What Do Legisators Need to Do to Put Iowans Back to Work?

Submitted by Senate Republican Leader Jerry Behn

Iowa’s unemployment rate continued on a downward path in April, falling to 5.1 percent from 5.2 percent in March. That’s down from 5.9 percent one year ago.

Additionally, the number of unemployed Iowans dropped to 85,200 in April from 86,800 in March, and from 98,500 one year ago.

While this is welcome news, there is still so much that needs to be done to re-open Iowa to business growth and expansion and career creation.

Our work is not finished.  In fact, we have hardly just gotten started. 

In order to keep the unemployment rate going down and to add a jolt of economic momentum, the Iowa Legislature, working with Governor Branstad, need to do four critical things next year:

1)     We need to continually pass a budget, year after year, that is free of gimmicks, spends less than we take in, saves for the future and is balanced without raising taxes.

2)     We need to pass permanent, aggressive and authentic property tax relief for all classes of property. This did not happen this year as Senate Democrats voted it down on the second to last day of session.

3)     We need to pass government regulation reform that eliminates unnecessary regulations without jeopardizing the safety and health of hardworking Iowans.

4)     We need to pass true education reform that gives our children the tools they need to succeed in this increasingly competitive global economy.

As Iowans, we have a real opportunity to work together to bring measurable results.

We could and should do all of these things in a bi-partisan way that would make all Iowans proud.

If given the opportunity to lead, Senate Republicans stand ready to bring forward common sense pro-growth initiatives in order to bring about more career creation and jobs for Iowans.

Let’s grow Iowa and put more Iowans back to work.

It’s the right thing to do!

As always, I want to hear from you and can be reached by phone at 515-281-3560 or by e-mail at Jerry.Behn@legis.iowa.gov

Jerry Behn

Senate Republican Leader

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