Yesterday, I received a letter that came from Governors Culvers top aid telling all the department heads that they must follow the governor’s directives that were put together in the government re-organization bill. It was noted that they MUST support the full enactment of the budget and the government reorganization bill.
The bill isn’t passed and there is a lot of discussion on how we can make the bill better. However, Culver wants it in the form he sent it to the legislature, and no matter what changes are made, he will implement his plan, not the legislatures plan.
The letter tells the agencies heads “be open and honest and clear” but “thoroughly support” Culvers plan. The Des Moines Register noted; “lawmakers said Monday that they interpreted Frew’s e-mail as an attempt by Culver to muzzle department leaders who might disagree with his reorganization plan or who want to offer different ideas for what’s best for Iowans.”
It seems that several agency heads had grave concerns about the bill and they were voicing their opinions to the public. The problem is the speed that this bill is getting pushed through the legislature. There is no sun light on the bill. So, agencies can only respond as they hear the ramifications through news outlets.
The biggest concern for most agencies was the golden parachute portion of the bill. It offers a retirement plan to government employees that are 55-years and older. It is such a great gift ($1000 for every year worked plus 5-years of paid health insurance) that agencies are worried about a mass exodus of workers and a complete brain drain. Agencies don’t know how they will operate if this legislation passes.
Agencies had no say and now they are demanded to support the bill. This seems very dictorial. An open process of allowing agencies and legislators to work to craft proper policy is what the constitution demands. Not, the executive branch overpowering all other arms of government.