***The Iowa Standard is an independent media voice. We rely on the financial support of our readers to exist. Please consider a one-time sign of support or becoming a monthly supporter at $5, $10/month - whatever you think we're worth! If you’ve ever used the phrase “Fake News” — now YOU can actually DO something about it! You can also support us on PayPal at [email protected] or Venmo at Iowa-Standard-2018 or through the mail at: PO Box 112 Sioux Center, IA 51250

FRUSTRATED WITH FAKE NEWS? THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

If you are someone who believes the media refuses to give a fair shake and just report the facts, then consider supporting The Iowa Standard.

The Iowa Standard is a free online news source so we can reach as many people as possible. But we need to raise money! We are asking our readers to help support us as a news alternative entering 2020. If you could, please consider showing a sign of support to The Iowa Standard by making a contribution here.  Or, you can use Venmo and make a contribution to @Iowa-Standard-2018. 

You could also send a check to:
PO Box 112
Sioux Center, IA 51250

Earlier today we reported on Sen. Dennis Guth’s efforts to get a religious liberty bill through the Iowa Senate. The bill has advanced through subcommittee and committee in the past, but also receives strong opposition from certain business groups.

One of the biggest businesses standing in the way of religious liberty being strengthened in Iowa is Principal Financial. Stopping religious liberty legislation has been a top priority for Principal Financial.

The Iowa Standard sent emails to representatives of Principal Financial seeking comment, but nobody replied.

Gary Scholten, who was executive vice president and chief information officer for Principal Financial Group, said at a subcommittee on the bill that the company holds diversity and inclusion at the same level of legislative importance as taxation and regulation.

“We believe (the proposal) would enable discrimination by empowering business owners to deny services based on (religious beliefs),” he said. “This sends the wrong message about Iowa.”

Tim Coonan, who represented Principal Financial Group at another hearing on the bill, said religious liberty legislation paints Iowa in a negative light.

“Legislation like this, even the mere discussion of legislation like this, has a clear chilling effect on our ability to recruit from around the country and around the world,” he said.

Guth said 2020 is the time to move the legislation forward.

“I think it’d be a great time to move it forward,” he said. “We’d get plenty of national support on that kind of thing. It’s not like it’s something new. It’s not like it has caused a lot of problems in a lot of other states. It’s in a lot of other states. It’s time to just push back against Principal.”

Author: Jacob Hall

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here