Reynolds and Republican leadership later admitted her transfer was not in compliance with the law
At this time last year, Reynolds was dodging serious questions about the legality of her move, trying – and failing – to say her allocation of funds wasn’t a misuse of taxpayer dollars for political gain.
Since the governor was reticent to follow the law on her own, State Representative Chris Hall and other legislators filed suit. Just a few days later, Reynolds and Speaker Upmeyer both admitted the budget transfer was not in compliance with state law.
Upmeyer later helped push through a bill that weakened protections against partisan use of Iowa taxpayer money and retroactively made the Governor Reynolds move legal.
“Ethically challenged Governor Reynolds treated serious legal questions about her use of taxpayer funds for political gain like tabloid headlines. The fact that her buddies in the state legislature later had to pass a law making her move legal proves that she was not in compliance with it from the start. Iowans deserve a governor who follows the law when using our hard earned tax dollars, and Governor Reynolds does not meet that very low bar,” said Iowa Democratic Party Spokesperson Tess Seger.
DES MOINES REGISTER: Reynolds’ budget fix may violate law, state treasurer says; governor dismisses allegation
“The Economic Emergency Fund was designed to be used for real economic emergencies, not mismanagement of the budget. Today’s news is just the latest in a string of mishaps by Reynolds and GOP lawmakers,” Hall said. “They’ve borrowed over a hundred million on the state’s credit card this year and Iowans keep getting stuck with the bill.”
CEDAR RAPIDS GAZETTE: Reynolds defends her decisions on Iowa budget
“’To me, that’s a violation of the Iowa law. It’s a serious issue. In Iowa, we follow the law. If we don’t, we get in trouble,’ [said Iowa State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald].”
January 2018
ASSOCIATED PRESS: Iowa governor’s budget transfer was illegal, lawsuit claims
“It asks a court to declare that Reynolds’ proclamation ordering the fund transfer in September was illegal and to void “all actions” taken as a result. The lawsuit notes that Reynolds and Roederer could be “liable to the state for $13 million together with interest” if a jury agrees that the transfer was a misuse of appropriations but stops short of asking for that result.”
STATEMENTS: Governor Reynolds, Iowa Republicans Admit Reynolds Broke the Law to Conceal Extent of Budget Crisis
Statehouse reporters make their admission public in a series of tweets.
March 2018
SF 2117/HJ 620: Division 3 of Republicans’ Budget Deappropriations Bill Legalizes Reynolds’ Use of Taxpayer Money for Political Gain