The Democratic caucus in the Iowa Legislature has introduced bills to accomplish the following: raise the minimum wage, expand the Sales Tax Holiday, expand affordable child-care for child-care workers, eliminate waiting lists for Home and Community-based services, lower tuition for university students, and reinstate the levies (for libraries, municipal bands, community centers and others) which were eliminated in last year’s tax bill.

Contrast these ideas with the legislation passed in the last seven sessions under Republican control, and the bills currently under consideration this session. Most seem to emphasize restricting or removing rights, freedoms, benefits, and services.

Thank heavens this is an election year!