The 2010 legislative session has adjourned for the year and I'm proud of our record listening to your ideas and acting on your priorities. We helped Iowa's children receive a quality education, created good paying jobs and helped Iowa's small businesses, all while balancing the state budget without raising taxes.

You will be receiving a newsletter from me during the interim every other week. I encourage you to contact me with your ideas and suggestions. If you have any friends who are not on the list encourage them to subscribe here.

I look forward to serving you.



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Iowa Third Best in Employment Outlook in the U.S.

According to a Manpower survey, Iowa has the third best employment outlook in the country. The ranking came from a nationwide survey of employers for the upcoming third quarter, July through September. Alaska was first followed by North Dakota in the rankings.

Based on the survey, 25% of Iowa companies interviewed plan to hire more employees, and only 6% claimed they would reduce their workforce. There were 66% of the employers that said they would maintain their current workforce numbers. Read More

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Iowa: A Great Place for Business

Iowa is a great place to do business with the 10th best tort liability climate in the nation, according to a new study by the Pacific Institute and the Manufacturers Alliance.

Iowa’s #10 overall ranking beat out several neighboring states like Minnesota (26th), Nebraska (33rd), Missouri (45th), and Illinois (47th). Read More

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State Helps Modernize John Deere Plant, Saves 295 Jobs

In an effort to keep 295 good paying jobs in Waterloo, the state has approved an assistance package to help John Deere modernize its Waterloo foundry. John Deere is the world’s leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment and a major manufacturer of construction, lawn, and grounds equipment.

Over 12,700 Iowans are employed by John Deere, and it has over 1,450 contracts with Iowa suppliers worth approximately $1.64 billion. There are also 121 John Deere dealerships statewide. Read More

Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Relocated