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Steckman: Jobs, middle class focus of 2013 session

Sharon Steckman signs papers at the State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, January 14th, 2013.
Sharon Steckman signs papers at the State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, January 14th, 2013.

Des Moines, Iowa – The 2013 Legislature opened today and State Representative Sharon Steckman of Mason City was officially sworn in to office in the Iowa House of Representatives.

“It is a great honor to serve the people of North Iowa in the Iowa House.  I’m going to listen and work hard this year to make progress strengthening our economy and the middle class.  If we can put the politics aside and work together to find common ground, I know we’ll have a successful legislative session.”

Some of the issues likely to come up this session, include: expanding access to affordable health care, reducing commercial property taxes, re-designing the state’s mental health system, and building a highly-skilled workforce.

“While our economy has performed well leaving the state with over $1.5 billion in surplus and reserves, we have more work to do to grow Iowa’s middle class and build a skilled workforce.  It starts with quality early childhood education and a k-12 system that makes sure each student gets the skills they need to continue their education or land a good-paying job. Every Iowan must have access to worker training initiatives at community colleges to upgrade their skills and all levels of higher education must be affordable.”

The 2013 Legislature runs 110 days and is scheduled to adjourn on May 3rd.  After the election in November, there are a record 35 women in the Iowa Legislature this year and 38 new members, including 27 new members in the Iowa House.

“I encourage anyone with questions or suggestions to contact me at the Statehouse.  While I will be attending a host of public events at home on weekends, I can be reached anytime by email at Sharon.Steckman@legis.iowa.gov or by phone at 641-583-2484.”

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