Working Iowans Asking: What Economic Recovery?

Statement

Almost eight years ago, Americans felt the crippling effects of the global recession. Iowans and others across the country faced the new hard-hitting reality of lost jobs, shrinking pensions and savings, crumbling property values, and disappearing opportunities. Reports may point to some improvement, but the reality is this - jobs and economic growth are recovering at the slowest rate in decades and working Iowans are still feeling it.

As I meet and listen to folks across the 16 counties in Iowa's Third Congressional District each month, they tell me about the fears and uncertainties they face while working paycheck to paycheck and of the struggles to provide for their families. I hear these stories often and I share their frustration.

The economic promises never panned out for them. They never experienced the recovery seen in other levels of our economy. For working Iowans it has been frustrating to do the right thing and work hard, but know that economically you are in about the same place you were eight years ago.

In this country, earnings and the median income haven't recovered. While the unemployment rate has reached about five percent officially, the fact is, today the lowest percentage of Americans are working since the 1970s.

We Iowans are accurately known as a hardworking bunch. And those efforts should pay off - through better wages and more opportunity. After all, that is the American Dream: to work hard and provide a good life for your family, knowing that your children have a brighter future than you could have imagined at their age.

But how can hardworking Americans have faith in the great hope of the American Dream when they haven't experienced economic or wage growth and when they lack job security?

For our next generation of workers, their reality is just as frustrating. College enrollment is down and student debt is piling up, because our economy has not produced enough opportunities to provide young people with good paying jobs - jobs to build a life, and to one day support a family.

When a small business owner unlocks her shop door in the morning or a farmer heads out to the field, they shouldn't have to think about what's going on in Washington. Yet, I hear from Iowans each day about their worries caused by the federal government - from an unfair and uncertain tax code to overreaching federal regulations that threaten their ability to do business.

I came to Congress to propose Iowa commonsense ideas and be part of the solution. Washington can't and shouldn't micromanage the inner workings of our economy. The lack of a recovery over these long eight years is all the evidence needed to prove that point. What government can do is foster a fertile ground for economic and job growth and opportunity, with a balanced budget, a simple and fair tax code, and killing rules and regulations that tie the hands and investment opportunities for our job creators.

As your U.S. Representative, each and every day I advocate for fiscal responsibility from my seat on the Committee on Appropriations, and I am honored to bring your Iowa values and voice to the table.

There are genuine commonsense efforts to turn the tide on behalf of working Americans, but Iowans should expect more. There is still much to do. As we work towards the meaningful and long-term solutions working Americans are due, this year is an opportunity to chart a path forward.

I will continue to base my support of any policy set forth by the federal government or legislation Congress considers with a standard question that must be met: "Does the policy or legislation increase the economic and job security of working Iowans?" If it doesn't - I won't support it.

It is my job to advocate for a more efficient, accountable, transparent, and accessible government that works for you. I remain committed to working alongside my colleagues in Congress to expand opportunities, grow our economy, and make sure your voice is heard in Washington.

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