The Senate adjourned for the 2013 session late on May 22 with many successful efforts to strengthen and expand Iowa’s middle class.
We took a comprehensive approach to creating a state where more Iowans have access to good jobs, great communities, strong local schools and affordable health care. We found common ground by working together—Democrats and Republicans—and by listening to our constituents.
Thank you to all who took the time to contact me during the session. Your ideas, suggestions and priorities are reflected in the bills that made it to the Governor’s desk, including:
• Expanding health care coverage to 150,000 uninsured working Iowans through a new Iowa Health and Wellness Plan. We’re also ensuring Iowans get the mental health services they need in their communities.
• Reducing Iowa’s skilled worker shortage with an investment of $34.3 million in worker training to help Iowans qualify for job openings at local businesses and grow Iowa’s economy.
• Keeping tuition affordable at our community colleges, state universities and private colleges so all Iowa families have the educational opportunities that lead to great jobs. There won’t be a tuition increase at Iowa’s state universities for the first time in 30 years.
• Providing a 4 percent increase in support for local schools for the 2013-14 school year and a 4 percent increase for the following school year. We’ll continue efforts to ensure young learners become good readers, and education reforms will increase standards, improve teaching and encourage innovation.
• Cutting commercial property taxes—helping small businesses the most—without shifting the burden to residential property owners or hurting local schools and services.
• Boosting local economic activity and helping low-income Iowa families work their way out of poverty by increasing the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit from 7 percent to 15 percent of the federal credit.
• Expanding economic growth efforts that create jobs, including financial incentives, tax credits, and programs at our universities that work with local businesses on technology commercialization, marketing and entrepreneurship.
• Improving Iowa’s water, environment and recreational opportunities by investing in programs and partnerships with farmers, landowners and communities.