Legislative Republicans’ work seen in bad news

Three stories in the June 25 Gazette describe bad news for the corridor, especially Iowa City and Coralville. All three are the result of actions taken by Iowa’s Republican-controlled state government.

First, the University of Iowa (and Iowa State University) slipped in international rankings. This is not a surprise and can be directly attributed to actions of the governor and Legislature. By attacking the diversity, equity, and inclusion system, academic freedom to teach, and LGBTQ individuals, the Legislature has sent the message that some are not welcome here.

Second, Coralville is losing its’ Brueggers. As a customer, I can report that business has been declining, probably because staffing has declined and wait times have increased. The people who work there work hard and ought to be fairly compensated. A drive around town reveals that the advertised wage at many fast food places is $14 per hour. If the Legislature would index the minimum wage to inflation, wages would rise gradually and those raises would not be a shock to the system. Businesses could plan and adjust accordingly.

Finally, some Johnson County businesses were hit with large fines for child labor violations. As your article points out, the Legislature passing laws that differ from Federal laws set up a situation for conflict. The legislature should have known better, and the restaurants fined by the feds are in some ways victims of a political stunt.

Shame on the Republicans in the Legislature. Remember this on voting day in November.

Tom Persoon

Coralville