I'm convinced that if we don't enhance economic development the problem of declining enrollment will continue to plague our rural schools. The school aid formula is being studied and needs modification to help our rural schools. We need to address some of the vetoed bills that could have helped with cost of health care.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Small businesses are the backbone of Iowa’s economy. I want to work towards an Iowa where everyone has a good job and receives a living wage. In order to achieve that goal I’ve voted to cut income taxes on Iowans families and voted to ease unfair regulations on Iowa’s businesses.

I’ve fought hard to provide needed income tax relief to Iowa’s families. I know Iowans will spend their money better than government bureaucrats in Des Moines. We are also working hard to reform Iowa’s complicated and unequal property tax structure. These are not easy issues, but important issues rarely are easy.

EDUCATION
Iowa’s children deserve to have a safe environment for student learning. We have provided the tools necessary for schools to address local needs. We have also provided funding to ensure equity in the ability of school districts to provide good school buildings for students.

Increased funding for Iowa’s schools by $109 million for the upcoming school year. This will bring Iowa’s state spending commitment to $1.985 billion dollars a year. An additional $104 million will be provided for the 2005-2006 school year, totally over $2 billion dollars.

Iowa’s students deserve to be able to learn. To do that we have kept our commitment to reduce class size and increase reading by spending $29 million per year. Since the program’s creation approximately $150 million has been provided in total.

HEALTHCARE
Access to affordable healthcare is a problem that affects Iowans from our cities to our rural farm communities. I understand how difficult it can be to access the healthcare system in Northeast Iowa and I am committed to improving that access. To that end I have been one of the leaders in the Iowa Senate to bring access to affordable health care back to rural Iowa.

The Iowa Senate took large steps this year to help the average Iowan regain that access and was turned back by the Governor at every corner. This year, with my support, the Senate passed legislation that could have saved Iowan’s between six and ten million dollars on their prescription drugs. We also passed, with my support, legislation that would have allowed Iowans to pass on their inheritance to their children through a long term care insurance partnership.

Unfortunately, this legislation along with others, which were supported by numerous advocacy groups, was vetoed by the Governor. While this was a setback in our effort to help Iowans with rising health care costs I believe that we must push forward. I will continue to fight for healthcare access for rural Iowa everyday on the floor of the Iowa Senate.