Republicans request public input...but fail to listen

by: Mark Langgin

Tue Feb 20, 2007 at 12:30:18 PM CST

Tuesday, February 20, 2007
For More Information:
Dean Fiihr, 515-281-0817

FOUR REPUBLICANS REQUEST PUBLIC HEARING BUT DON'T SHOW UP

Des Moines, Iowa - Four House Republicans, who requested a rare public hearing last week in the Iowa House, did not attend their own public hearing.  The members who did not attend the public hearing they requested include: Rep. Carmine Boal, R-Ankeny; Rep. Linda Miller, R-Bettendorf; Rep. Scott Raecker, R-Urbandale; and Rep. Tami Wiencek, R-Waterloo.

"When Republicans call for a public hearing and then don't bother to attend, it is clear this was more about politics than listening to Iowans," said House Speaker Pat Murphy of Dubuque.  "After requesting five public hearings last week alone, Republicans need to decide if they really want to hear from the public or not."

The public hearing was requested by Republican members of the House Education Committee on Senate File 62, a Department of Education bill which passed the Iowa Senate 50-0.  The hearing was held at the State Capitol on Tuesday morning and three people participated, including one Republican House Staff member.

"Iowans expect us to put politics aside and work together.  I hope Republicans will start focusing on the business of Iowans instead of playing political games," concluded Murphy.

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Rep. Carmine Boal (R-Ankeny)
Rep. Linda Miller (R-Bettendorf)
Rep. Scott Raecker (R-Urbandale)
Rep. Tami Wiencek (R- Waterloo)