DES MOINES – The new Republican majority in the Iowa Senate has eliminated the Senate Economic Growth Committee, Democrats say.
The committee oversees hundreds of millions of dollars in state economic development efforts by multiple state agencies. The Senate Republicans’ decision runs counter to that of the Republican-controlled Iowa House, which announced that the House Economic Growth Committee will continue.
“Senate Republicans should reconsider their decision to gut legislative oversight of Iowa’s job creation efforts,” said Senate Democratic Leader Rob Hogg (D-Cedar Rapids). “The Senate Economic Growth Committee has helped Iowans create jobs with innovative programs in infrastructure, community development, and emerging technologies. The committee’s job is to improve these efforts and provide a safeguard against crony capitalism.”
Legislation developed by the Senate Economic Growth Committee was supported by bipartisan majorities in the Iowa House and Senate and signed into law by both Democratic and Republican Governors, including Governor Branstad. A 2016 example is Senate File 2300, legislation that will help make Iowa a key player in the next generation of renewable chemical production.
What they are saying is no more special interest like green energy. They should shut down the wind subsidy and make them operate just like any other business.