Listening, learning and working

The snow is melting and the Legislature is halfway through the 2011 session.

I’m marking these events by getting outside in the sunshine when I can and by continuing to listen to you, my neighbors and constituents, about your priorities. Your ideas, questions and concerns are a welcome balance to the lobbyists crowding the Statehouse these days.

Many constituents have said we need to do more to rebuild Iowa’s economy by sparking job creation on our Main Streets. I’ve responded by including your ideas in a diverse economic growth package that offers tax breaks to business owners and working families, loans to small businesses creating jobs, and expanded job-training at our community colleges.

Parents and grandparents have described their hopes for our young people to stay in Iowa after graduating and the role local schools play in the economic strength of our communities. I’ve responded by voting to increase basic state aid for education and to continue Iowa’s successful voluntary preschool for four-year-olds.

You’ve told me that state government needs to be fiscally responsible. I’ve responded with reforms that have filled our reserve funds with $600 million. In addition, the state will end the fiscal year with a $300 million surplus, according to the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Service. I oppose any tax increase this year.

I’ll continue listening closely to your concerns, whether at our local legislative forums, in our schools, senior centers and businesses, during your visits to the Statehouse, or via e-mail and phone calls. I want to know your thoughts as the Legislature finishes the state budget, boosts efforts to create good-paying jobs, expands access to health care, and makes college more affordable.

Together, we are making a difference for the better.