Letters.

• Author: Epley, David
• Position: Letter to the editor

Editor: Excellent article by Daniel Thatcher on the Core Standards in the September issue of State Legislatures. "Common Core: Put to the Test" did not have all the misinformation that reporters tend to have in their articles. I hadn't realized the extensive preparation that Kentucky had done. The article shows why a lack of preparation before the implementation stage is one of the reasons some states have run into problems. In Iowa, we have at least delayed implementation in order to have enough time to develop the standards, which in my opinion has made it a success.

David Epley

House Democratic Staff

Iowa

Editor: The "The Power of Pride" article in September's magazine asserts that "being a gay or lesbian state lawmaker is now so common it's no longer an issue." I must strongly disagree. Colorado Senator Pat Steadman is quoted saying, "It just keeps getting better" for lesbian and gay legislators, with which I agree. I have also personally witnessed the evolution of acceptance by the voting public and my colleagues since becoming the first openly lesbian or gay legislator in New York state in 1991.

The acceptance and mutual...