John Beisner, Ames

Letter to the Editor

Gov. Kim Reynolds and former Gov. Terry Branstad sold Iowans a bill of goods by proposing a budget that “would sustain property tax reform and education reform programs, maintain a tuition freeze at state universities and assure health care for thousands of lower-income Iowans.”

Today, University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and University of Northern Iowa students face a probable annual 7 percent tuition increase for the next five years; Iowa public schools received only a 1 percent budget increase in 2017; Gov. Reynolds faces a self-imposed budget shortfall of at least $350 million; and tens of thousands of Iowans could be without any health insurance.

Why? Reynolds blames it on “Changing purchasing habits and declining agricultural commodity prices.” No mention of state-provided corporate-tax incentives given to fabulously profitable corporations.

The continued practice of giving tens of millions of dollars to corporations that rake in tens of billions in profits seems ludicrous. Apple showed a first-quarter 2016 profit of $18 billion — do they need $194 million from Waukee to locate there?

Either the greed of these corporate monsters is outrageous or those passing laws allowing it are receiving gigantic campaign donations.

In the meantime, thanks to corporate welfare, state services are reduced and our quality of life is rapidly deteriorating.

— John Beisner, Ames