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.

Here’s what Yahoo Finance had to say:

Iowa: Outperforming with a diverse economy plus agriculture

Unemployment Rate: 6.8%

Lower Than America’s Unemployment Rate By: 2.7%

Major Industries Driving The State’s Economy: While commonly perceived as an agricultural hub, Iowa actually boasts a surprisingly diverse economy with jobs in the manufacturing, biotech, finance, insurance, and government services — all of which contribute to a strong hiring market. The S&P gave the state a Triple-A rating in 2009 (only one of nine to hold the position then).

Education: 24.3% of the adult population has a Bachelor’s degree or higher. (Lower than average)

To read about all the states made the list visit:
http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/10-states-with-ridiculously-low-unemployment—-and-why-535377.html?tickers=^dji,^gspc,spy,dia,udn,edv,uup

“The government reorganization effort approved today eliminates waste and saves millions of dollars for Iowa taxpayers. From cost-saving measures to making state government more efficient to improving the services that the state offers, our reorganization efforts so far this year total $272 million and makes our state stronger and more responsive,” said State Representative Mary Mascher of Iowa City, who won approval of the bill.

The goal of Senate File 2088 is to create more accountability for taxpayer dollars and eliminate wasteful spending by consolidating agencies and delivering services to Iowans more efficiently. Last fall, Governor Culver used his executive authority to implement $88 million in cost saving measures and last week he signed an early retirement package for state employees into law that saved an additional $60 million. The massive reorganization plan approved today is estimated to save taxpayers an additional $124 million next year, bringing the total savings from reorganization efforts to $272 million.

The bill is one of the largest initiatives in state history at 350 pages and contains over 50 different ideas, both large and small. It eliminates 14 different boards and commissions, reduces energy costs, combines state purchasing, cuts down on middle management to keep front line workers in their jobs, and consolidates information technology.

The bill now returns to the Senate.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The 2010 legislative session opened on Monday, January 11th at the State Capitol.  House leaders said the session will focus on help for middle class families and small businesses.  Priorities include balancing the budget without raising taxes, creating good-paying jobs, strengthening Iowa schools, and making government more accountable and transparent.

The House has two new members this year.  Rep. Curt Hanson of Fairfield and Rep. Kirsten Running-Marquardt of Cedar Rapids were both elected to the Iowa House last fall in special elections.

To listen to opening remarks by House Speaker Pat Murphy, click here.

To listen to opening remarks by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, click here.

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.

Hub City Brewing Company in Fayette County received an award to market and expand their product into neighboring states. Othere state awards were made in the following communities: West Union, Bloomfield, West Des Moines,  Mt. Pleasant, Muscatine, Bettendorf, Cedar Rapids, Ames, Ankeny, Carroll, and Marion.  For more details on the awards, click here. 

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(Image from Huffington Post)

Iowa is one of just nine states that have increased home sales over last year, at 1.6%.

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