District 50 opponents spar early

FORT MADISON - Sparring in Iowa's Senate District 50 has started early as  incumbent Jeff Reichman and first-time candidate Nannette Griffin of Fort Madison drew party lines on proposed legislation around the state's Area Education Association and recent industry closures.
Last week,  Griffin expressed deep concern over the closures of the Arctic Glacier Ice facility in West Point and Fort Madison's Independent Can Company.
"These closures represent a significant loss for Lee County, affecting hardworking Iowans and their families. They underscore the urgent need for strong leadership in the Iowa Senate to address economic challenges in our district," she said.
"As a small business owner, I understand the importance of supporting local businesses and workers. That's why I'm running for the Iowa Senate—to bring opportunity back to Southeast Iowa."
Reichman said Democrats are playing politics with the closure and not focusing on families.
"Democrats are quick to attempt to politicize the plant closing but slow on any solutions for family businesses. Had they actually read the comments from leadership of Independent Can they would have realized it is the Biden Administration's steel policies causing that plant closing," he said.
"They have also continually opposed the most significant job creation project in southeast Iowa's history. I also found it interesting the Democrats only actual proposal wasn't for new job creation, just a longer term on unemployment. 
Griffin voiced disappointment in the Senate Majority's denial of unemployment benefits for workers affected by plant closures.
"I will advocate for reinstating unemployment benefits to 39 weeks for workers affected by this plant closure to provide crucial support for workers during times of transition," she stated.
Reichman said his father played a role in bringing Independent Can to Fort Madison  so it was especially sad for him  to hear of the closure.
"My father was the purchasing director at Climax Molybdenum and played a part in bringing the can company to Ft Madison so it is especially sad to see it close and jobs lost," he said.
"Plant closings and layoffs are always a challenge for Iowans, their families, and our communities. I look forward to working with Iowa Workforce Development on new opportunities for the folks impacted by these layoffs."
The senator said Iowa's pro-growth, low-tax agenda is helping the state's population, and southeast Iowa needs career opportunities.
The two also are at odds over recent movement in bills to restructure the state's AEAs.
The Iowa Senate passed their version of legislation Monday, which is a contrast to the bill proposed in the House. Leaders of both chambers will now get together and try to hammer out a compromise to get to Governor Kim Reynolds.
The Senate bill would allow state districts to contract with private  vendors for  special education, general education, and media services. in a pay-for-service model. It also redirects 90% of AEA funding back to districts over the next two years with 10% staying with AEAs for special education funding.
It also sets a new minimum teacher's salary at $46,251 up from $33,000. The House version set that salary at $50,000. The House bill also guarantees that AEAs  solely provide special education services, while allowing districts to see private contract services for general education and media services starting in 2025.
Griffin said she was disappointed in the bill.
"I’m extremely disappointed that our senator from district 50 isn’t listening to the constituents. I will definitely hear them," she said.
Reichman said AEAs have been being warned for at least seven years they need to make broad changes.
"They have 120 employees who make more than the governor," Reichman said. "They're asking for independent studies, but we've had two of those in the last 11 years and they were told changes need to be made."
Reichman, who voted for the Senate bill, said this summer federal regulators are coming in to the AEAs and will start implementing those changes.
"They are coming. That's going to happen."