Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds | Photo Courtesy of Governor's Office
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds | Photo Courtesy of Governor's Office
Gov. Kim Reynolds called on Iowa to do more for the men and women that serve in its law enforcement agencies during her Condition of the State address on Jan. 11.
Describing public safety jobs as “difficult and absolutely vital,” Reynolds, a Republican, thanked lawmakers for allocating additional funds to the state’s Deptartment of Corrections “to help keep our prisons secure.”
“It’s more important than ever that we show these men and women that we appreciate what they do,” the governor said in the address, a recording of which was published on YouTube. “Because across the country, far too many don’t have that appreciation; they don’t believe in prisons and don’t see the need for police.”
Reynolds further asserted that Iowa is no place for anti-police rhetoric.
The governor plans to use federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to give a $1,000 retention bonus to law enforcement and corrections officers, as well as teachers.
“When officers are treated like villains and other jobs are plentiful, it’s no wonder that applications nationally are down and resignations are up,” the governor said, according to a transcript of the address published by her office. “It’s no wonder that our young people are saying 'no thanks' to a career in public safety.”
She pointed out that other states, including neighbor Nebraska, have retention bonuses for law enforcement.
Reynolds also mentioned the Back the Blue Bill the legislature passed last year.
The measure makes rioting a felony, according to a release issued by the governor’s office last June.
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