Des Moines, Iowa – State Representative Sharon Steckman of Mason City supported a plan to create jobs and build Iowa’s middle class today in the Iowa House.
“Strengthening Iowa’s economy and building a strong middle class are my top priorities this session. We have a great opportunity to improve our skilled workforce, put Iowans back to work, help local small business thrive, and encourage more innovation and research across our state,” said Steckman.
Some of the initiatives supported by Steckman include incentives to help local businesses create good-paying jobs; expanded training at Iowa’s community colleges; support for entrepreneurs and small businesses; re-opening workforce centers in areas with high unemployment; and developing a public-private partnership to target training for the underemployed or unemployed. The initiatives were offered to Senate File 430, the economic development budget bill.
“As the session winds down, we need to put aside politics and find common ground on ways to grow our economy and the middle class. We’re going to keep working together to find an agreement before session ends because we can’t afford to miss this opportunity,” added Steckman.
Since the bill has been approved by both the House and Senate in different forms, it will likely be sent to a special conference committee of legislators to reach compromise on a bill that can pass both chambers. Senate File 430 must be approved before the Legislature adjourns. The bill now returns to the Senate.