In addition to their CEO being one of Governor Reynolds’ top donors, Sedgwick administers workers’ compensation claims filed by injured Iowa executive branch employees and benefitted from the law change backed by Reynolds in 2017 reducing benefits for injured workers. Sedgwick also stood to benefit from the attacks on public workers compensation that was championed by Reynolds’ legislative allies this Spring.
Despite Iowa laws barring public officials from accepting gifts, this isn’t the first time Reynolds has taken an expensive trip on special interest dime.
This isn’t the first time Governor Reynolds has found herself in the middle of a private plane scandal. In 2017, the AP reported Reynolds toured the state following her inauguration in a private jet owned by casino magnate Gary Kirke. Kirke was lobbying for state approval for a project at the time.
“Whether it is taking a wealthy friend’s private plane or passing a corporate tax giveaway, Reynolds has proven to be the kind of politician that can be bought,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chair Troy Price. “Each mile bought and paid for by wealthy special interests places Iowa taxpayers further and further behind on Reynolds’ list of priorities”
“Iowans deserve leadership that is principled and won’t allow the pockets of special interests serve as a distraction to solving the important issues our state is facing today.”
Iowans will be watching next week as the governor’s misconduct comes before the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board.