Flat tax will not solve Iowa’s workforce crisis

Iowans are hardworking people who take pride in their jobs. But fewer Iowans are working today than when Gov. Kim Reynolds took office. There aren't enough workers to keep schools, hospitals, and small businesses open.

Now, Reynolds is doubling down on the policies that created her workforce crisis, those that give the wealthy and big businesses tax breaks, while taking money away from our public schools, public safety, and health care services. The flat-tax offered by Reynolds and Republicans isn’t fair at all. Their tax plan will provide massive tax breaks for corporations and the ultra wealthy, while actually raising taxes on everybody else.

Flat isn’t fair. We need a tax code that supports Iowa families, not her wealthy donors. We need a plan that strengthens everyone’s pocketbooks, not just the wealthy few. We need a new direction to solve the Reynolds workforce crisis. Let’s make Iowa a better place where folks want to live, work, and raise a family.

Pat Bowen

Iowa City