‘Featured’ Archives
Author: deanfiihr Published: January 24th, 2012
Iowa’s economy continued to pick up steam last month, as Iowa’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.6%. Here’s the release from Iowa Workforce Development:
Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 5.6 percent in December, the lowest level reported since June 2009. The current rate compares with 5.7 percent for November, and 6.1 percent for December 2010. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped for the fourth straight month in December to 8.5 percent. The November rate was revised to 8.7 percent, and the December 2010 rate stood at 9.4 percent.
“The state’s economy ended 2011 in a better place than was expected just a few months ago,” said Teresa Wahlert, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Both the labor force and total employment are beginning to trend upward, and the unemployment rate has fallen considerably below the 6.0 percent mark.”
The statewide estimate of unemployed persons fell to 93,500 in December from 94,700 in November. The level of unemployed persons stood at 102,600 one year ago.
The total number of working Iowans increased to 1,565,500 in December from 1,562,000 in November. Iowa’s measure of total employment began to increase in November after declining since May.
Tags: Iowa Economy, iowa workforce development
Category Featured, Recent News |
Author: deanfiihr Published: January 19th, 2012
Two state legislators today said community colleges are the key to growing Iowa’s skilled workforce and bringing good-paying jobs to Iowa. Last week, the Governor outlined his budget plans and called for a $6 million cut to Iowa’s 15 community colleges.
“We need to invest in workforce training and help more Iowans get the skills they need for 21st century jobs. Iowa is known for our quality education and highly-skilled workforce, but we can’t afford to move backwards when the jobs of tomorrow require more training than ever,” said State Representative Phyllis Thede of Bettendorf.
According to the Iowa Department of Education, tuition at Iowa’s community colleges is 60% higher than the national average. Under Governor Branstad’s proposed budget, community colleges would be cut by a total of $6 million from last year. Reductions proposed by the Governor in worker training efforts include a $2 million reduction in the Workforce Training Fund and a $5 million reduction to the Accelerated Careers Education (ACE).
“With over 100,000 Iowans enrolled across Iowa, community colleges play a key role in training our workforce statewide. If businesses are going to expand or locate in Iowa, we must have a skilled workforce that can meet their needs. Middle class Iowa families depend on affordable community college tuition to get the additional training that helps them land good-paying jobs,” said Sen. Mary Jo Wilhelm of Cresco.
“As we begin to put together the budget, we’re going to work together with our Republican colleagues to grow our skilled workforce and bring more jobs to Iowa,” added Thede.
The Legislators also encouraged Iowans to sign an on-line petition in support of Iowa’s community colleges and students at www.iowahouse.org/communitycollege.
Category Featured, Recent News, Uncategorized |
Author: deanfiihr Published: January 17th, 2012
House Democrats today encouraged Republicans to take quick action on two bills to prevent tuition hikes on national guard members and improve safety at Iowa’s correctional institutions.
“House Democrats are ready to take swift action this week and stop the tuition hike on national guard members. We are ready to work with Republicans and get the bill to the Governor’s desk before we return home for the weekend,” said Rep. Tyler Olson, D-Cedar Rapids, who leads Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee. “With most Iowa students already back at college for the spring semester, we need to take quick action to restore their tuition assistance before it’s too late.”
In December, the Iowa National Guard announced it would reduce awards for the Education Assistance Program from 90% to 50% because of high enrollment.
“Over the interim, we’ve heard from many Iowans with concerns about safety at our correctional institutions,” added Olson. “As legislators, we have an obligation to ensure the safety of workers in dangerous situations as well as protecting the general public from criminals.”
Olson said both bills will be filed tomorrow.
Tags: Iowa Correctional Institutions, Iowa House of Representatives, iowa national guard, National Guard Tuition, Prison Safety, Public Safety, Rep. Tyler Olson
Category 2012 Session Information, Budget, Featured, Public Safety, Recent News, Veterans |
Author: deanfiihr Published: January 17th, 2012
Iowa House legislators visited North High School on Tuesday, January 17th to discuss the recent turnaround of North High School’s academic achievement. Principal Matt Smith outlined many of the ways he and his administration changed the attitude of North High students and staff to be more positive, leading to increased success in the classroom. Principal Smith said that one of the major achievements was getting the students to believe they could succeed. Legislators will be considering an education reform package during the 2012 session.
Category Education, Featured, Recent News |
Author: deanfiihr Published: January 12th, 2012
The annual Veterans Day at the Capitol is coming up on Wednesday, January 18th. All service members, veterans, and their families are welcomed and encouraged to attend. The day will give Iowans concerned about veteran’s issues a chance to meet with their legislators and other veterans.
The Iowa Veterans Coalition sponsors the Day at the Capitol, which includes events where you can learn about the latest legislative activity in Des Moines, hear from key policy makers, visit with event vendors about veteran-related services, and meet with your elected officials to make your voice heard on the key issues affecting veterans.
In addition, that day, Major General Timothy Orr, the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, will address the Iowa Legislature on the Condition of the Iowa National Guard. Since September 11, 2001, more than 16,000 soldiers and airmen of the Iowa National Guard have served in the ongoing campaigns in Iraq, Afghanistan, peacekeeping duties in the Balkans and the Sinai Peninsula, and emergency response missions in Iowa and across the country. Iowa is in the midst of what is the largest, single unit call-up in Iowa since World War II. During 2011, there are over 3,000 Iowa National Guard Soldiers deployed overseas.
For more information, go to http://iowahouse.org/veteransday2012.pdf
Tags: iowa national guard, Iowa Veterans Day, military, military families, military spouses, Timothy Orr, Veterans
Category 2012 Session Information, Featured, Recent News, Veterans |
