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Help for Iowa’s unemployed workers

Wednesday, 15 July 2009 12:39 Written by Matt McCoy

The national recession is putting more and more Iowans out of work, creating tremendous hardship for families and communities.

At times like these, good unemployment insurance is one of the best safety nets we can offer Iowa’s working families. Unemployment benefits help families make ends meet and help communities get back on their feet.

The Legislature took several steps during the 2009 session to meet the challenge of the national recession head on, including:

  • Improving and expanding services for unemployed Iowa workers. By making reforms to Iowa’s unemployment insurance program, our state will receive $70.8 million from the federal government to extend benefits for unemployed workers in training programs. It makes sense to support Iowans who are trying to upgrade their skills by attending community college and other types of training.
  • Paying unemployment claims for replacement workers who become unemployed when Iowa National Guard and Reserve members return to their local jobs after active duty. When our soldiers come home, the state should help the replacement workers without penalizing employers.
  • Providing $18.9 million to workforce field offices across Iowa. Iowa has 55 workforce centers, which provide job counseling, training, placement and other assistance. These services help laid off workers move forward and help local businesses find the employees they need.

In addition to state funds, Iowa expects to receive more than $20 million in federal stimulus dollars to help unemployed and laid off Iowans get back to work. Learn more at www.recovery.iowa.gov about the crucial role federal recovery money is playing in building a stronger Iowa economy and improving our communities.

Speeding up recession recovery

Monday, 13 July 2009 09:36 Written by Matt McCoy

During the deepening national recession, the Iowa Legislature has acted boldly to create jobs, rebuild communities impacted by last year’s disasters, invest in Iowa’s infrastructure, and promote long-term economic growth.

The new $830 million IJOBS program continues these efforts by addressing five key priorities in Iowa: transportation projects, water infrastructure, broadband technology, housing, and alternative energy infrastructure. In addition, IJOBS funds will be able to match and draw down additional federal stimulus dollars.

It’s important to make sure these funds are used efficiently and effectively, put Iowans back to work, and ensure a safer, smarter, stronger Iowa as we recover from this national recession.

To that end, the IJOBS Board held its first meeting in June and has developed a timeline to award millions of dollars to projects that will spur job creation around the state. It is committed to taking quick action so that IJOBS funds can be put to work in Iowa communities as soon as possible.

Complete details and applications should be available by July 1, and the first round of applications is due August 3. Learn more at www.ijobsiowa.gov.

Legislature cuts its budget by 10 percent

Friday, 10 July 2009 16:32 Written by Matt McCoy

Fiscal responsibility and balancing the state budget are top priorities for the Iowa Legislature. That’s why legislative leaders recently decided to cut more than 10 percent from the Legislature’s own budget.

Just as families are forced to tighten their belts, state government and the Legislature are no different. The savings include a pay freeze for all legislative employees, reducing travel budgets, and shortening next year’s legislative session by 10 days.

In addition, a newly approved State Government Reorganization Commission will look for ways to improve efficiency, eliminate duplication, reduce costs and modernize how state government works. This is a great opportunity to save taxpayer money while improving services to Iowans.

During the 2009 session, we approved a fiscally responsible, balanced state budget that keeps our commitments to Iowans on health care, jobs and education. Our efforts to reduce costs, find efficiencies, and support for middle-class families will continue throughout the interim. I look forward to seeing the Commission’s recommendations for the 2010 legislative session.

Additional interim studies will examine the following topics: Criminal Code Reorganization, Health Care Coverage, Job Training, School Finance Formula, Government Oversight, Care of Animals in Commercial Enterprises, and Prescription Medication Usage.

To follow the ongoing work of the study committees, check the “Interim Meeting Schedule” at www.legis.state.ia.us.

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