How crazy have things gotten in the Iowa legislature?  Take a look at this video for your answer. Watch Senator Hamerlinck (R-Dixon) refer to what he does as “political theatre” while attempting to shame the students for daring to participate in democracy.  

Senator Hamerlinck,

I’m a _______ , a taxpayer, and I am asking you to listen to the concerns of Iowans.

By telling students testifying before you to “go back home,” you refused to listen to those most affected by the unprecedented cuts to education that your party is demanding. When students of Iowa public colleges and universities have the second highest debt load in the nation, and families are being priced out of a future, this is exactly who you should be hearing from.

As an adjunct professor yourself, the need for quality education shouldn’t be a surprising idea.

The open budget hearings are a chance for Iowans of all backgrounds to testify and inform legislators about the impact of the proposals before them. It is my hope that you will change your mind about the value of input from Iowa taxpayers and welcome, instead of reject, involvement in the political process.

We will not “go home” until our concerns are heard.

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