Letter: Expect standard of living to decline

Some Iowans may be wondering what the current administration's plans are for our state. You don't need to look far for an answer. Just look to Wisconsin or Michigan and you will see the road map intended for us.

Like these other states, the legislators are following the Club For Growth/neo-conservative playbook to the letter. First, a sudden budget crisis is created to cause fear and allow for cuts to programs. This is followed by reductions in public education and services, a push for privatization and other pressures. A drumbeat of scapegoating is implemented to blame minorities, liberal elitists and union workers. Communities begin to lose jurisdiction, tax breaks dry up funds and resources, local services are curtailed.

We lived in Wisconsin when Scott Walker took over and watched this approach unfold like a spreading cancer of governance. You can see the aforementioned agenda in small, ruthless actions like our legislature's 'ram a protester with your car” bill and the sudden changeover in our university system's governance to a for-profit business model instead of a public service one. You can see it in the dominance of 'eminent domain” and favoritism toward big business at the expense of the citizenry. In the end, Iowa will see a decline in its standard of living, in its education system and our individual rights.

So, Iowa. Welcome to your brave new world.

Russ Bennett

Cedar Rapids