DES MOINES – Gov. Terry E. Branstad today expressed disappointment that Iowa House Democrats decided to play politics with the “Connect Every Iowan Act” jeopardizing Iowans’ livelihood and jobs in underserved areas of the state.
After watching the Iowa House Democrats pull a page out of the Washington, D.C., playbook, Gov. Branstad issued the following statement:
“We know increasing Iowans’ access to broadband technology would allow for rural businesses to connect to the global marketplace. With increased access and adoption, more jobs can be created and family incomes will increase. Rather than coming together to pass common sense legislation to increase broadband access in rural Iowa, Iowa House Democrats have turned their backs on rural Iowans and those who are underserved. Today, the Iowa House Democrats played the worst of political cards; the Washington, D.C., hand of ignoring what is in the best interest of the taxpayers for political purposes.”
I skimmed it, looks like they are giving away big money to certain companies while severely limiting local control, as well as adding in a kicker on a summer intern kickback program to businesses, giving $1 of tax money to a company for every $2 they pay to interns.
So, big dollars to business and less local control. The Iowa State association of counties was very much against this. If the counties don’t want it, that’s telling.
Looks like one of the Republicans that voted against it, agrees with your assessment.
Guy Vander Linden of Oskaloosa was one of the nine Republican “no” votes Friday. He says the bill was too loose with tax incentives, saying: “It sounds like a blank check I’m not willing to sign.”
Sounds like the Governor is playing politics right back. What else was in this bill?
I’ll let you dissect it mediator 🙂
http://coolice.legis.iowa.gov/Cool-ICE/default.asp?Category=billinfo&Service=Billbook&menu=false&hbill=HF2472
Wonder why the Governor slammed the democrats but failed to address why nine of his fellow Republicans voted against it.
Considering that the Republicans hold the majority, it failed on a vote of 51-44.