Community colleges help Iowans working to improve their skills and their lives. Iowans turn to our outstanding community colleges to take their high school equivalency exam, learn basic skills, train for jobs and earn industry-recognized certificates in welding, health care, computers and other areas.
Unfortunately, when Governor Branstad released his state budget last week, it included no increase in funding next year to help Iowa’s 15 community colleges keep up with demand and inflation. While we’ve wisely agreed to freeze tuition at our state universities for the second straight year, we can’t shortchange our community colleges. Higher community college tuition would be a setback for Iowans training for job openings and for the local businesses in need of skilled workers.
Business leaders say improving worker training is the most important thing we can do to keep Iowa’s economy growing. Middle-skill jobs are on the rise, making up about 56 percent of Iowa positions right now. However, only about a third of Iowa workers qualify for them, according to a report on Middle-Skill Jobs in Iowa. Middle-skill jobs encompass a wide range of occupations, from computer specialists and radiation therapists to carpenters and machinists—positions that require some education beyond high school but not a four-year degree.
Last year with bipartisan support, we expanded a successful skills training effort to every community college in the state. I will work with the Governor to ensure Iowans can take advantage of these new opportunities to train for better-paying jobs. Affordable tuition for those willing to study hard and work hard is a smart approach to strengthening Iowa’s middle class and keeping our workforce competitive.