The Iowa
State of
Eighty-First General Assembly
STATEHOUSE
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
For Immediate Release Contact: Kimberly Steenhoek
Tuesday, April 4, 2006 (515) 281-6571 or (515) 778-9795
Republican Senators Urge Iowa Workforce Development
Director to Terminate CIETC Contract; Place Deputy Director on Administrative
Leave
DES MOINES – State Sens. Mary Lundby (R-Marion), co-chair of the Government Oversight Committee and Pat Ward (R-West Des Moines), co-chair of the Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee today sent a letter to Iowa Workforce Development Director Richard Running about the ongoing investigations of spending abuse by the Central Iowa Employment and Training Consortium (CIETC).
Following is the text of the letter:
April 4, 2006
Director Richard Running
Dear Director Running:
In light of recent information that has surfaced regarding spending abuse by the Central Iowa Employment and Training Consortium (CIETC), we are requesting that the state terminate its contract with CIETC immediately and temporarily take control of services for this region.
As the state agency charged with monitoring CIETC’s activities, Iowa Workforce Development must bear some responsibility for its lack of fiscal oversight. While the extent of the agency’s involvement in this matter is still under investigation, evidence has already come forward that Deputy Director Jane Barto previously tried to stop an unbiased fiscal investigation of CIETC’s expenditures. Due to this evidence, we are requesting Jane Barto immediately be placed on unpaid administrative leave until all investigations are completed.
Finally, we are calling on you to ensure there is no
retaliation against Kelly Taylor for bringing these allegations to light. He should be protected under federal
whistleblower laws. In addition, we are
requesting Kelly
Sincerely,
Senator Mary Lundby Senator Pat Ward
Co-Chair Government Oversight Co-Chair Economic Development Appropriations
Committee Budget Subcommittee
cc: Governor Thomas J. Vilsack