Answering less than two percent of the questions asked by constituents, Governor Branstad’s first “Ask the Gov” segment left a few important questions unanswered.

Branstad failed to address his demand for zero percent allowable growth to school districts for the first time in history. In recent weeks educators from across the state have asked Republicans to adequately fund education by accepting the Democratic compromise of two percent allowable growth. If Branstad remains unwilling to compromise 1,500 teachers will be laid off and property taxes will increase by $70 million statewide.

Answers to the draconian higher education cuts supported by Branstad were also absent, as was an explanation to why he would veto a tax break for 240,000 working Iowans.

It’s no surprise Iowans are asking questions.

Allowable growth and classroom crowding

On Twitter @MrsTG asked if Governor Branstad would consider 2 percent growth. As a teacher, she sees overcrowding in classrooms.

Unfortunately @MrsTG, Governor Branstad continues to stand by zero percent for school districts across the state, including yours. Let’s not forget that zero percent isn’t only for the coming year, it would be for the next two years if he continues to demand a two-year budget. Branstad’s argument is that the state can’t afford to fund education, yet he joined House Republicans in supporting millions of dollars in handouts to big business. With state revenues up by over four percent this year and a $900 million surplus, there’s no reason why education should not be funded.

Higher education cuts triggering voters’ remorse?

Cuts to higher education also struck a nerve, as former Branstad supporters questioned why he would force programs to be cut and costs to increase.

Bob Roush asked on Facebook “Why in the world would anyone cut school budgets…because of it the school I am attending closed one of the programs…I was one of them that voted you in to office and it looks like next [time] I will vote for someone else.”

David Meisinger was another Branstad voter in 2010, but he now has concerns about education funding, writing on Facebook, “I wonder about our future when we keep cutting state funding for higher education. Only the wealthy will be able to afford university costs.”

Bob and David are correct in questioning the Republican assault on higher education in Iowa. Republican cuts in this area have even been called “bizarre” by economists and Iowa’s public universities are being forced to cut 6 to 9 percent from their budget. At a time when these universities face record enrollment, the cuts to higher education are devastating.

Bob and David aren’t the only ones questioning their choice in the last election. On Tuesday a poll showed only 41 percent of Iowans approve of Governor Branstad, with 45 percent disapproving.

Tax cut side-step

@Dustro asked “@TerryBranstad why did you veto tax breaks for working families?”

@Dustro asked a question that even Republicans in the State Legislature have been looking for an answer to. Last week Gov. Branstad used his line-item veto to remove a tax break for 240,000 Iowa workers earning less than $45,000 a year. Branstad said the provision “Isn’t necessarily something that creates jobs.” Although he claims a tax break for working families will be a part of a larger reform package, Democrats and Republicans have questioned how he will accomplish that when the session is nearing an end.

Have a question that Governor Branstad didn’t answer? Let us know in the comments below.