Published: February 20, 2009 10:49 pm      

Growing middle class strengthens Iowa’s economy

In the face of the ongoing national recession, we must put a higher priority on strengthening and growing Iowa’s middle-class families.

Even before the onset of this recession, middle-class families across our state were being squeezed. At the same time, incomes increased sharply for the wealthiest Iowans.

Did you know that Iowa has the nation’s second-highest percentage of two-parent families where both parents work?

And even when both parents work, many Iowa families must go without or go into debt to get by.

A recent report found that to make ends meet in our state, both parents must earn at least $8.88 an hour. Yet almost 1 in 5 Iowa jobs pay less than that.

If you and your spouse have two kids, you both need to earn an average of at least $10.92 an hour.

By that standard, one in three Iowa jobs falls short.

For single parents, the outlook is even tougher. Half of jobs currently held by Iowa workers don’t pay enough to support a parent and a child.

How do we grow Iowa’s middle class? We do a better job of rewarding working Iowans.

First, we expand access to affordable health care. Health care is a major cost in everyone’s budget. Uninsured health care costs bankrupt more Iowans than any other single reason.

Second, we ensure that an honest day’s work earns Iowans an honest day’s pay. A prevailing wage law would, for example, increase wages for Iowa workers and discourage unscrupulous contractors from importing unskilled or low-skilled workers.

Third, we keep the door to educational opportunity open. We must continue to hold down tuition increases, especially at community colleges, keep the best teachers in Iowa classrooms, and, ensure that quality pre-school is available to all Iowa 4-year-olds.

Finally, we must confront the reality of the deepening national recession by balancing the state budget without raising taxes.



Roger Stewart, a Democrat from Preston, is a member of the Iowa Senate representing District 13.