Is Your McDonald’s Cleaner than Your Abortion Clinic? In Iowa, We Don’t Know

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Just as the shock and horror of the realities of the Kermit Gosnell infanticide trial begin to fade in our memories, we have begun hearing stories of other Kermit Gosnells in other parts of the country.

Abortionist Nicola Riley just had her medical license revoked in Maryland for a host of problems.  Like Gosnell, Riley kept the bodies of aborted babies in a freezer.  She has been on suspension since 2010 after she perforated the uterus of a woman during an abortion so badly that the woman’s bowels were spilling into her vagina, and body parts of the baby were later found outside of the uterus in the woman’s abdominal cavity.  Then, rather than call an ambulance to take the woman to a real medical facility, Riley drove the woman to the hospital in her own rental car.

Former employees have come forward with first-hand accounts of abortionist Douglas Karpen in Texas snapping the necks of babies born alive with his own hands.  Like Gosnell, Karpen has a history of receiving complaints that appear to not have been properly investigated by state officials.

So far, in Iowa, we’ve established that late-term third-trimester abortions are legal for just about any reason the doctor can dream up, and we’ve also established that there is at least one abortionist in Iowa who uses barbaric procedures very similar to those used by Kermit Gosnell when performing late-term abortions.

One of the things that has outraged people the most about the Gosnell situation is the fact that Pennsylvania state regulators allowed Gosnell to go on butchering women and children for years, ignoring complaints and skipping inspections with the blessing of pro-choice Republican governor Tom Ridge.

But could the Gosnell atrocities really happen in Iowa without state officials stepping and putting a stop to it?

Once again, the unfortunate answer to this question is yes, Iowa state officials would have no clue if these atrocities were happening within our own boarders.

The Iowa Republican contacted several state agencies asking the question of whether abortion clinics in Iowa are licensed or inspected.  We started with the Department of Public Health, but we were informed that, ironically, that department has nothing to do with regulating health facilities.

We were directed to contact the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.  There, we were informed that abortion clinics are not subject to inspection in the state of Iowa.

The next logical question is, why not?  The short answer to that question is that, “[i]f  a facility, program, or service is not subject to state inspection[,] it is because there is no authority in Iowa law for conducing the inspections,” according to DIA spokesman David Werning.

The long answer to the question of what medical facilities are subject to certification, licensing, or inspection requirements involves a complicated analysis of whether the facility get reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid, or whether state law specifically mandates inspections.

In regards to smaller medical facilities, Werning states, “Medical offices operated by physicians, including specialty clinics are not inspected by DIA.  In fact, I do not believe they are physically inspected by any state department.  Generally, physician offices and clinics are operated under the license of the physician and, therefore, may fall under the jurisdiction of the Iowa Board of Medicine – the licensing authority of physicians, surgeons, etc.”

To the average Iowan, it is somewhat mindblowing that facilities where surgical procedures, like abortions, are performed are never inspected.  Now, most other outpatient surgery centers (otherwise known as ambulatory surgical centers) are subject to inspection due to the federal certification required for facilities that receive certain federal funds.  But, even those inspections only happen every six years.

So, unless someone, like a woman who has had an abortion, wants to stand up and sign her name to a document making a formal complaint about a specific doctor to the state Board of Medicine, no one is ever going to do anything to make sure that abortion clinics are held accountable for violations that may be occurring.  The problem with this scenario is that women have abortions to hide the truth of what they are going through.  Putting their name behind a complaint and having to testify about the highly personal details of their lives just isn’t going to happen.

The other problem with that scenario is that during a surgical abortion, a woman is sedated and doesn’t know the details of what happened to her.  You can bet abortionists like Jill Meadows are going to do everything they can to make sure their patients don’t hear them literally tearing their babies apart.

So, what needs to happen to fix this problem and shut down filthy clinics (thereby saving babies in the process)?  The Iowa legislature needs to act to require abortion clinics adhere to the same requirements as outpatient surgical centers and also require regular inspections.  Several other states, including Pennsylvania, Virginia. Alabama, Kansas, and Texas, are doing just that.

The sad state of affairs in Iowa right now is that your local nail salon, barber, tanning salon, casino, carnival, and McDonalds are more regulated than your local abortion clinic.

We need a major adjustment in our priorities.  Otherwise, we have no right to be surprised outraged when yet another Kermit Gosnell comes to light, because we’ve done nothing to stop it.

Below is a listing of facilities that are currently inspected by the state of Iowa according to the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.

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The “New” California Republican Party Asks the Same Old Question

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While a new California Republican Party chair might have more moves and different priorities than his predecessor, there’s no way to avoid the fact that the primary focus of the job is to elect more Republicans. GOP Chair Jim Brulte makes that point in Item #1 of the May 1 electronically-sent missive  below.

Electing more Republicans and, indeed, accomplishing Items #2 and #3, requires money. That, in turn, necessitates solicitations such as the one posted below, for campaign contributions. 

Nothing new about that. Brulte’s former colleague in the state senate, John Burton, does the very same thing as chair of the California Democratic Party. His job is made somewhat easy by his party holding the governor’s office and  super-majorities in both houses of the Legislature.

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What Kansas should do

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As the Kansas Legislature struggles to end its 2013 session, budgetary and taxation issues remain to be resolved. It’s important that the legislature resolve these issues in a way that positions Kansas for economic growth, rather than retaining the policies that have led to stagnation compared to other states.

Personal income growth, Kansas and selected states, 2013

Here’s what the Kansas Legislature needs to do:

  • Keep the current sales tax rate.
  • Eliminate sales tax on food.
  • Reduce individual income and corporate income tax rates.
  • Get serious about spending.

The legislature should reduce Kansas income tax rates by an amount that would be revenue-neutral, so that state spending does not grow. This moves Kansas towards more of a “Fair Tax” model, which many economists agree is better than taxing income. Elimination of the sales tax on food removes much of the regressive nature of the sales tax.

To the extent that the legislature believes it needs other funds, take it from transportation funding. We’ve spent a lot on roads and highways in recent years. It’s enough for now.

Another important thing the legislature needs to do is get serious about reducing government spending. Kansas lost an important chance to save money — although a relatively small amount — when school choice programs failed to pass. These programs, across the country, save state and local governments money. Unfortunately, Kansas legislative leaders did not use this argument.

Job growth, Kansas and selected states, 2013

How to save

In 2011 the Kansas Legislature lost three opportunities to save money and improve the operations of state government. Three bills, each with this goal, were passed by the House of Representatives, but each failed to pass through the moderate-controlled Senate, or had its contents stripped and replaced with different legislation.

Each of these bills represented a lost opportunity for state government services to be streamlined, delivered more efficiently, or measured and managed. These goals, while always important, are now essential for the success of Kansas government and the state’s economy.

One bill was called the Kansas Streamlining Government Act, another would have created the Kansas Advisory Council on Privatization and Public-Private Partnerships, and another would have created performance measures for state agencies and report that information to the public. More information on these bills is at Kansas budget solution overlooked.

We have to wonder why these bills — or similar measures — were not introduced and advanced this year when the opposition in the Senate is weaker. These are the types of measures we need to take as a state.

What Kansas should do

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As the Kansas Legislature struggles to end its 2013 session, budgetary and taxation issues remain to be resolved. It’s important that the legislature resolve these issues in a way that positions Kansas for economic growth, rather than retaining the policies that have led to stagnation compared to other states.

Personal income growth, Kansas and selected states, 2013

Here’s what the Kansas Legislature needs to do:

  • Keep the current sales tax rate.
  • Eliminate sales tax on food.
  • Reduce individual income and corporate income tax rates.
  • Get serious about spending.

The legislature should reduce Kansas income tax rates by an amount that would be revenue-neutral, so that state spending does not grow. This moves Kansas towards more of a “Fair Tax” model, which many economists agree is better than taxing income. Elimination of the sales tax on food removes much of the regressive nature of the sales tax.

To the extent that the legislature believes it needs other funds, take it from transportation funding. We’ve spent a lot on roads and highways in recent years. It’s enough for now.

Another important thing the legislature needs to do is get serious about reducing government spending. Kansas lost an important chance to save money — although a relatively small amount — when school choice programs failed to pass. These programs, across the country, save state and local governments money. Unfortunately, Kansas legislative leaders did not use this argument.

Job growth, Kansas and selected states, 2013

How to save

In 2011 the Kansas Legislature lost three opportunities to save money and improve the operations of state government. Three bills, each with this goal, were passed by the House of Representatives, but each failed to pass through the moderate-controlled Senate, or had its contents stripped and replaced with different legislation.

Each of these bills represented a lost opportunity for state government services to be streamlined, delivered more efficiently, or measured and managed. These goals, while always important, are now essential for the success of Kansas government and the state’s economy.

One bill was called the Kansas Streamlining Government Act, another would have created the Kansas Advisory Council on Privatization and Public-Private Partnerships, and another would have created performance measures for state agencies and report that information to the public. More information on these bills is at Kansas budget solution overlooked.

We have to wonder why these bills — or similar measures — were not introduced and advanced this year when the opposition in the Senate is weaker. These are the types of measures we need to take as a state.

What Kansas should do

Posted by on

As the Kansas Legislature struggles to end its 2013 session, budgetary and taxation issues remain to be resolved. It’s important that the legislature resolve these issues in a way that positions Kansas for economic growth, rather than retaining the policies that have led to stagnation compared to other states.

Personal income growth, Kansas and selected states, 2013

Here’s what the Kansas Legislature needs to do:

  • Keep the current sales tax rate.
  • Eliminate sales tax on food.
  • Reduce individual income and corporate income tax rates.
  • Get serious about spending.

The legislature should reduce Kansas income tax rates by an amount that would be revenue-neutral, so that state spending does not grow. This moves Kansas towards more of a “Fair Tax” model, which many economists agree is better than taxing income. Elimination of the sales tax on food removes much of the regressive nature of the sales tax.

To the extent that the legislature believes it needs other funds, take it from transportation funding. We’ve spent a lot on roads and highways in recent years. It’s enough for now.

Another important thing the legislature needs to do is get serious about reducing government spending. Kansas lost an important chance to save money — although a relatively small amount — when school choice programs failed to pass. These programs, across the country, save state and local governments money. Unfortunately, Kansas legislative leaders did not use this argument.

Job growth, Kansas and selected states, 2013

How to save

In 2011 the Kansas Legislature lost three opportunities to save money and improve the operations of state government. Three bills, each with this goal, were passed by the House of Representatives, but each failed to pass through the moderate-controlled Senate, or had its contents stripped and replaced with different legislation.

Each of these bills represented a lost opportunity for state government services to be streamlined, delivered more efficiently, or measured and managed. These goals, while always important, are now essential for the success of Kansas government and the state’s economy.

One bill was called the Kansas Streamlining Government Act, another would have created the Kansas Advisory Council on Privatization and Public-Private Partnerships, and another would have created performance measures for state agencies and report that information to the public. More information on these bills is at Kansas budget solution overlooked.

We have to wonder why these bills — or similar measures — were not introduced and advanced this year when the opposition in the Senate is weaker. These are the types of measures we need to take as a state.

Starwood calls on Wichita

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Office worker using telephone and computer

This Tuesday the Wichita City Council considers economic development incentives to Starwood Hotels & Resorts for a call center to open in Wichita.

Besides the usual problems with cronyism and corporate welfare (see Wichita-area economic development policy changes proposed for explanation of some problems), there are a few issues to consider regarding this item.

First, the site where the Starwood call center will be located is owned by Max Cole. He and his wife are significant campaign contributors to Wichita City Council Member James Clendenin (district 3, southeast and south Wichita). Under the concept of pay-to-play laws that Wichita needs, Clendenin should refrain from voting on this matter.

Second, a table of salaries supplied in the agenda packet makes an implied promise that probably won’t be kept. The table shows numbers of jobs (actually full-time equivalents), the hourly pay rate, and the annual wage. The annual wage, in all cases, is 2,080 times the hourly rate, meaning it is assumed that workers will work 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

Information from the Kansas Department of Commerce offers more detail. Initially, 495 full-time and 55 part-time jobs will be created. In year five, the total will be 860 full-time and 95 part-time total. There is also this notation: “The company will pay at least 50% of employee health insurance benefits.”

As you may be aware, one of the provisions of Obamacare is that if employees work over 30 hours per week, the employer must provide health insurance or be fined. As a result, many companies across the county are scaling back weekly work hours to less than 30.

We ought to ask if Starwood intends to hire employees who will work 40 hours per week, if they want to. Will the liberals on the Wichita City Council — Mayor Carl Brewer, Council Member Lavonta Williams (district 1, northeast Wichita), and Council Member Janet Miller (district 6, north central Wichita) — ask that Starwood operate under the standards of Obamacare? The table presents data as “full-time equivalents,” which provides room for Starwood to go either way.

Starwood is asking for a forgivable loan of $200,000 from Wichita, and another of the same amount from Sedgwick County. I asked the Kansas Department of Commerce if it would reveal the programs and incentives that Starwood will receive from the State of Kansas. It would not supply that information at this time, but I obtained the information by another means. The state describes its offer to Starwood as worth “up to $1,583,272.” Of this, $750,000 would be in the form of direct cash grants.

Here is a link to the relevant pages from the Wichita city council agenda: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Economic Development Incentive Agreement with City of Wichita, Kansas. Also, from the Department of Commerce: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Economic Development Incentives offered by State of Kansas.

Bill Haslam stars in seatbelt use commercial

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Tennessee television viewers may have seen Gov. Bill Haslam starring in a dramatic public service announcement that began airing last week.

The $50,000 spot from the Governor’s Highway Safety Office was produced by The Tombras Group, a Knoxville advertising agency. The ad was paid for with a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,  a GHSO spokeswoman said.

The striking ad features the story of “Jessica.” Haslam holds a framed photograph of Jessica and her family, which he drops to the floor. The commercial then cuts to an image of the picture shattering, followed by a message from the governor encouraging seat belt use amid a cascade of falling picture frames.

The commercial should be in heavy rotation for the remainder of the month, the spokeswoman said. After that, it will be shown intermittently throughout the summer before returning to heavy rotation again in November.

Posted In:  Politics, State