Republican reponse is silence

Thankfully the 90th Iowa Legislature has come to an end. If anything was to be learned, it was the realization almost all Republican legislators and Gov. Kim Reynolds do not care about what is best for Iowans. In addition, Republicans did not feel the need to justify or clearly explain the impacts, costs and ramifications of legislation they supported and passed. For instance, when was the governor’s last press conference?

This legislative session I sent 92 emails to members of Iowa’s Legislature sharing concerns and/or asking questions about proposed legislation. I also posted comments on the legislative website prior to public hearings. Topics included the many controversial pieces of legislation which were covered in detail in the press. I should not have been surprised the only legislators who responded were Democratic members of the legislature. Even when writing to Sen. Dawn Driscoll and Rep. Heather Hora, who represent the county in which I live, there was no response.

When legislators introduce and/or vote yes for a piece of legislation, they must be willing to justify their vote and answer the questions and concerns Iowa voters ask when contacted about this legislation. Based on my experiences, it appears Republican legislators believe silence is the best response.

Diane Duncan-Goldsmith

Iowa City