The Governor is off and running on her re-election campaign, but too many Iowans have already been left in the dust by her self-serving “leadership” of our state. Governor Reynolds consistently puts the good of her party and campaign donors ahead of the working and middle-class families of Iowa.
“Iowans have already had eight years of Governor Reynolds putting her special interest donors and political cronies ahead of the good of our state, we don’t need four more,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chair Troy Price. “She has dismissed the working people of our state and used our lives to play political games for too long. Come November, Democrats will show this state what real, public-serving leadership looks like, and Governor Reynolds will be looking for a new job.”
But you don’t have to take our word for it, let’s look at just who has suffered the consequences of Reynolds’ mismanagement already:
Health Care
Medicaid Patients – Evidence that Reynolds’ Medicaid program was failing to provide basic, dignity-assuring, life-saving care and not saving the state money has been overwhelming for years, but Reynolds did not even acknowledge there was a problem until January. Her solution? Hiring a Kansas official who was sued by the federal government for failing to provide adequate coverage and care.
Mental Health Patients – Iowa is ranked 49th out of 50 for Mental Health services. Reynolds stood with Governor Branstad when he closed two desperately needed Mental Health hospitals in rural Southern Iowa.
Anyone in Need of Affordable Care – This summer, Governor Reynolds failed to successfully advocate for an exception help Iowa families afford health care plans in the insurance marketplace, as a result, premiums went up by 57% for 72,000 Iowans.
Education
Teachers – Governor Reynolds wholeheartedly supported the attack on workers’ rights that stripped teachers’ ability to advocate for stronger schools, adequate pay, and their students.
Students – Governor Reynolds thinks under funding our schools every year by not keeping up with inflation is perfectly adequate. Instead, she’s increased the amount the state gives away to corporations and special interests, leaving school districts to consolidate and cut programs – like a desperately needed summer reading program to make sure our third graders were keeping up.
Our Future Workforce – Reynolds has proposed cutting millions from the Regents Universities and Community Colleges across the state, putting the American Dream out of reach for those living paycheck to paycheck and a 21st Century prepared workforce out of reach for Iowa employers.
Reynolds Budget Crisis
Iowans Seeking Justice – The Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court told Reynolds and the Legislature if they slash the Justice budget even further due to the Reynolds Budget Crisis, he may have to close 30 courtrooms across the state.
Iowans Using Local Services – Due to the Reynolds Budget Crisis, cities and towns that relied on the property tax backfill after the last tax giveaway Reynolds championed to maintain local services may have to look elsewhere for funding for libraries, roads, parks, and police.
Seniors in Nursing Homes – The budget for the state’s Nursing Home watchdog was so deeply slashed, monitors are no longer able to visit nursing homes in person to prevent abuse. Seniors are worried and uncomfortable with the prospect of just reporting issues over the phone or on Skype services provided by the nursing home. Reynolds’ response? “Change is hard.”
Families of the Deceased – Last year, it was reported that families were forced to wait weeks to receive loved ones’ bodies from the Iowa Medical Examiner’s office due to budget shortfalls.