Senate Journal: Page 41: Tuesday, January 14, 2003
Barriers to a new Iowa economy must also be removed. Regulatory approval for
new business and expansion needs to be timely, for progress delayed is progress
denied. A complex income tax system with loopholes places Iowa in a noncompetitive
position. Simplifying the system and closing loopholes will remove a barrier to
progress. No Iowan—no Iowan should have to use a form larger than a postcard to
report state income and pay state taxes.
At the same time, the property tax system pays for services not related to property
ownership; extends credits, exemptions, and benefits in a haphazard fashion;
encourages inefficiencies in government; and discriminates among and between classes
of property owners. Members of the General Assembly, the time has come. Sunset the
system that doesn’t work, and replace it with one that does. Remove the barrier.
Now, as our investments result in a new economy, our values demand that we not
forget those struggling in the old economy. Today in our state, there are over 100,000
Iowans working at or near a minimum wage. Many support families. Most qualify for
public assistance. All work hard. Let us honor their work, and all work, by raising the
minimum wage.
Each generation of Iowans carries a special responsibility to support the education
of all of our children. The members of the last legislature understood that value in
supporting change and continued investment in Iowa’s schools even in the face of tough
economic times. Their commitment to lower class sizes, reading initiatives, and
improving teacher quality is already paying positive results in improved test scores
and better professional development.
We cannot and should not abandon those efforts—but more is needed to keep faith
with our values and maximize hope and opportunity.
A transformed Iowa economy requires continuous improvement in education.
If we are to double the number of college experienced workers in the work force,
more children will have to attend college. To achieve success in school, children must
be ready to learn before they enter school. Bold goals precede and encourage bold
action. Let us work together to challenge ourselves to create an Iowa where virtually
all (over 90 percent) of our children have access to quality preschool and where
virtually all (at least 90 percent) of our children complete their formal education with
at least two years college experience.
I need not remind the General Assembly that achievement gaps and dropouts carry
a heavy price for failure. Just a generation ago, the thought of all-day kindergarten for
all of our children seemed an impossible dream. Today, over 90 percent of our children
have access to all-day kindergarten. Our 90/90 goal embodies our values. This is a
goal that can be reached. The goal must be reached. The goal will be reached.
The creation of the Iowa Learns Council with representatives from all levels of
education and statewide leaders will help to develop strategies and policy
recommendations for accomplishing the 90/90 goal.
The goal needs resources. As investments from the Iowa Values Fund are made
and opportunities are expanded and benefits are realized, a portion of new revenues
generated from these investments should be dedicated to achieving the 90/90 goal. In
© 2003 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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