Republicans are full of bad ideas

As the Iowa Legislature begins another session they continue to push priorities that are not necessarily good for the working people of Iowa. They have a plan to reduce and consolidate boards and committees. That is a good idea, except it is being done more in the vein of increasing power rather than being more effective.

With billions of dollars in surplus and even more in he "taxpayer relief fund," their choice is to give more tax breaks skewed to the wealthy even before last year’s cuts take effect, while under-funding necessities efficient and effective for the middle and lower-income Iowans.

Mental health, childcare, water quality, education, teacher pay and retention are not sufficiently funded. Citizens go hungry and the Legislature and governor’s focus is another tax cut. In addition, the Legislature has limited oversight by having governor-appointed directors and committees rather than a cross-section of Iowans with the overall best interest of all Iowans considered. And just to make sure there aren't any challenges to their plan, the governor and attorney general have limited oversight by allowing government departments to withhold information from the state auditor, limiting his ability to do his job bad keep the administration upfront and honest.

Jay Stolba

Cedar Rapids