The Gazette
October 2nd, 2012
Letters to the Editor

A review of state legislation enacted when Art Staed represented us reveals progressive legislation whether it be for the economy, health care, education, energy, veterans issues, or public safety. Unfortunately, that cannot be said of the current Iowa House of Representatives. We need legislative leaders who will stand up to the governor and current House leadership.

Where were they when Gov. Terry Branstad signed Executive Order 80 without legislative or public input for stakeholders from the public for participation in developing administrative rules? Why weren’t affected citizens/stakeholders invited when the governor decided not to expand Medicaid for the 60,000 people and their families on the Iowa Cares program, who will lose those needed benefits when the Iowa program ends in 2014?

Why weren’t stakeholders (taxpayers) involved when the governor and his administration authorized the unprecedented amount of $110 million in tax breaks to an Egyptian company, Orascom Construction Industries, to build a fertilizer plant in Lee County? As a way of trying to cover their actions, Gov. Branstad and Speaker of the House Kraig Paulsen are now saying that Illinois, even though they apparently did not make an official offer to Orascom, lost out to Iowa because of Illinois’ corrupt government. What a way to treat neighbors.

Vote for Staed for the progressive leadership we need for House District 66.

Bob Sprengeler
Cedar Rapids