Governor ensures bonuses for his staff, rejects tax credits for families and assistance for unemployed Iowans

DES MOINES – Governor Branstad’s latest use of his veto power once again shows his willingness to put himself above Iowa families by vetoing measures passed after bipartisan agreement.

While vetoing a provision that would prohibit bonuses from being awarded to Governor’s Office staff, Branstad also used his power to again strike down the Earned Income Tax Credit, which would have saved Iowa families $28.5 million over the next two years. Branstad also vetoed funding for 37 Workforce Development offices, which help unemployed Iowans find work and receive benefits.

“You don’t have to follow politics closely to realize the hypocrisy of Governor Branstad ensuring bonuses for his staff, while vetoing bipartisan measures that directly benefit thousands of middle-class Iowans,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Sue Dvorsky. “It’s unfortunate that Governor Branstad chose to ignore the incredible amount of work by both Democrats and Republicans on the budget by vetoing these bipartisan bills.”

The Iowa Democratic Party is asking Iowans to share what they think their tax dollars should be used on instead of bonuses for Governor Branstad’s staff at www.IowaDemocrats.org/Priorities.

“I don’t know how Governor Branstad can justify telling the people of Iowa that they won’t see extra money in their pocket, but they should allow their tax dollars to fund bonuses for his staff,” added Dvorsky.