Iowans are hardworking people who take pride in their jobs. But fewer Iowans are working today than when Gov. Kim Reynolds took office. There aren’t enough workers to keep schools, hospitals, and small businesses open.

Now, Reynolds is doubling down on the policies that created her workforce crisis, those that give the wealthy and big businesses tax breaks, and take money away from our public schools, public safety, and health care services.

The flat tax offered by Reynolds and Iowa Republicans isn’t fair at all. Their tax plan will provide massive tax breaks for corporations and the ultra-wealthy, while actually raising taxes on everybody else.

Flat isn’t fair. We need a tax code that supports Iowa families, not her wealthy donors. We need a plan that strengthens everyone’s pocketbooks, not just the wealthy few. We need a new direction to solve the Reynolds workforce crisis. Let’s make Iowa a better place where folks want to live, work, and raise a family before it’s too late.

-Pat Bowen, Iowa City Resident

Columns reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Editorial Board, The Daily Iowan, or other organizations in which the author may be involved.