Four things to move Iowa forward

As a result of a Republican-controlled Legislature and governor, repairs are needed in the state of Iowa before we can move forward. Please consider the following:

1) Repair cuts to education. PK-12 funding has not met minimal needs as costs to schools increase far faster than 0 or 1 percent increases can cover. Cuts to community colleges and state universities have resulted in increased costs for Iowa students.

2) Repair Medicaid. An arbitrary decision allows private companies to siphon profits from the state's Medicaid funds while cutting services to Iowans.

3) Repair the demolition of collective bargaining. When the only item left to discuss is arbitrarily capped wages, there is no real bargaining. This negatively impacts current teachers, social workers, prison guards and other public workers.

Beyond that impact, talented young people now question considering these necessary professions.

4) Repair tax policy. At a time when the state's budget becomes tighter by the month, tax cuts that primarily benefit wealthier individuals will result in more cuts to critical services.

Additionally, according to the Feb. 16 Des Moines Register, the state awarded $66 million through the Research and Activities Tax Credit in 2017.

That is $66 million that is not serving the people of Iowa.

Consider also water quality, closing of workforce development centers, and the strictest ban on reproductive rights in the nation.

Repairing these items is overdue. Elect Fred Hubbell our next governor. Elect Democrats to the Iowa Legislature.

Arlie Willems

Mount Vernon