Letter: Republicans’ priorities are misplaced

Republicans in the Legislature have been wasting time and taxpayer money by pursuing a politically motivated agenda that hurts women and families in our community. Rep. Ken Rizer and his Republican colleagues made this session about restricting access to abortion. He has been wasting tax dollars attacking my right to decide what is best for my family. He prioritized restricting rights over policies that would make families thrive.

Paid family leave, ending pregnancy discrimination, and equal pay for women all failed to get a vote on the House floor. Rep. Rizer and his Republican colleagues turned their backs on women and families by refusing to bring meaningful legislation that would improve their lives. Meanwhile, House Republicans found time to vote to defund Planned Parenthood and chip away at women's reproductive freedom. Rep. Rizer has misplaced priorities. His priorities are wrong for women and wrong for Iowa. I'm hopeful next legislative session the Republicans can get their priorities straight.

Carol Scheidt

Cedar Rapids