Ask Reynolds to retain independence of AG

In the last session, the Legislature added a provision to a budget bill that will require Iowa's attorney general to get permission from the governor to sue in federal court or out of state.

What this provision does is limit the independence of the attorney general and takes away another check on Iowa's three branches of government. This is not responsible governance. This provision has the capability to tie the hands of the attorney general to the political aspirations of the governor. One could concur that this provision defines Iowa's attorney general an attorney for the governor.

Gov. Kim Reynolds has the ability to issue a line-item veto which will protect the independence of Iowa's separately elected attorney general. Reynolds has until May 27 to sign on to this bill, but may act at anytime.

Call, write or email Reynolds and ask her to line-item veto Section 24 of Senate File 615 and keep Iowa's attorney general independent.

Leon Schmidt

Cedar Rapids