2012 legislative session adjourns; Hanson says progress made in jobs, economy

Iowa lawmakers wrapped up the 2012 legislative session Wednesday and State Representative Curt Hanson of Fairfield said progress was made this year to create jobs and grow Iowa?s skilled workforce.

?Our top priority this year was to work together to find common ground and create jobs to grow Iowa?s economy so middle class families can get ahead. When legislators put politics aside this year, we made good progress putting Iowans back to work and helping local businesses expand to create new jobs,? said Hanson.

He cited several measures approved this year to grow Iowa?s economy, including: expanded training at community colleges, affordable tuition for middle class families, tuition grants for students to fill job openings in shortage areas, a new high quality jobs initiative and several other bills designed to increase the use of renewable energy.

?Growing our skilled workforce and economy for the future requires a quality, affordable education for all Iowans and that?s why we worked together to pass a bi-partisan plan with expanded early literacy efforts, personalized student instruction in schools and more dropout prevention efforts,? said Hanson.

Other highlights of the 2012 session include additional support for military families and veterans, improvements in public safety, a redesign of the state?s mental health system and improved health care in rural Iowa.

?When we put politics aside, we passed a responsible state budget that will leave the state with more than $985 million in surplus and reserves next year.? said Hanson.

?We also made government more accountable to the people of Iowa and saved taxpayers $3.5 million by improving government efficiency.?