Republicans passed a tax giveaway bill today that gives most of the benefits to out-of-state companies and millionaires. It’s a bad deal for most Iowans. It will raise property taxes and result in cuts to health care, job creation, education and other services.
In the past two years, Governor Reynolds and other the Republican-controlled Legislature have made our state more dangerous for Iowa women. Instead of improving health care access for women, Governor Reynolds and the Republican-controlled Legislature have pushed through policies that put more women at risk.
The investigation must include the victim’s concerns about retaliation; misinformation provided by the Reynolds Administration; the long delay in calling for the independent investigation; an examination of the lease agreement with Hubbell Realty; and a full audit and analysis of expenses and reimbursement to David Jamison.
Taxpayers deserve full disclosure of all complaints against David Jamison during his tenure in state government. Governor Reynolds should order an investigation into concerns expressed by the victim that there was a culture at the Iowa Finance Authority where she and other staff feared being retaliated against if they filed complaints.
Senators are finally taking steps today to ensure the Iowa Senate will become a safe and healthy environment. Senate Democrats worked hard on these policy changes because we all have a legal, moral and business imperative to address this serious problem.
Iowa taxpayers’ dollars should have never been used as a slush fund to cover the cost of sexual harassment by Senate Republicans. Senators Whitver and Schneider should turn over all campaign funds raised by Senator Dix to begin to cover the costs of the illegal behavior by their caucus.
With Senator Dix’s resignation, Republican Senators have an opportunity to finally get it right and change a culture at the Iowa Capitol that puts lobbyists, special interests, and political arrogance ahead of the interests of Iowa families.
The video posted on Iowa Starting Line is a serious matter for Senate Republican Leader Bill Dix to discuss with his family, his fellow Senate Republicans and Governor Reynolds. Because this involves Senator Dix and a lobbyist, there will be questions about the impact of this relationship on legislation.
I believe every Iowa woman in our state should have the FREEDOM to care for her body without government intervening. I believe every Iowa woman should have the FREEDOM to decide if and when she wants to be a parent. Unfortunately, that is becoming nearly impossible with Republicans in control of the Iowa Senate.
Democratic lawmakers outlined their new plan today called Putting Iowans First. The plan was developed by lawmakers to keep the 2018 session focused on improving the lives of everyday Iowans with better-paying jobs, revitalized small towns and rural communities, the best education in the country and a great quality of life.