Iowa Workers’ Comp Commissioner Sues Governor in Federal Court

The state’s workers’ compensation commissioner is suing Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, and members of the governor’s staff in federal court alleging discriminating for political reasons and because he’s gay.

Christopher Godfrey’s lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court Wednesday says Branstad and some of his staff violated his constitutional rights by cutting his salary and by trying to push him out of his job.

Branstad wants Godfrey to resign from the job which oversees cases involving injured workers. Godfrey refuses. Last year Branstad cut his salary, reduced the office budget, and eliminated an assistant.

Godfrey has a similar lawsuit on hold in Polk County District Court until the Iowa Supreme Court rules on whether state officials have immunity against defamation.

Godfrey seeks monetary damages.