Loss of childcare funding a tragedy

Uncle Sam offered Iowa a grant of $30 million which would be put toward child care services. Iowa had to commit $3 million in matching funds and another $1 million for administrative expenses. Gov. Kim Reynolds’ administration either turned it down or missed the deadline to apply. Do the math, that is a net of $26 million for child care in Iowa that we won't receive.

State officials recommended using other funds to replace some of the $30 million federal money. That makes no sense to me because in my mind the governor's administration still short changed the citizens of Iowa $26 million.

Maybe there are more issues or strings attached to the grant and if there is, the governor needs to explain. If Iowa missed the deadline to apply, are the people responsible still employed? Will they be receiving year end bonuses and will they be attending the governor's Christmas party at Terrace Hill?

When I first read this I thought it was fake news, but now it turns out to be a Shakespearean tragedy.

Steven Carfrae

Cedar Rapids

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