 Iowans who use the program with greatly reduced benefits and systemic denials of coverage that especially hurt the most vulnerable among us: the elderly, children, and the disabled. Health care
providers continue to be financially strapped, with some forced to close, because of denied and delayed payments from managed care organizations. We cannot wait any longer. As governor, reversing Medicaid privatization will be a priority on Day 1.
Source: 2018 Iowa Gubernatorial campaign website, FredHubbell.com
Jun 26, 2018
On Homeland Security:
Respects and honors the military's courage and sacrifices
"Today [Veterans Day] we honor those whose service and sacrifice our nation was forged upon, offering our heartfelt gratitude and respect for all they have done," said Fred
Hubbell. "These courageous men and women are the reason we live freely in our great country. We owe a debt to each and every veteran and their families. Your strength inspires our nation."
Source: 2018 Iowa Gubernatorial campaign website, FredHubbell.com
Jun 26, 2018
On Immigration:
No use of local enforcement during federal immigration raids
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 Jobs:
Believes in unions and equitable collective bargaining
Expanded collective bargaining is not only the right thing to do, it's personal to Fred. He is a former labor union member. When Fred later became a business leader, he regularly worked with unions to encourage their
representation in the workforce and ensure fairness at each and every level. The dismantling of workers' rights in Iowa is politically motivated and wrong. Every Iowan deserves safe working conditions and to be paid fairly for their work.
Source: 2018 Iowa Gubernatorial campaign website, FredHubbell.com
Jun 26, 2018
On Jobs:
Raise minimum wage at state level; allow cities to raise too
Minimum Wage: Raise the minimum wage above $7.25/hour?Hubbell: Yes. Raise at state level, while allowing cities and communities to go higher as needed.
Reynolds: No. Supported bill keeping state minimum wage at $7.25 an hour and preventing counties and communities from raising it.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Iowa Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Tax Reform:
Equitable tax system, instead of one based on who you know
We need an approach to taxes that puts people first. Our current tax system is too complicated and artificially inflates tax rates for individuals and businesses through excessive and ineffective tax credit programs. Iowa has so many tax credits,
deductions and exemptions that it creates winners and losers depending on who has the best lobbyist or the most creative accountant. It's patently unfair. In 2017, the state of Iowa awarded $208.8 million in tax credits.
Source: 2018 Iowa Gubernatorial campaign website, FredHubbell.com
Jun 26, 2018
On Technology:
Infrastructure investment is needed in rural areas too
Another subject Hubbell touched on was infrastructure. "We need to put infrastructure investments all across our state," he said. "Unfortunately, I think what we've seen with Gov. [Kim] Reynolds and the current legislature is that most of the
infrastructure seems to be put in the two corridors--Des Moines-Ames and Iowa City-Cedar Rapids." While Hubbell said those areas do have infrastructure needs, he added rural Iowa must also see such improvements.
Source: Times-Republican on 2018 Iowa Senate race
Oct 31, 2017
On Technology:
Expand affordable rural internet access
Net Neutrality: Support requiring internet providers to provide equal access to all users?Hubbell: Unknown on net neutrality. Advocates for expanded affordable rural internet access.
Reynolds: No. "The internet grew & thrived before net neutrality and.will continue to grow & thrive after the FCC's decision to eliminate the rule."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Iowa Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023