Democrats offer economic initiatives that mirror the Governor’s plan

Democrats in the Iowa Senate today offered a series of economic development initiatives that are — not surprisingly — nearly identical to those unveiled by Democrat Governor Tom Vilsack in January. Senator Jack Hatch, a democrat from Des Moines, says the policies have several goals, growing internal markets, increasing wages and job development, promote “smart” public investments and create rural and urban development.The details of the democrat’s plan include raising the state’s minimum wage by a buck over the next two years. Senator Bill Dotzler, a democrat from Waterloo, says it’s a simple idea that would help thousands of Iowans.The democrats also want to set up new, regional economic development zones to encourage counties or towns to work cooperatively on business locations. Senator Amanda Ragan, a democrat from Mason City, says the focus should be on building “internal” markets for Iowa’s raw goods. The Democratic Senator also suggest increasing the tax credit available for restoring historic homes or commercial buildings.