Statement on State Patrol, DPS misuse of tax dollars
The Governor should require repayment of taxpayer money, and hold responsible parties accountable for their poor judgment.
Transparency & accountability
Private management of UI utility system raises concerns
This borrowing scheme follows the failure over the last decade to adequately fund our public universities.
Oversight Committee should investigate DHS chief allegations, resignation
A 2017 state law requires that the reason for firing (or demanding the resignation of an employee) is made public. Reynolds has declined to explain why Foxhoven was asked to resign and claims no documents related to his termination exist.
Statement on appointment of new DAS director
We have seen numerous problems in recent years – multi-million dollar harassment settlements, hush money payments, understaffing that puts at risk the safety of state workers, and unfair bargaining tactics, and biased hiring and procurement practices – that need to be addressed, not ignored.
Bisignano inquires about inaccessible information on Secretary of State site
State Sen. Tony Bisignano, ranking member on the Senate State Government Committee, has sent a letter to Secretary of State Paul Pate, asking why certain information is “locked” and not publicly available to voters and Iowans who want to run for office on the Secretary of State’s website.
How to Override the 2019 Iowa Medical Cannabis Veto
Legislative leaders announce next steps in the fight for Iowa medical cannabis reforms Legislative advocates for reforming Iowa’s “worst in the nation” medical cannabis program say they will keep fighting for much needed reforms vetoed […]
Senate Dem Leader on search for new DAS Director
Senate Democratic Leader Janet Petersen urges Governor Reynolds to select a new director for the Iowa Department of Administrative Services “who can restore taxpayers’ faith in the Department.”
Iowa shouldn’t sell off its courts to the highest bidders
As the Judicial Branch’s website notes: ‘Merit selection is designed to emphasize the professional qualifications of applicants for judicial appointment and minimize partisan politics.’ That’s apparently not good enough for Republican politicians.
Senate Republicans vote to shut out Iowans
New rules being pushed through by Senate Republicans would eliminate the requirement that subcommittees be open to the public and that notification of the meetings go out 24 hours in advance. These changes are a shameful, deliberate attempt to cut more back-room deals and keep taxpayers in the dark about what they are doing.
Partial review of privatized Medicaid disaster doesn’t answer concerns
A partial review of the Medicaid privatization disaster is a big pile of excuses with no good answers for Iowa taxpayers who are being ripped off. Departing State Auditor Mary Mosiman is one of a long line of Republican politicians who still cannot answer simple questions about the cost and quality of privatized Medicaid.