Iowa Senate Democrats

Fighting for a Better Deal for Iowans.

  • Western Iowa Tech prepares Iowans for skilled jobs that grow economy

    Iowa Senate News Release
    For Immediate Release: October 13, 2017

     

    News Conference: 12:40 PM, Monday, October 16
    Advanced Manufacturing Lab, Western Iowa Tech Community College

     

    Members of the Iowa House and Senate will hold a news conference at 12:40 PM on Monday, October 16 in the Advanced Manufacturing Lab at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City.

    The event will be held at the conclusion of a campus tour by the legislators.  Participants will include Senator Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids, the Democratic Leader of the Iowa Senate and State Representative Chris Hall.

    “The opportunities at Western Iowa Tech are key to building a stronger Iowa economy, one with more higher skilled, higher paying jobs,” said Senator Hogg.  “Iowa’s shortage of skilled workers can be fixed by making Western Iowa Tech’s opportunities more available and more affordable for more Iowans.”

    Western Iowa Tech Community College is a publicly supported comprehensive community college serving the Iowa counties of Cherokee, Crawford, Ida, Monona, Plymouth, and Woodbury, which have a combined population of about 180,000.

    The visit’s tentative agenda is as follows:

    • A brief overview of college operations and a meeting with students
    • A discussion of the “Gateway to College” program for high school students who are behind on high school credits.  If accepted into the program, students attend Western Iowa Tech without being charged for tuition or books while earning credits toward both a regular high school diploma and a college certificate or degree.
    • A classroom tour that will include police science, culinary, HVAC, auto body repair, Emergency Medical Services, cybercrime investigation, Emergency operations center, and Audio & Video Engineering.
    • A short news conference will take place at the final stop on the tour, the Advanced Manufacturing Lab of the Advanced Sciences Building at approximately 12:40 PM.

    Members of the press should park in Lot 3 and then go to Entrance 11, under the sign that says “Advanced Sciences Building.  The lab entrance is straight ahead after you enter Entrance 11.  A photo of Senator Hogg can be found here: http://bit.ly/2gzQmDt.

    -End-

  • Sharp cuts by legislative Republicans threaten public safety, education and human services 

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    Legislative Democrats alarmed by potential impact of deep, mid-year budget cuts

    DES MOINES – Democratic leaders of the Iowa House and Senate raised concerns about the impact of deep, mid-year budget cuts proposed today by legislative Republicans.

    State Sen. Joe Bolkcom, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stated:

    “The deep, mid-year budget cuts endorsed today by Republican legislators are mean-spirited and will harm Iowa college students, working families and seniors. The last thing we should do is cut services that Iowans depend on, including higher education, job training, public safety and human services.

    “Second, this unnecessary budget mess could have been avoided if Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor Reynolds and legislative Republicans had focused more time and energy over the past six years on strengthening our schools,  building the skilled workforce that Iowa employers need and improving quality of life for all Iowans. We need to make the economy work for Iowa families, especially in our small towns and rural areas.

    “The Republican proposal unveiled today sends the wrong message about the future of our state. The budget slashing by Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor Reynolds and Republican legislators leaves the fastest growing part of the state budget off the table: excessive tax credits. It is time to drain the swamp.”

    State Rep. Chris Hall of Sioux City, ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, stated:

    “The Iowa GOP has lost all credibility on budgeting. After giving away the state’s budget surplus, policies enacted by the Branstad-Reynolds Administration have slowed the state’s economy and left the budget in the red.

    “Republicans’ failed fiscal policies aren’t working for Iowa families or growing the state’s economy. Tax breaks for corporations now top $500 million annually. Iowa would not be making cuts if the GOP had used better judgment in managing the state budget. The unfortunate result is Iowa students and working families are being forced to pay for failed Republican policies again.”

    Mid-year Budget Cuts Spreadsheet