The 2014 Iowa Legislative year is full swing. I like to pay attention
to the business at hand, especially with the Iowa State Capitol being so literally near
to Warren County.
Of particular interest are those
issues that relate to enhancing economic growth in Iowa. The Warren County Economic Development
Corporation (WCEDC) is a member of the Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI),
which champions issues in that regard.
The Professional Developers of
Iowa is a grassroots, non-partisan association of economic developers across Iowa. Membership includes economic development
groups like WCEDC, but also city and county development officials, state and regional
development groups, utility partners, state workforce development officials,
and community college leaders. In
addition to advocacy, PDI aids in the professional development of its members
so that economic developers provide strong, effective leadership across Iowa communities.
The Professional Developers of
Iowa annually compiles a set of legislative priorities into an agenda. The WCEDC board in December opted to endorse
the PDI legislative agenda for 2014. Key
issues include:
·
Preserve
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as a strong economic development tool. Norwalk recently utilized TIF to
attracted 165 new jobs with the Loffredo Fresh Produce project and another 60 jobs in Carlisle by attracting a Fareway grocery store. The City of Indianola was able to utilize TIF
to attact and build a new YMCA, an overwhelming popular project which already has nearly 2,500 memberships and 5,500
total members (in less than a year).
·
Raise funds
for our highway transportation system. The
State of Iowa has hundreds of millions of dollars in backlogged priorities, and
cities and counties have shelved many projects s due to a lack of funding. Iowa has some of the most deficient bridges
in Iowa, and Warren County is among the leading counties for total number of
bridges which need work. Additionally, the fate of Warren County’s economic growth is largely tied to transportation investments,
particularly regarding Highway 65/69, Highway 92, Interstate 35, the Southwest Connector, and Highway 5/65 interstate re-designation. Whether that funding "vehicle" is a gas tax or
some other means, now is the time to fund our transportation system, providing for
public safety and economic development.
·
Support
job training programs. Iowa’s
economy is improving and Warren County’s unemployment rate is low - 3.5 percent in November. A number of employers are having a hard time
filling jobs. Many of these jobs include
technical positions, which as construction trades, nurses, auto mechanics, HVAC
technicians, and welders. These
positions are not only crucial to a growing economy but also for keeping more dollars
from leaving Warren County. WCEDC
encourages the Iowa Legislature to continue funding job training programs
offered at DMACC and other educational institutions.
·
Fully
fund the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the tools at their disposal
for attracting new jobs. The Iowa
Economic Development Authority (IEDA) led by Director Debi Durham and her team are on
the front lines selling Iowa as a destination for expanding businesses. The businesses IEDA brings to Iowa provide an
economic stimulus and more revenues for Iowa communities and our State, which
contributes to the great quality of life and opportunities that we all enjoy.
·
Create a
simpler income tax structure. Iowa
has a high corporate income tax, which particularly affects those companies
that sell products in Iowa. Federal deductibility helps lower the tax liability for Iowans somewhat, but is
confusing to outsiders who might want to invest in Iowa or bring projects
here. Simplicity is needed.
Though inevitably voters will be
reminded that 2014 is an election year and bold initiatives will not be
undertaken this year, we hope that our legislative leaders will continue to
dialogue on these issues of interest. Iowa is a great state, and these issues can make it even more competitive.
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