The presidential debates are over. It is time Iowans and the Iowa news media focused on what’s happening here in our state. An extreme version of the Iowa Republican Party could take control of the Iowa Statehouse. If they win, that’s bad news for our public schools, Iowa health care and every state service.
Here’s why I believe that.
First, the Republican candidates for the Iowa legislature in this election have little in common with the moderate, “good government” Republicans of Iowa’s past. They believe what they believe, and they don’t let facts get in the way.
Second, Iowa’s bipartisan state government hangs from a single thread: the one vote Democratic majority in the Iowa Senate.
Third, every Iowan loses if Governor Branstad and the statehouse Republicans win complete control of state government. Just look at what’s happened to education, mental health services, and the state budget during the last six years that Republicans have controlled the Governor’s office and the Iowa House.
For our local schools, it has been the worst six-year period in the history of the school funding formula. Classes are larger and more crowded, experienced teachers are quitting, and rural schools are closing.
Iowa’s health care system is a mess. Governor Branstad and the Republicans closed two mental health institutes. We now have the nation’s 49th worst mental health system. In response, and instead of standing up for disabled Iowans and their families, Republicans make excuses for the Wall Street companies now running Iowa’s health safety net.
Republicans already say the state can’t afford responsible investments in education or health care. If Iowa’s statehouse Republicans get complete control, they will pass massive tax breaks for the rich and out-of-state corporations. Then Iowa really won’t be able afford good schools and a decent health care system.
Should Iowans give Governor Branstad and the Republicans total control of Iowa’s state government?
I don’t think so. Let’s keep bipartisan government in Iowa. Vote for Democratic candidates to the Iowa House and Senate.
Sen. Joe Bolkcom
Iowa City