Political Quotes

“Mr. President, today we have an economy that is booming. Unemployment is at its lowest in Iowa since 2000, and wages are up. In the first quarter of this year, we saw 3.2 percent GDP growth, which far exceeded expectations, but we know economic statistics alone don't completely tell the story of the health or wealth of a community. More than 52 million Americans, including approximately 90,000 Iowans, live in economically distressed communities. Some have dubbed these communities as ``left behind'' due to low incomes, their high housing vacancies, people out of work, and not a lot of hope for the future. For too long, so many of these communities were limited not because of lack of ingenuity but simply by a lack of access to opportunity. Folks across Iowa have felt the door to a better job or a higher wage was closed to them. The Governor of Iowa, Kim Reynolds, has been doing a tremendous job working to help these areas through both economic development and workforce development efforts. Programs like Future Ready Iowa help folks learn the skills they need to prepare for rewarding careers and the jobs of tomorrow. Places like Dubuque, through its Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce, are working day in and day out to improve the local economy, spur on investment, and get workers trained and back on their feet. They also recognize the challenges unique to the city and its people, like childcare access and housing.…”