The Iowa Legislature gaveled in on January 12 for the 2015 session.
We look forward to a great year devoted to helping build an economy that works for all Iowans. Many of our friends and neighbors are struggling to get ahead because of stagnant wages and a tough job market. But we can ensure a lasting recovery from the national recession by strengthening and expanding Iowa’s middle class.
How can we help Iowans earn greater financial security?
- By investing in local schools that are committed to student achievement and teacher quality.
- By freezing tuition for Iowa residents at our state universities for a third year.
- By expanding worker training at our community colleges.
- By cracking down on wage theft to ensure Iowans get paid for their work.
- By giving Iowa companies the first chance at state contracts.
- By putting together a balanced and fiscally responsible budget.
- By expanding access to high-speed Internet service throughout the state.
- By encouraging the production of homegrown energy, including biofuels, wind and solar.
With Democrats in charge of the Iowa Senate and Republicans holding the majority in the Iowa House, successful legislation must win bipartisan approval. State support for our local schools is a top priority, and something we expect to work on early in the session.
In recent years, Iowa has dropped far below the national average when it comes how much we invest in each student. We must return to the pro-education foundation on which our state is built. Top-notch schools not only prepare our students for life and work, they are key to attracting new Iowans and new business.
We look forward to working together on school funding and other initiatives to strengthen Iowa’s middle class.