Current representatives’ records make voters’ choice easy

Thank you for reporting on the voting records of our state and federal representatives.

Many on the right have proudly made Iowa less safe by weakening gun safety laws, continued their decades-long undermining of public education, restricted women’s health care rights, and voted for unjustified tax cuts.

Their persistent pride in wantonly cutting taxes reflects their misguided belief in the “trickle-down economics” fantasy. While I support efficiency and letting people keep what they earn, tax cuts without a plan for necessary or resulting budget adjustments is irresponsible. It is the lazy politician’s snake oil.

Promoting trickle-down economics is either ignorance, willful ignorance, or cruel apathy — none of which are desirable qualities in an elected official. Believing in trickle-down and/or supporting those peddling the fairy tale is for “suckers and losers.”

The reality is that local governments are forced to underfund special needs programs, delay essential hires, and cut youth programs, public safety, parks, and support services for children in need. And each and every time, announcements and replies to questions are prefaced by, “Well, we had to make some difficult decisions.” Often unnecessary decisions.

The consequences of these policies trickle from the federal level, are exacerbated by the state and fall on county and local communities, where resources are stretched thin and essential services are compromised, while state leaders tout their superficial achievements.

One decision that is easy to make is how to vote next month.

Brian Monroe

Cedar Rapids