Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson again today urged lawmakers to approvethe hiring of 102 new state social workers to handle child abuse investigations. Pederson says it’s still a priority as the number of reported abuse cases continues to go up.Pederson met this morning with about 40 members of the “Prevent Child Abuse Iowa” group who are at the statehouse lobbying on the issue.Governor Vilsack has declared April “Child Abuse Prevention” month in Iowa. Pederson says it’s important for adults to speak up for children who can’t speak for themselves.

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