Hanson: Jobs, middle class focus of 2013 session

DES MOINES ? The 2013 Legislature opened Monday and State Rep. Curt Hanson of Fairfield was officially sworn in to office in the Iowa House of Representatives.

?It is a great honor to serve the people of Jefferson, Davis and Van Buren counties in the Iowa House. I?m going to listen and work hard this year to make progress strengthening our economy and the middle class. If we can put the politics aside and work together to find common ground, I know we?ll have a successful legislative session,? said Hanson.

Some of the issues likely to come up this session, include: expanding access to affordable health care, reducing commercial property taxes, re-designing the state?s mental health system, and building a highly-skilled workforce.

?While our economy has performed well leaving the state with over $1.5 billion in surplus and reserves, we have more work to do to grow Iowa?s middle class and build a skilled workforce. It starts with quality early childhood education and a K-12 system, and to make sure Iowa rural schools get their fair share of funding so students can continue their education or land a good-paying job,? added Hanson. ?Every Iowan must have access to worker training initiatives at community colleges to upgrade their skills and all levels of higher education must be affordable.?

The 2013 Legislature runs 110 days and is scheduled to adjourn May 3. After the election in November, there are a record 35 women in the Iowa Legislature this year and 38 new members, including 27 new members in the Iowa House.

?I encourage anyone with questions or suggestions to contact me at the Statehouse.  While I will be attending a host of public events at home on weekends, I can be reached anytime by email at Curt.Hanson@legis.iowa.gov or by phone at 641-919-2314,? concluded Hanson.