Hinson not living up to campaign promises

In two recent votes, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson failed to uphold campaign promises and failed to represent Iowans in her district.

In a 2020 interview, when Hinson was asked why the LGBTQ community should support her candidacy, she responded, 'I support the LGBTQ community and support everyone's rights as human beings. No person should be discriminated against, no person should be bullied because of who they are, and no person should be discriminated against in the workplace, for any reason.”

However, when given the opportunity to fight against discrimination, she voted 'no” to the Equality Act, stating it undermines the 1st Amendment and threatens religious liberty. Hinson failed to protect the rights of LGBTQ Iowans.

Hinson voted 'no” twice on the American Rescue Plan, a significant piece of legislation that provides funding for vaccines and $1,400 stimulus checks to millions of Americans, and extends employment benefits, housing assistance and small business provisions. Hinson objected to a minimum-wage increase in the bill, but voted 'no” once the increase was removed.

Hinson voted 'no” when the bill returned from the Senate claiming only 10 percent was for immediate COVID relief. As our 1st District representative, Hinson failed to acknowledge that the remaining funds reach way beyond 'immediate” needs and are directly COVID related. Funding for returning to school is one example.

Hinson's 'no” vote against the American Rescue Plan is shortsighted and demonstrates a complete lack of knowledge, concern and compassion for the needs of Iowans in the First District.

Sharon Poplawski

Cedar Rapids