Culver (Iowa Gov.) will veto collective bargaining, pay raise bills

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-ia-xgr-culvervetoes,0,1199431.story

By MIKE GLOVER | Associated Press Writer
12:06 AM CDT, May 15, 2008

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa Gov. Chet Culver said Wednesday he would veto measures broadening public union bargaining rights and raising salaries of elected officials.

Culver said he made his decisions after hearing from thousands of Iowans and coming to the conclusion that the measures "would not be in the best interest of taxpayers."

Culver's decision about the bargaining bill followed weeks of speculation about whether the Democratic governor would sign the bill. Unions pushed hard for the measure, which was narrowly approved by Democratic majorities in both chambers.

The governor defended his record on worker rights, saying he decided to veto the collective bargaining expansion because it could cost taxpayers millions.

"While I've always been a strong supporter of worker rights and collective bargaining, a close examination shows it is not in the best interests of taxpayers of Iowa to let this legislation become law," Culver said.

Republican lawmakers have been highly critical of the bargaining bill and they cheered Culver's decision.

FULL story at link.

[xchrom]

1. iowa is already a depopulating state, isn't it?

good way for more workers to go elsewhere to find better jobs.

also noting that state employees are also tax paying citizens.