Hopes elected officials don’t add insult to injury

Letter to the Editor:

Have you noticed the turmoil? Let’s start with a national recession, growing state unemployment, declining state revenues, a reduction in state services and now, potential property tax increases. Is it really the right time for Congress to pass cap-and-trade legislation to address concerns about global warming? The current plan will increase the amount Iowan’s pay to heat and cool their homes, and at the same time, will increase the operating expenses of businesses all across Iowa. Many of us have felt hardships due to the high costs of fuel and downturn in the economy. I hope our elected officials don’t add insult to injury by supporting a bill that takes money out of the pockets of hard-working Iowan’s and sends it the coasts.

More than 75,000 cards were recently sent by Iowans asking Sen. Grassley and Sen. Harkin to ensure energy legislation passed is fair and affordable by taking into account how different regions use different ways to produce energy. Because of the energy mix the Midwest and parts of the Southeast rely on, these regions will be unfairly taxed to the benefit of those in other regions of the U.S. Our elected officials in Washington, D.C. must realize what Iowa families are currently facing and must fight for a balanced solution to concerns about climate change. If we ever needed someone in our corner, it’s now. Your electric cooperative is working hard for you, but we can’t go it alone. For more information go to www.findabalancedsolution.com

Sincerely, Bill Freeman, manager, Clarke Electric Cooperative, 1103 N. Main, Osceola