I read the newspaper and saw the forum. I found it has confirmed my opinion from the past years of corresponding with Rep. Golding. She is out of touch with District 83.
Minimum wage: It was intended to be a living wage since its inception. I’ve worked fulltime jobs, as an adult with a family, on minimum wage. You hope to advance, a dime at a time. Today many jobs are at minimum wage. It’s amazing Golding didn’t hear herself as she described an employee refusing a raise, to keep SNAP benefits, etc. Tells me she needs to offer better wages and raises!
School vouchers: They are, in reality, a voucher for the majority who apply all to tuition. Now school districts in House 83 have serious budget discussions and cuts. Golding never addressed the question about annual accountability of private schools. Her answer to me when I lobbied before the bill- “83 doesn’t have any private schools, so it won’t affect us.” Golding is out of touch. There’s plenty of private schools within an easy 20-minute drive.
Gender identity: I will never forget our city council meeting where Golding weighed in via zoom- and had her mic on when she said, “oh, gawd!” when a student walked up to give public comments on flags, including LGBTQ. A brave act that Golding mocked. She wants the legislature to get in your family’s home and doctor office. Families involved in gender identity are thoughtfully working with medical professionals for best decisions. Rep. Golding is not a medical doctor.
Women’s healthcare: Golding wants to be in the OB GYN office with you. We want choice, medical privacy, and doctors knowing they can make the best care decisions. Ms. Golding has 6 children. She should know not every woman knows when she’s pregnant. A heartbeat is checked the first appointment. Golding said everyone is different. So why one deadline for choice?
Rep. Golding is out of touch with District 83. We want living wages, strong Iowa public schools, and our healthcare for women and gender.
Vote for Kent McNally in District 83.
Kristi Keast
Mount Vernon