Moving Iowa forward with pro-growth initiatives
By TOM RIELLY
Iowa Senate District 38
How does the saying go… “Be careful what you wish for?” Well, over the past few weeks that saying couldn’t have been more accurate, as I traveled the state to listen to citizen concerns as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. This listening tour proved to be one of the best experiences I’ve had since being elected to the Senate.
Over the past few weeks, ranking committee member Sen. Larry Noble, of Ankeny, and I traveled more than 900 miles, as we visited nine communities and talked with more than 500 people about Iowa’s transportation needs. Several told us they believe their communities are not able to compete in the economic development race due to congested and unsafe two-lane highways; others complained of a lack of air, barge and rail access, and some said they wanted to see more trails linking communities and adding to Iowa’s quality of life.
I was surprised and impressed by the level of participation, candid discussions, and overall enthusiasm that Iowans displayed at the meetings. Right now Sen. Noble and I are comparing notes and writing a report on our findings. My initial impressions are that Iowa is in great need of substantial road infrastructure improvements; however, there are few resources to meet those needs. I’m not sure yet how we are going deal with this dilemma, but I am encouraged that we are discussing the problem and working in a bipartisan manner to address it.
Iowa’s transportation system is one crucial aspect of our ability to compete in today’s economy, but there are many others. That is why am working with my colleagues in the Senate on a pro-growth agenda.
Some of the ways we plan to invest in long-range economic development across Iowa include maintaining Iowa’s leadership position in alternative energy. That’s one of the purposes of the $100 million Iowa Power Fund proposed by the Culver/Judge Administration. It will help Iowa businesses expand our renewable energy, alternative fuel, energy efficiency and clean technology industries.
Additionally we must boost our skilled, capable, and knowledgeable work force because it continues to be the number one factor to securing new business investment and expansion opportunities. To accomplish this we plan to increase funding for job training programs at our community colleges. We will also help entrepreneurs by expanding the services of small business development centers into rural areas and by supporting small businesses owned by women, minorities and people with disabilities.
In recent years, Iowa has experienced a “brain drain,” with too many of our educated young adults leaving the state, but this week the Iowa Senate took a step in our bipartisan effort to make Iowa more attractive to young people. New legislation would set up a Generation Iowa Commission to advise and assist in the retention and attraction of young adults in our urban and rural areas. The Commission would be made up of young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 from all areas of the state, multicultural backgrounds and sectors of employment.
Another important aspect of growing our state is enhancing Iowa’s quality of life. Forbes Magazine says Iowa already ranks first in the nation for quality of life, but increased funding for tourism can help make more Americans aware of our state’s strong points. To keep our lead, we should expand recreation opportunities and revitalize our inner cities and small towns through such programs as Main Street Iowa. This will make Iowa more attractive to young people while providing small business opportunities and jobs.
Finally, it is imperative that Iowans have access to affordable health care. This week the Senate unanimously passed two bills that I have worked on since my election that will do just that. Senate File 346 provides for a simple, uniform health insurance application to be used by small businesses. If this legislation becomes law, small business owners will no longer have to fill out multiple, lengthy group insurance applications. This makes it easier for them to shop around for the most affordable health insurance coverage for their employees.
The Senate also passed House File 790 which expands the ability of small businesses to pool through trade associations for purchase of health insurance. This bill also allows for the use of wellness programs, which may help reduce the cost of health insurance. Such programs provide incentives for employees to quit smoking, lose weight and exercise more. By encouraging their employees to be healthier, small businesses may see reductions in their health insurance costs over time.
On one last note I want to let you know that federal aid is available to Iowa’s small businesses hit by recent winter storms if a minimum of five Iowa small businesses owners apply by April 16. If you or someone you know is in need of aid, complete details and an application can be found at http://www.iowahomelandsecurity.org/SBA.asp.