CHICAGO – Taxpayers United of America (TUA) Vice President, Christina Tobin, called on Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and the Iowa General Assembly to set the standard for transparency by releasing its government pension data.
“I have written letters to Gov. Branstad and the members of the General Assembly, urging them to change the culture of secrecy surrounding government employee pension benefit amounts. They can champion a culture of transparency to ensure honesty and integrity through unlimited public review of all taxpayer funds.”
“TUA is in Iowa this week, releasing pension estimates for government employees. The first stop was the Iowa Capitol to hand-deliver the letters. TUA held a press conference in Des Moines, releasing pension estimates for state and local government employees.”
“Iowa is one of a few states that interpret its Open Records Act exception regarding personal information to include pension payments. But as long as taxpayers fund the pensions, they have a right to review them.”
“I have asked Governor Branstad to take the lead in making Iowa above reproach through complete transparency with public funds.”
