A few days ago IDP Chair Kiernan sent an e-mail out to our supporters about a bill in the state senate that would help Iowa’s military families and asking them to sign on to a letter that we will be delivering to the Republican candidates for governor.
HF 2110 eases the burdens on military families by expanding unemployment benefits to Iowans married to a member of the military should they leave their job in efforts to keep their family together. So, if their spouse is sent to a new location or sent on a tour of duty, this will help Iowa’s families stay together. At a time when there are more soldiers deployed than any time except World War II, we need to give these families, who are being affected the most, a helping hand.
The Republicans in the Senate, however, oppose this bill. Democrats feel our military families should be off-limits when it comes to partisan political games and we’re asking all three candidates for governor to say the same.
We asked you to join us and the reactions have been overwhelming. Here’s just a sample of the responses:
“The recognition and support of a patriot who has served in the armed forces of the United States of America should not be allowed to become a partisan issue. Sacrifice for ones country should be recognized and supported no matter the political affiliation of the individual in question. Please support our military families by supporting this bill.”
-Carol from Mt. Vernon“For crying out loud, we need to support our families who have loved ones in the military. they are making great sacrifices. this is not a partisan issue nor should it be”
-Hamilton from Ames“As a Veteran myself, I will be looking to the incumbent or candidate that supports our veterans.”
-Michael from Cedar Rapids
Our executive director Norm Sterzenbach just sent this email to our supporters asking for more signatures before we deliver these to the Republican candidates:
Friends-
Governor Culver on Monday called on the legislature, “to keep our commitment to Iowa’s veterans and their families,” by passing HSF 2110, which expands unemployment benefits for military spouses who are forced to leave their jobs when their spouse gets reassigned or deployed, and other bills that support Iowa’s military families and veterans. Yesterday, HSF 2110 made progress, but there is still work left to do in supporting Iowa’s military families and veterans.
Chairman Kiernan asked the three Republican candidates to put politics aside and join Governor Culver and Iowa Democrats in supporting these bills to keep our commitment.
Intead of support, not one of them has been willing to put politics aside and come out and show support for these bills that will help our military families. We’ve heard nothing but silence.
That’s why we need you to stand up for Iowa’s military families and veterans today.
Ask the Republican candidates to put politics aside and support these bills.Republicans are shamefully playing political games with this important legislation instead of supporting our military families or veterans. We shouldn’t be playing political games over this.
Governor Culver said on Monday, “Iowa’s dedicated military families need this bill. And quite simply, it is the right thing to do.”
George from Treynor, IA signed on to our letter to the Republican candidates and added, “Please support this bill and help your Republican colleagues do the same.”
Stand with Governor Culver, George and the thousands of military families in Iowa. Sign our letter today:
http://iowademocrats.org/militaryfamilies
These political games just need to stop. Please join Iowa Democrats in continuing to move our state forward by keeping our commitment to Iowa’s military families and veterans. Thank you for standing with us.
Sincerely,
Norm Sterzenbach
Executive Director
Iowa Democratic Party