Iowa's unemployment rate dropped for the fourth straight month in December. Iowa Workforce Development Director, Beth Townsend, says more people are getting back into the workforce. "We are seeing a return to work for industries that had previously suffered the most if you will under the … [Read more...]
Staff shortages continue at nursing homes, assisted living centers
The administrators of Iowa's nursing homes and assisted living facilities say they’re struggling to retain enough staff. Devin Juelat the Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque says at one point last fall, the facility had to shut down an entire wing due to staffing issues. And he says he knows other … [Read more...]
Reynolds proposes 4% flat tax on income, end to taxes on retirement income
Governor Kim Reynolds is proposing an end to state income taxes on pensions and retirement accounts and lowering the state income tax to a single rate of just 4% within four years. "Flat and fair," Reynolds said, to cheers, as she described her tax plan during the annual "Condition of the State" … [Read more...]
Leaders highlight 2022 legislative session goals in opening day speeches
GOP leaders in the Iowa legislature are promising tax cuts, welfare reform and new state support for parents who enroll their kids in private schools. Democrats say their focus is on addressing Iowa's workforce shortage. Senate Republican Leader of Ankeny Jack Whitver said "major, permanent" … [Read more...]
New unemployment system starts today
Iowa Workforce Development's new unemployment process begins today. IWD deputy director, Ryan West, says a new focus on unemployment targets the importance of getting people back into the workforce. "Just a better opportunity to get folks into a career path that maybe they've already been in or a … [Read more...]
Iowa Business Council survey shows optimism highest since 2018
The Iowa Business Council's fourth-quarter Economic Outlook Survey shows a lot of optimism among its members. Executive Director Joe Murphy says anything over 50 on their scale is positive -- and this time it was nearly 69. "This is our second-highest score ever, second highest score only to the … [Read more...]
Governor hints she’ll seek more changes in Iowa’s unemployment system
New work search requirements for laid off Iowa workers who've qualified for unemployment benefits go into effect Monday. Governor Kim Reynolds is hinting she'll propose more changes. "The unemployment code was written a long, long, long time ago when we were in a much different position," … [Read more...]
Creighton survey shows continued improvement in Iowa’s economy
Iowa's economy made healthy gains during December and mirrored strong growth for the nine-state Midwest region, according to a monthly survey from Creighton University. Despite climbing manufacturing numbers, Creighton economist Ernie Goss says supply chain delays worsened during the last month … [Read more...]
Lack of school bus drivers leads to canceled classes in Davenport
Students in one of Iowa's largest school districts got an extra day of vacation today. The Davenport Community School District canceled classes at all of its schools due to a shortage of bus drivers. Reports say two private schools in Davenport also canceled for the same reason -- not enough … [Read more...]
Iowa legislators ponder ways to boost child care slots in Iowa
Republican lawmakers promise the lack of child care options in Iowa will get renewed attention during the 2022 legislative session. Senate Republican Leader Jack Whitver of Ankeny suggests expanding already existing child care centers and in-home daycares is a place to start. "We all hear it … [Read more...]