Breitbach: Pass a law forbiding secret payments to state employees

State Senator Mike Breitbach of Strawberry Point is urging his fellow state legislators to pass a law forbidding secret settlements to state workers.

Breitbach notes that Governor Branstad has issued an executive order toforbid such payments in the future.  But an executive order is not binding on future governors.  And while the Iowa House has passed legislation to make this executive order permanent, the Iowa Senate has not.  Says Breitbach, "It would appear Senate leadershipwould rather talk about the settlements rather than pass legislation toprohibit it."

Concludes Breitbach, "I feel itis important that we bring sunshine to state government by passing a law thatwould bind all future administrations making public any such payments."