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Washington Evening Journal
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Republican women hold community discussion
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
FAIRFIELD – The Jefferson County Republican Women hosted a community discussion on Thursday, April 3 on the topic: “Energy, Eggs or Policy - What impacts your budget more?”
The event was held at the Fairfield Community Center and featured appearances by local state lawmakers Rep. Jeff Shipley and Rep. Helena Hayes. U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks called into the meeting to answer questions over Zoom.
During her remarks, Miller-Meeks defended the activities of the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency and particularly cuts to USAID. She said that the plan to eliminate the Department of Education would consist mostly in moving the functions of the department into other departments. She spoke about her desire to remove illegal immigrants from Medicaid and to kick off people receiving Medicaid who were ineligible for the program.
During his remarks, Shipley took questions from the audience, including questions about tariffs and Alliant Energy.
“Iowans are very frustrated with soaring rates from Alliant Energy,” Shipley told The Union. “All of eastern Iowa is disadvantaged by Alliant Energy’s high cost, especially compared to Mid-American. It hinders our economic development.”
Shipley said the Legislature needs to look into “bold reforms” in the Iowa Utility Commission, or “begin a study to look at other systems to allow competition.”
On the subject of tariffs, Shipley said there is both “heartburn” and “optimism” on President Donald Trump’s tariff posture, because of its potential effect on consumers but also for his “a vision to revitalize domestic manufacturing and restore middle-class America.”
“One point I find particularly interesting, is the relationship between the tariff as a tax on imported goods versus the income tax,” Shipley said. “Over a century ago, the individual income tax was sold to the American public as a way of taxing the high incomes of a very few to eliminate unpopular tariffs paid for by everyone. Unfortunately the individual income tax grew grotesquely from its original promise, and now there have been hints at selling tariffs as income tax relief, essentially having the same conversation in reverse.”
Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com
