Issues

Family Values
Family values are at the core of Iowan’s beliefs. Of all the issues families face, economic problems are the first which needs to be addressed. Most people don’t think of income as a values issue but family economics is absolutely a values issue. There are families in our community where both parents are forced to work long hours, families where parents work hours away from their children. Creating and sustaining a better economic life for families in Iowa allows our parents to stay with their children, help teach children how to fish, hunt and enjoy life in rural Iowa and most importantly simply be there to teach their children right and wrong.
Responsible Budgets
In 2007 Democrats passed a fiscally responsible budget for Iowa. They followed the law that only 99% of state revenue was spent, filled the state’s savings accounts to their highest levels ever and started the process of repaying the Senior Living Trust. With all of these tasks the Democrats were still able to improve health care and education while setting Iowa on the course to become a world leader in the new renewable energy industry. We are committed to living within our means while continuing to address your priorities for making Iowa a stronger and better state.
Education
Our part of Iowa has many school districts. We need to continue to improve and fund schools. Last year the State Legislature raised teacher salaries which now helps attract and retain quality teachers. Yet there is more which is needed to be done. We need to continue to raise standards and fund new opportunities to improve our children’s education. Once our students have graduated high school there needs to be more opportunity in our local communities for them to find fair wage jobs so they can begin a family of their own.
Transportation
Being in a rural part of the state we have many paved and gravel roads. We need to finance our transportation systems. Many of our residents drive many miles to and from work, school, and for entertainment. More recently, northwest Iowa has seen an increase of ethanol and biodiesel plants which is good for our economy but can put extra strain on our roads. It is vital to our community’s well-being for the Iowa House and Senate to make our existing and future infrastructure an issue of importance. Iowa is facing a tighter budget in transportation and we need to promote efficiency in all areas of transportation.
Our Land
Northwest Iowa is mostly agricultural, and we have deep roots in preservation of not only our agricultural lands but our natural resources and recreation land. We need to help improve and protect our natural resources. We need to promote outdoor activities and find ways to restore our parks and conservation areas. We need to promote our agricultural economy. We need to support local food systems. We need to continue research and promote our new bio-based economy. Our land is something to cherish and it is our duty to see to its protection.