Senate Study Bill 1281 contains an Economic Development Budget that will expand Iowa’s middle class and move our economy forward.
The state’s Economic Development Budget funds Small Business Development Centers, research and economic development at our state universities, arts, cultural and historical projects, worker safety programs, and employer and worker assistance through Workforce Field Offices.
This year, Senate Democrats have proposed a budget that:
- Increases trade assistance for Iowa small businesses to expand their sales to national and international markets.
- Provides funding for an initiative to match returning veterans with jobs at Iowa companies.
- Invests in public transit systems that provide Iowans with transportation to and from work.
- Increases funding for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspectors.
- Increases funding for more wage theft investigators at Iowa Workforce Development.
In addition, the budget provides for financial assistance for businesses to locate and expand in Iowa, and for our state universities to work with businesses on research, development, marketing and entrepreneurship.