I take issue with Zach Nunn’s statement that “tax cuts have put money back in Iowan’s pockets.” As a retiree, I can honestly say that so far, I’ve not gained financially from either the federal or state tax cuts. I’ve paid property taxes for more than 40 years, and despite the fact I’ve never had children, I’m happy my taxes help fund our public schools. This is especially important now that our state legislature continues to underfund education. If putting money back in the pockets of Iowan’s is Zach Nunn’s priority, why did he vote for the following:
• Tax cuts to wealthy corporations which helped fuel our massive deficit that then required budget cuts throughout the state, including our major universities, forcing them to raise tuition. Has that put more money into Iowa students’ pockets?
• Drastically limit collective bargaining rights for 180,000 public employees. Has that put more money into those Iowan’s pockets?
• Weaken workman’s compensation laws reducing benefits for injured workers. Is that putting more money back into those Iowan’s pockets?
• Continues to support Medicaid privatization, affecting approximately 600,000 Iowans as well as many rural hospitals, who are now struggling to get reimbursed for their claims. How is that putting more money back into those Iowan’s pockets?
Tax cuts sound great and are always popular, because really, who wants to pay more taxes? But tax cuts coupled with legislation that harms middle and lower wage earners places the burden on those who can least afford it. To top it all off, John Dunwell was quoted regarding the IPER’s pension fund that the private sector was at a disadvantage because public employees have a pension fund. “Those employees should have the same risks we have in the private sector.” So look out public employees, taking away your collective bargaining rights was just the beginning. Sounds like IPER’s is next.
Lisa Cunningham
Newton