Keep lawmaking accountable in Iowa

Who should make the rules that affect our jobs, prices and small businesses in Iowa? Elected lawmakers we voted in, or government agencies we didn’t vote for?

My husband and I are a young married couple looking into ways to get ahead and the possibility of starting a small business in the future. When major rules can change without a clear vote from the lawmakers we voted in, it adds costs and uncertainty for families and entrepreneurs who are trying their best to plan responsibly.

Right now, regulations with a wide impact on our economy can take effect without our lawmakers ever having to vote on them. That means important decisions that affect Iowans can happen with almost no accountability.

I’ve looked into the REINS Act, and it offers a simple solution. It would require elected legislators to approve major new regulations before they can take effect. If a rule is big enough to affect jobs, costs or even entire industries, it should be important enough for lawmakers to go on the record with a yes-or-no vote.

I would encourage our legislators to support bringing this change to Iowa.

Sky Perego

Cedar Rapids