Campaign cash linked to tax cuts for the wealthy

Could there be a relationship between tax cuts for the wealthy and for corporations, and the amount of money that goes into the campaign coffers of the governor and the incumbent legislators? Just maybe. In fact, large campaign donations are highly correlated with the spare funds made available by tax breaks, tax loopholes and inadequate auditing- caused by insufficient staffing of tax offices. Our governor's campaign funds have been very well supplied by out of state money, as itemized in Sunday's Gazette. What do they expect in return?

Simple math shows that a flat tax is glaringly unfair, does little or nothing to help those of lower income and does plenty for those in higher income brackets. The stock funds will do well while those on salaries will continue to scrape.

Privilege in various fields has shown to be a very strong disincentive to "walk in another's shoes." Increasing financial privilege by lowering taxes just exacerbates this. Fair taxes pay for services- not least education, public transport and health — for everyone.

This not the Iowa that many residents thought they had come to, or will be thinking of coming to.

The Democratic caucuses are on Feb. 7. Those who care about the people of this state might be interested paying attention.

Sonia Ettinger

Iowa City