REPRESENTATIVE CINDY WINCKLER OF DAVENPORT AT THE FORUM

On the last Saturday of the month for the first 4 months of the year, there is a Legislative Forum held in Scott County.

This past Saturday, January 28th, 2006, was the first for this legislative session.  8 of the 9 Senators and Representatives from Scott County and parts of Clinton County were in attendance.  

Questions from the audience of about 80 covered many topics.  They came to see DEMOCRACY IN ACTION at St. Ambrose University.  One query was about state employee health coverage, another about whether or not the death penalty would be brought up again for consideration.  Another asked if the state could help fund early childhood facilities.  Also, a Scott County farmer asked whether or not the IDNR (IOWA Department Of Natural Resources) or the ERC (Environmental Regulatory Commission) would be reigned in and not be allowed to site livestock facilities as they see fit.

But, by far, one of the most contentious subjects was the first question out of the gate.  It concerned TAXING OR NOT TAXING A PERSON’S PENSION. Some people feel that IOWA loses many retired folks to other states, including Illinois,  because there is too high a tax on pensions.  While a couple of the Republicans spoke about their belief that the tax should be stopped so that retirees will stay in the state, REPRESENTATIVE CINDY WINCKLER, DAVENPORT, CHOSE TO DISAGREE.

Rep. Winckler, (an avid DEAN supporter) said it is too early in the session to put this one into play.  She says there are many myths about this subject including the myth that retirement pensions are taxed twice.  This is not true, Rep. Winckler explained, since money is put into a person’s chosen fund without being taxed, then is taxed later when taken out as a pension.

Much discussion that cold, rainy morning was about PAY FOR IOWA’S TEACHERS.  Where the money was coming from and when an increase could go into effect were addressed. There is a movement afoot to get IOWA back to being 25th in the nation on teachers’ pay as opposed to being 42nd in the country, as we are now.  But Senator Maggie Tinsman (R-Bettendorf) said,  “Anytime you talk about going back, that’s not going forward. But, yes, do I think teachers have slipped in what they are getting for pay, yes, I do.”  This was a quote from the local news at 10pm/channel 6 KWQC.  

Well, Senator Tinsman, it is obvious that going back to the 1978 ranking of 25th in the nation, would only be a HUGE, INTELLIGENT STEP AHEAD IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.  You are just confusing the issue and not making a very good assessment of the situation.  Plus, you have just been so ingrained by the Repubs that any suggestion made by Democrats should be opposed, no matter how unreasonable you may sound.

So, the games have begun again.  Will IOWANS be benefactors this year after the current legislative session ends?  Time will tell.  If you have a favorite topic you are keeping an eye on, don’t forget to contact your Iowa Senator or Representative and voice your opinion.  Do your homework and make your call, write your letter, or send your email.  Or get your buddies together and take a road trip to the capitol.  It is a beautiful building, and good changes can be made there.  Go to www.legis.state.ia.us to find out more about who represents you.

And by the way…Remember to CPR… CONSERVE/PARTICIPATE/RECYCLE