From the Capitol to You:

More good news for Iowa from the Business Insider. "States With Ridiculously Low Unemployment Rates ---and Why". Below is a quote from their article.....

"Iowa: Outperforming with a diverse economy plus agriculture
Unemployment Rate: 6.8%
Lower Than America's Unemployment Rate By: 2.7%

Major Industries Driving The State's Economy: While commonly perceived as an agricultural hub, Iowa actually boasts a surprisingly diverse economy with jobs in the manufacturing, biotech, finance, insurance, and government services -- all of which contribute to a strong hiring market. The S&P gave the state a Triple-A rating in 2009 (only one of nine to hold the position then). "

Below is a link to the article.........................

http://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/10-states-with-ridiculously-low-unemployment----and-why-535377.html?tickers=%5Edji,%5Egspc,spy,dia,udn,edv,uupa

I felt honored this past week to receive recognition from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association as a "Champion of Renewable Fuels". I was one of 13 (out of 100) State Legislators, and Senator Ragan was one of 6 (out of 50) Senators to receive this award. Iowa needs to be the leader of renewable fuels, leading the way to less dependence on foreign oil.
The first article on the left talks about the dollars coming down from Washington to help keep more teachers in the classroom. Mason City will be receiving over $800,000 from this grant. Good news for all school districts!
Next week I will be with my father on his Honor Flight from Arizona to Washington D.C. I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with him! I have heard from so many that have gone on this flight that it is something they will never forget. It is a privilege to be part of this wonderful experience honoring the "Greatest Generation", as they should be honored.
Have a restful Labor Day weekend, and please feel free to contact me if you have a comment or a question. I look forward to hearing from you!


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Walter Wendland, Treasurer of Iowa Renewable Fuels and CEO of Golden Grain Energy, and myself. "The recipient of this award has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the renewable fuels industry and worked relentlessly to strengthen Iowa's economy by improving the opportunities for ethanol and biodiesel."

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Support for Small Businesses Available

A new initiative to help small businesses grow and expand, Iowa’s Small Business Loan Program, started August 1, and the University of Northern Iowa is hosting a series of webinars across the state to provide information for small business owners interested in learning more about the program. Read More

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Iowans Helping Iowans Program Launched

State Officials announced the “Iowans Helping Iowans” flood assistance program. This state program is intended to help families and businesses recover from the summers flooding. The program will provide up to $7.5 million for homeowner assistance, up to $7.5 million for business assistance, and up to $5 million for unmet needs. Read More

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Disaster Assistance Available for Farmers

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has designated 20 Iowa counties as disaster areas as the result of severe storms, excessive rain, flooding, flash flooding, hail, high winds, and tornadoes that occurred from April 25 to July 18, 2010. This makes assistance available to agriculture producers in those counties, as well as 32 contiguous counties.

This Secretarial Disaster Designation makes farm operators eligible to be considered for certain types of assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), including emergency loans and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) Program. Producers should contact their local FSA office for additional information. Read More

Schools Get a Boost to Keep More Teachers