The Senate’s top Democrat says a 160-million dollar economic development initiative a dozen Republican Senators outlined this morning is “too timid.” Senate Democrat Leader Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs says the plan is “half-hearted” and fails to match the vision of those who’re talking about a Billion dollar state economic development fund. Gronstal says the Republicans who proposed the much smaller plan will “squander an opportunity for the next generation of Iowans.” Gronstal says Iowa has an opportunity to bring the life science industry to the state. He says it’d bring real, high-quality jobs to the state and would help reverse a century-long decline in population. Senate Republican Leader Stewart Iverson of Dows says he likes the idea people are throwing out ideas.