Democrat Rob Sand says he wants to see more details on incentives for a steel plant proposed for southeast Iowa before deciding if it is a good deal.
Lawmakers are meeting in a special session Friday to consider tax breaks to draw the Mesabi Metallics development to Lee County.
Sand says the company should make its investments before the state releases benefits.
“You look at these data center deals that this administration has done over the last few years and we gave away the farm. So I want to make sure that this is a real opportunity, but also that at the end of the day that Iowa is getting served by it and not getting fleeced," he said.
Sand spoke about the special session before a Wednesday rally in Polk County that wrapped up his second 100-town hall tour this election cycle. He is facing Republican Zach Lahn in a closely contested governor’s race.
Lahn also hosted a rally in Grimes on Wednesday evening, where he said he’s concerned about preserving Iowa’s culture and opportunities for the next generation.
He said clean water would be one of his priorities as governor, and he is also concerned about making communities safe, improving schools and making sure young Iowans have opportunities, so they don't leave the state.
