South Iowa News

DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at incentivizing the adoption of siblings. The Fight for Siblings Act, co-led by U.S. Representative Don Davis (NC-01), seeks to double the federal adoption tax credit for families that adopt siblings.

"Family is everything to Iowans, and I want to make sure that I’m doing everything in my power to help Iowans who are willing to open their home to disadvantaged children," expressed Rep. Nunn. He further emphasized, "When we began fostering and ultimately adopted Jayna and Aliya, we knew it was incredibly important to keep them together as sisters. Now, I’m fighting to ensure every sibling in the foster system or awaiting adoption can stay together forever."

Rep. Nunn's personal experience with the adoption process inspired his dedication to helping children find permanent homes. With over 4,000 Iowa children in foster care and over 1,000 awaiting adoption, the need for stable and loving families is evident.

Rep. Davis highlighted the importance of equal opportunities for all families in the adoption process, stating, "It’s important to ensure that low- and middle-income parents have the same opportunities as others when it comes to adopting children. Our legislation aims to level the playing field and guarantee equal access to adoption for all families willing to provide caring and loving homes to children."

Mary Beth O’Neill, President and CEO of Four Oaks, commended the Fight for Siblings Act, emphasizing, "This legislation will allow more siblings to stay together through the adoption process, providing consistency and stability for children and families not just in Iowa but across the country."

Traci Schermerhorn, President and CEO of Foster Squad, acknowledged the complexities of adoption from foster care, stating, "It's important to acknowledge that adoption from foster care can also be a bittersweet experience, marked by the loss and trauma that these children have experienced."

The bipartisan Fight for Siblings Act aims to alleviate the financial burden on families seeking to adopt siblings, doubling the federal adoption tax credit for families adopting two or more siblings within the same fiscal year. Rep. Nunn introduced the bill at a press conference in Ankeny, joined by representatives from Four Oaks and the Foster Squad.