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Your Letters
"First of all we admire your commitment to serve the citizens of this great state of Iowa. Your leadership and dedication are needed as you address the pressing economic and disaster recovery issues in this 83rd General Assembly. We share your concern and vision for the well-being of our communities."
Wednesday, 15 July 2009 12:39
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.









