Investigation needed into misuse of federal COVID funds
Key Democratic legislators are calling for investigations into reports that Governor Reynolds diverted nearly $450,000 to pay her staff instead of using the funds for COVID-19 relief efforts.
Fiscal responsibility
2020 Session Wrap-up
A quick list of the good, the bad and the ugly bills of the 2020 legislative session.
Wahls: Addressing Iowa’s stresses before session ends
The Iowa Legislature has resumed the 2020 session. Over the next two weeks, I hope we will:
** Pass a balanced budget based on the latest revenue estimates.
** Fight for the needs of Iowans, businesses and communities impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
** Push for laws to address racial inequities in Iowa.
New budget estimates mean we must focus on real solutions
Based on the updated revenue estimates, the Governor and legislators must strategically use available resources– including federal funds and the state’s rainy-day fund – to protect key priorities: education, health care and employment security.
Oversight meeting needed on state use of cloud-based software
Democratic senators are calling for an urgent meeting of the Government Oversight Committee to look into the Reynolds’ Administration’s bidding process and possible conflicts of interest.
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Tax-hike proposal violates Iowans’ trust
In 2010, voters approved a Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund to be filled with a portion of state sales tax if the sales tax was increased. Governor Reynolds now wants to raise the sales tax, but is reneging on the agreed-to amount for natural resources and recreation.
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Don’t hurt Iowans with another tax shift
Iowans deserve a tax system that works for all of us. Unfortunately, many Iowans believe the current system is rigged against them. The proposed tax changes Governor Reynolds floated in her Condition of the State Address are a good example of why.
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Statement on State Patrol, DPS misuse of tax dollars
The Governor should require repayment of taxpayer money, and hold responsible parties accountable for their poor judgment.
Private management of UI utility system raises concerns
This borrowing scheme follows the failure over the last decade to adequately fund our public universities.
Statement on appointment of new DAS director
We have seen numerous problems in recent years – multi-million dollar harassment settlements, hush money payments, understaffing that puts at risk the safety of state workers, and unfair bargaining tactics, and biased hiring and procurement practices – that need to be addressed, not ignored.