Sen. Pat Ward: Gov. Branstad Gets Credit for Putting Iowans Back to Work

By Sen. Pat Ward

Good news for Iowa. It’s been a little over a year since Gov. Terry Branstad took office and more people are finally going back to work.

Just over a year ago, there were 101,200 Iowans unemployed. That number has now dropped to 90,400 – Iowa’s unemployment level is nearly 3 percent lower than the national rate of 8.3 percent. While there are still too many Iowans without jobs, more Iowans are back to work when compared to the nation as a whole.

Since the governor took office, we also tackled a $1 billion budget gap and we have a solid plan to spend less money than government takes in. We are developing a sound, sustainable budget plan that allows us to re-fill our “economic emergency” savings account and put us in a much better long-term financial position. Slowly but surely, we are making a difference.

Although the economy may finally be on the rebound, we must continue to create the right business climate in Iowa so that job creators can flourish. While there are numerous bills that would help encourage this kind of job-rich environment, reducing commercial property tax so that Iowa’s tax rates dip below those of New York City is a key to future growth.

Property tax is one of the top considerations that businesses consider when deciding where to locate. We need to reduce our rates to be more competitive so that we attract and retain small businesses and create jobs.  

We must continue to cut over burdensome government regulations so that entrepreneurs from across the nation and world want to start a business in Iowa. I want the nation and the world to know that Iowa is open for business – we must create the right business climate to encourage job creation in our state.

We can and will make Iowa a better place to do business if we reach out to assist businesses, rather than punishing them. The private sector is where job growth happens, not state government. Let’s get government obstacles out of the way and let Iowa’s economy blossom.

We have another community forum scheduled in the West Des Moines City Council Chambers from 9:30 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 24. Everyone is welcome. I represent you and look forward to your input. You can reach me by calling the Capitol at 281-3371 or email me at pat.ward@legis.iowa.gov. Your thoughts and concerns are important to me – it’s a privilege and an honor to serve you.