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New cutbacks in local help for unemployed Iowans

From State Senator Mary Jo Wilhelm –

(DES MOINES) – “You have to call Des Moines” is the new motto at local Iowa Workforce offices around Iowa. This change is the latest development in Governor Branstad’s campaign to close the offices, which help unemployed Iowans find new jobs and help local employers find employees. The Mason City and Decorah IowaWORKS Centers are among those affected by the change in policy.

The most recent monthly report of Iowa’s unemployment rate showed an increase to 5.2 percent. Over 85,000 Iowans are unemployed. Under a directive issued in late July by Iowa Workforce Development, opportunities for face-to-face help will be severely limited. Iowans will instead be told to contact a call center in Des Moines or seek assistance via on-line chats.

The directive specifically notes that no news release will be issued about the change in policy. Instead, jobless Iowans who seek help at a local office will be directed to read a poster and be handed business cards with the Des Moines office’s phone number.

“We should be doing everything we can to help these Iowans get back to work,” said Wilhelm, a member of the Economic Growth Committee. “The Iowa Legislature has repeatedly voted to keep those offices open and provided the money to do so.”

In April, the Branstad Administration abruptly reversed a similar decision to eliminate person-to-person assistance at the Des Moines office minutes after the issue was discussed on the floor of the Iowa Senate. Afterwards, the Governor said he was unaware of the new policy and said a “human element” must be maintained.

The Branstad Administration has already cut the number of local offices from 55 in 2010 to 19 today. Under the new directive, at least 14 positions in the remaining local offices across the state will be relocated to Des Moines.

“Whether the Governor likes it or not, Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature specifically voted to keep those local offices open and providing meaningful assistance,” said Senator Bill Dotzler, chair of the Senate Economic Development Budget Subcommittee. “The governor’s actions in this matter are an embarrassment and reflect a petty, mean-spirited hostility towards working Iowans who’ve lost a job and need help.”

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