Ragan Report

Growing Iowa’s middle class in 2015

                The Iowa Legislature gaveled in on Jan. 12 for the 2015 session. It was an honor to sign my name in the official register after being re-elected as senator for the people of Senate District 27, which includes Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties.

     I look forward to a great year devoted to building an economy that works for all Iowans. Many of our friends and neighbors are struggling to get ahead because of stagnant wages and a tough job market. But we can ensure a lasting recovery from the national recession by strengthening and expanding Iowa’s middle class.

     How can we help Iowans earn greater financial security?

     • By investing in local schools that are committed to student achievement and teacher quality.

     • By freezing tuition for Iowa residents at our state universities for a third year.

     • By expanding worker training at our community colleges.

     • By cracking down on wage theft to ensure Iowans get paid for their work.

     • By giving Iowa companies the first chance at state contracts.

     • By putting together a balanced and fiscally responsible budget.

     • By expanding access to high-speed Internet service throughout the state.

     • By encouraging the production of homegrown energy, including biofuels, wind and solar.

     With Democrats in charge of the Iowa Senate and Republicans holding the majority in the Iowa House, successful legislation must win bipartisan approval. State support for our local schools is a top priority for me, and something we expect to work on early in the session.

     In recent years, Iowa has dropped far below the national average when it comes to how much we invest in each student. We must return to the pro-education foundation on which our state is built. Top-notch schools not only prepare our students for life and work, they are instrumental in attracting new Iowans and new business. 

     I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on school funding and other initiatives to strengthen Iowa’s middle class.

• Additional information

     This is a legislative column by Senator Amanda Ragan, representing Franklin, Butler and Cerro Gordo counties. For newsletters, photos and further information, go to www.senate.iowa.gov/senator/ragan.

     To contact Senator Ragan during the week, call the Senate Switchboard at 515-281-3371. Otherwise she can be reached at home at 641-424-0874. E-mail her at amanda.ragan@legis.iowa.gov.

     Senator Ragan is an Assistant Senate Majority Leader, chair of the Health & Human Services Budget Subcommittee, vice-chair of the Agriculture Committee and vice-chair of the Human Resources Committee. She also serves on the Appropriations, Natural Resources & Environment, Rules & Administration and Veterans Affairs committees.