Iowa House Advances Skilled Workforce Act

Week 4 was a shorter week at the Capitol with no session on Monday, Feb. 2, due to the midterm party caucuses. Even so, important work moved forward: advancing the Skilled Workforce Act, welcoming constituents to the Capitol and connecting with Iowans at events like Iowa State University’s Day on the Hill and the Iowa Ag Expo.

Committee Action

In the Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee meeting this week, Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend discussed her department’s budget. She shared that Iowa’s total labor force has a 68% participation rate, with 35,700 more people working than last year. It is estimated that employers will save $974 million during the next five years after the state’s historic unemployment tax cut.

Iowa House Republicans on Wednesday introduced House Study Bill (HSB) 674, the Iowa Skilled Workforce Act. This legislation focuses on two main areas. First, it provides annual financial assistance to Registered Apprenticeship programs across the state and funds the construction of new facilities at community colleges. Secondly, it provides local flexibility to encourage pre-apprenticeship programs and allows veteran tradespeople to lead classrooms. The bill is a clear message that the state is a partner to Iowans who want to put their education to work and grow our economy.

Iowa Caucuses

Thank you to everyone who worked the midterm party caucuses on Monday night and to all those who attended. There are still ways to be involved this election cycle, such as signing petition forms for candidates on the ballot, donating to your favorite candidates, knocking on doors or volunteering for campaigns.

Stay in Touch

As I always say, I can't represent you if I don’t hear from you. I welcome visits from constituents at the statehouse. Feel free contact me about issues of interest to you. You’re welcome to message me through social media, email me at shannon.latham@legis.iowa.gov, or call the Iowa House switchboard at (515) 281-3221.