Senator Joe Bolkcom has represented Iowa City in the legislature since 1999.

Governor Kim Reynolds continues to take victory laps for how she has managed the COVID-19 pandemic. She touts her efforts to be the first state to command kids back to school and to keep Iowa “open for business,” as Iowans were filling hospital beds and clinging to life on ventilators.  

Iowa recently surpassed 10,000 coronavirus deaths. That’s as many people as live in Carroll, or Fort Madison. It amounts to approximately 315 deaths per 100,000 Iowans.

By comparison, Minnesota and Wisconsin both have higher vaccination rates and took a sensible, science-based approach to managing the pandemic. They also had a lot fewer deaths per capita than Iowa (MN: 239 deaths per 100,000, and WI: 259 deaths per 100,000).

If Iowa had the same COVID death rate as Minnesota, approximately 2,351 Iowans would still be enjoying our beautiful fall colors. If Iowa had the same death rate as Wisconsin, approximately 1,771 Iowans would be looking forward to celebrating the upcoming holidays with their loved ones. 

Our “pro-life” governor’s reckless MAGA approach has taken a deadly toll. Early on she got in bed with the anti-vaxxers and spread misinformation about masks and social distancing while celebrating the freedom to stay unmasked and unvaccinated.

It appears Reynolds has washed her hands of COVID, hoping that it will just disappear. Sadly, Iowa continues to experience about 25 preventable coronavirus deaths a week because of our low vaccination rates. No flags ordered to half-staff in remembrance of Iowa’s pandemic victims.

The governor continues to fail at her number one responsibility to keep Iowans safe. Vote her out! 

Top image: Iowa State Medical Director Dr. Caitlin Pedati (left) and Governor Kim Reynolds pose with President Donald Trump during an Oval Office visit on May 6, 2020. Official White House photo by Shealah Craighead.