Statement by Senator Herman Quirmbach of Ames, Chair of the Senate Education Committee –
“For the second year in a row, Governor Branstad has scheduled the majority of his ‘education town hall meetings’ when most parents and other employed Iowans are unable to attend.
“Eleven of the 14 events announced yesterday begin before 5 p.m. on a weekday. This follows last year’s pattern when only two of these meetings started at a time when Iowans who have to earn a paycheck could attend.
“Iowa leads the nation in the percentage of two-parent families where both parents have to work. These days they can hardly afford to lose a couple hours’ wages. Double that for single parents.
“Don’t you think it would have been more considerate for the governor to schedule more of these meetings in the evening? More people would have a chance to be heard, and the governor would get a broader range of feedback.
“Come on, Governor. You still have time to reschedule. How about giving working people a break?”
