Privatizing IPERS: An Analysis of SF 45 (Updated 10/26/18)

October 26, 2018 Senate Intern 0

Privatizing IPERS: An Analysis of Senate File 45: The bill directs each retirement system to submit a plan to create an alternative defined contribution plan to the public retirement systems committee by October 1, 2018. This is a bad bill – built on a bad idea. While Senate File 45 would get rid of all public defined benefit pensions, this year most discussion is around the IPERS pension system…

Statement on latest revenue estimates

October 16, 2018 Senate Staff 0

The fiscal mismanagement by Governor Reynolds and legislative Republicans is like a slow train wreck for everyday Iowans. It’s no wonder that Iowans are clamoring for new leadership that will put their needs ahead of the self-interest of Wall Street corporations, special interests and millionaires.

Still no answers on Medicaid mess

June 18, 2018 Senate Staff 0

The failure by the Reynolds Administration to come clean with Iowa taxpayers is even more reason for the State Auditor to conduct a comprehensive audit of Medicaid privatization that explains why it isn’t working.

Governor: Reveal the numbers behind Medicaid savings claims

May 29, 2018 Senate Intern 0

“We all know for-profit Medicaid has been a disaster for Iowa families and health care providers,” said Jochum. “I believe it has also been a disaster for the state budget.  Governor Reynolds, I look forward to a public review of the hundreds of millions of dollars Iowa has spent on privatized Medicaid and the reforms that will start fixing Iowa’s Medicaid mess.”

Senate Dem Leader on passage of GOP tax scheme

May 5, 2018 Senate Staff 0

Republicans passed a tax giveaway bill today that gives most of the benefits to out-of-state companies and millionaires.  It’s a bad deal for most Iowans. It will raise property taxes and result in cuts to health care, job creation, education and other services.

2018 End-of-Session Report

May 5, 2018 Senate Staff 0

This session, we heard from thousands of Iowans who work hard but struggle to get by. They just want a decent-paying job and the chance to lead a happy, healthy life. Our job in the Legislature is to listen and work to improve the lives of everyday Iowans.

Consumer Advocate defends successful energy efficiency programs

April 30, 2018 Senate Staff 0

Energy efficiency has saved millions of dollars in energy savings and benefits all customers with lower rates. It has added thousands of jobs in energy efficiency across Iowa. …As passed by the House, SF2311 is a utility bill good for utilities that will result ultimately in higher rates for customers.

Governor Reynolds must expand IFA investigation

April 30, 2018 Senate Staff 0

The investigation must include the victim’s concerns about retaliation; misinformation provided by the Reynolds Administration; the long delay in calling for the independent investigation; an examination of the lease agreement with Hubbell Realty; and a full audit and analysis of expenses and reimbursement to David Jamison.

Statement on complaint against David Jamison

April 26, 2018 Senate Staff 0

Taxpayers deserve full disclosure of all complaints against David Jamison during his tenure in state government. Governor Reynolds should order an investigation into concerns expressed by the victim that there was a culture at the Iowa Finance Authority where she and other staff feared being retaliated against if they filed complaints.