Recent Photos

Written by Matt McCoy | 13 February 2009

I met with a group from the Brain Injury Association of Iowa in the Statehouse rotunda on February 10.

I had the opportunity to talk with students from One Iowa on February 10. They were at the Statehouse as part of One Iowa's "Fairness for all Families" initiative to promote marriage equality for everyone.

The Iowa Grocers Association was at the Capitol February 10. I met with Will Golberg, Rod Smith and Gary Jordon, employees of Fareway, in the rotunda.

Revising my opinion on the Pollack painting

Written by Matt McCoy | 13 February 2009

Jackson Pollock,
I’ve received several messages from constituents concerning my comments about the sale of the Jackson Pollack mural at the University of Iowa. Following the Board of Regents’ initial mention of its sale, they approved obtaining a new appraisal of the work.
 
I have continually tired to develop ways for loan forgiveness for college students and to find ways to pay their college loans. As the discussion regarding the selling of the painting developed, it appears that money raised from such a sale would have to stay with the museum, stay in their endowment, or be used for the purchase of additional art work. 
 
It makes no sense to sell it unless the Regents decide they want to acquire other pieces. In retrospect, I regret bringing up again the issue of selling the Pollock that had been initially raised by a member of the Board of Regents.
 
We should be able to freely discuss and dialogue on difficult decisions that need to be made. Some ideas are better then others but know that the ultimate goal of keeping student tuition low is worth pursuing.

Helping Iowans who’ve been cheated

Written by Matt McCoy | 13 February 2009

Did you know that Iowa is the only state that doesn’t have a private cause of action for consumers who’ve been cheated?
 
That’s why a Senate subcommittee is considering creating a legal private cause of action. This would help Iowans who’ve been defrauded by unscrupulous salespersons, contractors and others. Victims would be able to go to court to get their money back when they have been cheated and collect attorneys’ fees when they win.
 
The Iowa Attorney General’s Office helps as many people as it can, but it can’t represent individual consumers in court. That means many Iowans are unable to seek damages. 
 
Here’s an example: You hire someone to re-shingle your roof, paying $5,000 up front. You get new shingles, but they aren’t installed properly. As a result, your roof leaks, damaging your property.  
 
Under current law, you’d have to go to court and fight for your rights. If you win, you are still out the cost of your attorney fees. This is a no-win situation that lets dishonest people walk away with your hard-earned money.   
 
Iowans deserve the opportunity to go after the bad guys. This new legislation would give them that chance.

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