Hein’s voting record concerning DOC called into question

To the Editor,

     Representative Lee Hein recently released a statement after the publication of an Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC) Safety and Security report. Representative Hein wants to pat his own back stating, “Last session, the Iowa House passed one of the largest budgetary increases in the history of the department.” Disappointingly, this was only after two Anamosa workers were murdered by prisoners and after years of Mr. Hein voting to underfund the DOC, most notably the Anamosa (State) Penitentiary. The Iowa budget general fund appropriations grew 21 percent from 2013 to 2020. In comparison, during the same time period, the DOC budget growth was just 6.9 percent, while the Anamosa Penitentiary budget growth was -0.16 percent. (Source: non-partisan Iowa legislative Services Agency)

     Mr. Hein further states, “They (prison workers) deserve to know that we appreciate their work and have their back.” Hein has had ample opportunities to be a champion for DOC workers in Jones County, but he has not taken them. In 2017, he voted to trip most bargaining rights from prison workers and he even voted for an amendment that prevents them from bargaining on safety equipment.

     Mr. Hein may also tout legislation passed last year, also after the murders, that will provide slain DOC workers’ families the same benefits as other public safety workers killed in the line of duty. While commendable, the question is why had they been previously excluded? He specifically voted against amendment H-1027 in 2017 that would have added corrections officers to the public safety group eligible to receive these benefits.

     Instead of supporting the workers, as he would like you to believe, Mr. Hein has continually turned his back on them.

Bob Gertsen

Oxford Junction, Iowa