Iowa House of Representatives » Economy

Democrats to Focus on Good-Paying Jobs and Economic Security

deanfiihr — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:41:02 +0000

House and Senate leaders toured the state this week to talk about the 2012 legislative session which begins on January 9^th in Des Moines.

With stops in Mason City, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Des Moines, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal laid out the Democratic agenda for the 2012 session to include helping middle class families, cutting commercial property taxes, passing education reform, reforming Iowa’s mental health system, and establishing other budget priorities for the next year.

“Democrats will work to make more progress on good-paying jobs this year. Our job creation plan will reduce taxes for small businesses and reform our schools to ensure that Iowa students are prepared for the jobs of the future,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs. “While Iowa’s economy gains steam, we will do all we can to speed up the recovery and put Iowans back to work.”

“Iowans are tired of the partisan bickering and political games. Democrats are going to work to find common ground on the issues that affect the lives of everyday Iowans,” added House Democratic Leader Kevin McCarthy of Des Moines.

“We will listen to Iowans and act responsibly to keep the state’s fiscal house in order,” added Gronstal. “If Republicans join us in working together and bargaining in good faith, I’m confident the 2012 session will be a success.”

“Middle class families have been hit hard during the national recession and Democrats will work to make sure that Iowans who work hard and play by the rules get a boost. We will also help Iowa small businesses expand and grow while continuing to keep Iowa a world leader in renewable energy,” concluded McCarthy.

The 2012 session of the Iowa Legislature convenes on Monday, January 9th at 10 am.

Iowa Ranked 3rd Best Run State in the Nation

rachellethomas — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:44:00 +0000

In a new report by 24/7 Wall St, Iowa was ranked third best run state because of its low unemployment rate, growing economy after the national recession, and it’s access to affordable health care.

From the 24-7 Wall St Report:

Iowa ranks 7th in education, with more than 90.5% of 25-year-olds having completed high school or the state equivalent. It is also sixth in lowest debt per capita and has the third-lowest rate of citizens without health insurance, with only 8.6% without coverage. While the Hawkeye State may be known for its corn fields, its economy is meaningfully supported by The University of Iowa, which accounts for one in every 30 jobs in the state. Iowa’s governors have been smart to invest heavily in the institution, and have reaped the benefits: the state ranks eighth lowest in the U.S. for unemployment, which stands at 6.8%.

The 24/7 Wall St State of the States report is an analysis that focuses on state management and financial operations.

24/7 Wall St looked at hundreds of data sets ranging from debt rating agency reports to violent crime rates, unemployment trends and median income.

Five Cities in Iowa Make “Top Business” List

rachellethomas — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:03:40 +0000

Five cities in Iowa made Forbes’ “America’s Best Small Cities for Business and Careers”, with Iowa City taking the number two spot on the list. Iowa City’s strong showing was traced to its well-educated labor force since it is home to the University of Iowa, where 47% of adults have a college degree, the third-highest among small metros.

The list by Forbes was comprised of smaller cities that offer low business costs and strong employment prospects.

From Forbes.com:

Iowa was the clear standout in the ranking with five metros in the top 20 including Iowa City, which ranked No. 2 (Des Moines nabbed the top spot on out the list of bigger metros). Other leading Iowa metros include No. 13 Waterloo, No. 14 Sioux City, No. 15 Dubuque and No. 17 Ames. They share some similar characteristics like business costs at least 16% below the national average and crime rates that fare at least 16% lower. These metros are all home to top-ranked colleges that churn out a steady crop of highly educated labor. Employment in Dubuque is expected to increase 4.2% annually over the next three years, better than any other metro area (big or small) in the country

Read the full article:

http://www.forbes.com/2010/09/13/best-small-cities-for-business-beltway-best-small-cities.html

Business Growth Grants Awarded to Iowa Communities

admin — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:37:34 +0000

The Iowa Department of Economic Development awarded five Iowa companies, located in Coralville, Fort Madison, Iowa City, LeClaire and Sioux City, a Grow Iowa Values Financial Assistance Program grant. The grants were awarded to support increased production and business growth in Iowa.

Fort Madison
Siemens Energy, Inc., in Fort Madison recieved $180,000 to support the extension of rail spur to service Siemens. This $1,350,000 project will extend an existing rail spur to provide capacity for an additional 15 rail cars. The improvement is anticipated to expand the number of blades Siemens could competitively produce by 660 annually and increase current competition distribution radius by 1,500 miles.

LeClaire
Mississippi River Distilling Company, in LeClaire, is a start-up company that plans to be the first micro distillery in Iowa to focus specifically on the production of small batch, handmade vodka, gin and bourbon manufactured from locally grown grains. The Board approved a $95,000 award from the value added agricultural component of the GIVFAP to assist with the costs related to the production of the liquors.

Coralville
J & J Solutions, Inc. of Coralville is a start-up company launched in 2008. They manufacture medical devices that optimize the safe handling of hazardous medication, such as chemotherapeutics, used to treat cancer patients. The Iowa Economic Development Board approved an award of $250,000 from the entrepreneurial component of the GIVFAP to support the development of this new product. The company expects to create 15 new jobs and retain three to support this new product line.

Iowa City
Responsible Transportation of Iowa City is a startup company that has been awarded $25,000 for technical assistance from the entrepreneurial component of the GIVFAP to conduct a feasibility study, plan for plant development, perform export analysis, engineering building design, and website design for their new company. The company intends to become the first pound for unwanted horses serving the Midwest.

Sioux City
Industrial Design Fabrication & Installation, Inc., (IDFI) currently located in Moville, is looking to lease a larger building in Sioux City to accommodate the company’s expansion, including additional equipment and employees. The Board approved an award of $125,000 from the GIVFAP and Enterprise Zone tax benefits to support the creation of nine new and 16 retained jobs.

CNBC Ranks Iowa #1 in Cost of Doing Business

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:12:31 +0000

Iowa was ranked #1 for “Cost for Doing Business” because of it’s low tax burden, including individual income and property taxes, and business taxes on company’s who are considering locating their business in Iowa. CNBC also took into consideration the cost of wages and state workers’ compensation insurance, as well as rental costs for office and industrial space. This is the second consecutive year that Iowa has received the top spot in the “Cost for Doing Business” category from CNBC’s rankings.

Over all Iowa ranked #6 in CNBC’s 2010 Top States for Business, for having low business costs, an upturning economy and an over all friendliness to business.

To see all the rankings visit: http://www.cnbc.com/id/37516043/.

Iowa Third Best in Employment Outlook in the U.S.

deanfiihr — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:16:28 +0000

According to a Manpower survey, Iowa has the third best employment outlook in the country. The ranking came from a nationwide survey of employers for the upcoming third quarter, July through September. Alaska was first followed by North Dakota in the rankings.
Based on the survey, 25% of Iowa companies interviewed plan to hire more employees, and only 6% claimed they would reduce their workforce. There were 66% of the employers that said they would maintain their current workforce numbers.
Job prospects in Iowa appeared to be best in durable and nondurable goods manufacturing, transportation and utilities, information, financial activities, professional and business services, leisure, and hospitality. Employers in education, health services, and government plan to reduce staffing levels.

Iowa Ranked 8th in Economic Growth by U.S. Chamber of Commerce

deanfiihr — Fri, 28 May 2010 15:26:35 +0000

The United States Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber Foundation have recognized Iowa as one of the top states in the country to do business, according to a study recently released. The study identified Iowa’s stability in key industries, success in exports, competitive workforce and business-friendly regulatory environment as factors in the ranking.

The Chamber’s “Enterprising States” study ranked Iowa eighth in terms of top economic performance, and Iowa ranked high among most of the criteria established by the study.

To view the entire Chamber study visit http://issuu.com/uschamber/docs/final-report-enterprising-states

Figures Show Over 5,300 Jobs Saved or Created

deanfiihr — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:35:53 +0000

After making updates and adjustments to the data required under the Federal Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), it was determined that 5,323 jobs were created or retain in Iowa. These jobs were reported for ARRA fund expenditures made through the end of September.
The most significant number of jobs created or saved is related to the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF), which created or saved 2,275 jobs in school districts throughout Iowa. Funding for highway transportation projects created or saved 1,326 jobs.
Some of the biggest recipients of ARRA funds in this reporting period, which include entitlement programs, are exempt from the Section 1512 reporting process. These exempt funds include the Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage (FMAP) program, which represents nearly 39% of all of Iowa’s ARRA expenditures to date.
A more detailed listing of jobs created/saved is available on the www.recovery.gov website. The next round of reporting will begin January 10, 2010.

Committee to Revitalize Iowa’s Workforce Meets

deanfiihr — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:11:11 +0000

The Iowa Job Training Needs Subcommittee with co-chairs State Representative Wayne Ford of Des Moines and Senator Bill Dotzler of Waterloo met today in order to develop recommendations to revitalize Iowa’s workforce.

Even prior to the downturn in the economy, Democrats planned an interim committee on job training to develop ideas to improve Iowa’s workforce. The particular focus of this interim committee was on underserved populations, that includes low-income people, minorities, women, disabled and former non-violent felons reentering society.

This is one of the first steps to get Iowans back into the workforce. The time is right for Iowans to look at redeveloping their skills and finish the training they need for a new career, perhaps in a better paying job.

Also in attendance were State Representative Dave Jacoby of Coralville, State Representative Tom Schueller of Maquoketa, Senator Brian Schoenjahn of Arlington and Senator Roger Stewart of Preston.

Iowa’s Employment Numbers Outperform Neighboring States

admin — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:33:30 +0000

While unemployment numbers continue to rise, Iowa continues to buck the regional trend of our neighboring states with unemployment of 8% and above. Iowa has made historic investments into infrastructure and renewable energy and those investments are paying off with lower than average (for the region) unemployment numbers.

(Image from Huffington Post)