Iowa has deteriorated under Kim Reynolds’ leadership
The Aug. 31 opinion piece comparing Kim Reynolds to Margaret Thatcher was strange. If the intention was to highlight the destruction the governor has caused in Iowa, that could be valid. However, quoting Project 2025 and portraying her as strong and determined while ignoring the fact that she has taken funding from our public schools and restricted freedom of expression is misleading. She has rescinded civil rights, which is tragic for a state with such a rich history in civil rights.
In June, WalletHub ranked Iowa last in economic growth. The state is among the worst for new cancer diagnoses. Our water is toxic, women’s reproductive health care has been dismantled, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been banned statewide. This is unacceptable. Reynolds has also politicized higher education in ways that harm freedom of thought and speech. Her MAGA agenda has left Iowa poorer and less populated.
Margaret Thatcher as U.K. prime minister was undeniably strong, but also destructive and not well-liked. At least she seemed to understand what leadership entails.
For the Register to serve as a platform for falsehoods, even under the guise of opinion, is negligent.
Jennifer Norum, Des Moines
Democrats have plenty of substance if you just listen
Just because a notion is repeated continuously, it doesn’t follow that it is true. I am very tired of hearing about the Democratic Party’s “disconnect with voters” and their “lack of substance” (as described in the column by Ingrid Jacques of USA TODAY on Aug. 31).
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and many other Democrats, nationally and locally, have made it very clear that they stand for feeding children, providing for adequate health care for all, keeping Medicaid and Medicare, guaranteeing the right and possibility to vote, supporting public education and respecting human rights (which at a minimum means not kidnapping people off our city streets). This is the plain language I hear about in the Democratic meetings I attend. I encourage readers to ignore the sound bites and to listen carefully. Our country is at risk.
Ruth Caldwell, Decorah
Claims of economic ruin are irrelevant to the law
President Donald Trump and his advisors are saying that if the Supreme Court agrees with the lower courts and rules that the tariffs Trump put in place are illegal, the United States will collapse from the fallout, becoming a third world country.
That should have no impact on the court’s decision. If the tariffs are illegal, then the courts must say so. To rule any other way will be rewarding illegal behavior by the president. If that happens, then the courts are corrupt.
Jack Pearson, Newton
Joni Ernst should find it easier to challenge Donald Trump
Sen. Joni Ernst: Now that you have decided not to run for reelection, would you please show us that you do know the difference between right and wrong? It is time for you to stand up to President Donald Trump.
Dan Todd, West Des Moines
Investing in child care providers means investing in Iowa’s families, economy
Child care is the workforce behind every other workforce. Parents cannot work without reliable care for their children, yet Iowa is facing a severe shortage of providers. One major reason? Many child care educators do not have access to something as basic as health insurance.
These professionals spend their days nurturing and teaching our youngest children, but too often they cannot afford the same benefits available in other industries. This lack of support pushes talented individuals away from the field, leaving classrooms empty, waitlists long, and parents struggling to remain in the workforce.
Government-funded health insurance for child care providers could change this reality. It would help attract and retain more educators, expand access to care for families, and allow more parents to work — fueling Iowa’s economy in the process. Every parent able to stay in their job contributes taxable income and stability to our communities.
If we truly value children, families, and our state’s economy, then we must value those who make child care possible. I urge lawmakers to prioritize government-funded health insurance for child care providers. It’s not just the right thing to do: It’s a smart investment in Iowa’s future.
Alison Tannatt, Ankeny
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa has deteriorated under Kim Reynolds’ leadership, actually | Letters
Reporting by The Register’s readers / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
