Business

Keep a well-educated, well-trained workforce by providing resources education and workforce training. Continue funding programs that help Dubuque’s downtown stay vibrant, where people can live, work and play. Promote programs that help start-ups gain access to capital, and that help existing businesses to expand and improve. 

I would look at how new policies can help businesses to rebound, and put policies in place for the next time something happens that will cause a disruption for businesses.

The state could allow businesses to deduct capital expenses during the year, and create legislation that is friendly to businesses that are moving more toward work-from-home and mobile workforce models.

Helping small businesses to be able to return to a more normal level of doing business by following expert recommendations to keep workers and customers safe, make sure Iowa maintains great health care systems, invest in state stockpiles of medicines, medical equipment and other essential supplies.

For better stability, the state should look at ways to attract private investment by permanently lowering corporate taxes, working with existing businesses on expansion, investing more into education, workforce training, affordable workforce housing and other services that companies and their workers look for in communities.

I've seen how TIF has been vital to renewal projects and investment in Dubuque. I would like to see more information on the costs and benefits to communities in Iowa to help highlight the importance of its continued use.

It is easier for corporations to move operations to a lower tax jurisdiction, but it is harder for working individuals and families to move. Lowering the tax rate will create more stable jobs and a more stable economy, ultimately reducing the negative impact of companies moving out of an area.

Reliable air service is essential for a thriving business community, attracting employees, and is vital the tourism industry. Adding new cities to airline routes could increase demand and potentially revenue for the airline. Marketing, education and communication to increase awareness could help increase travel and tourism.

I support and will work to defend Right to Work legislation because it protects workers from mandatory union membership and dues. It doesn’t stop workers from organizing, joining or collectively bargaining through a union. Workers should have the option to join and pay dues to a union.

I oppose government mandated increase of minimum wage. There needs to be some consideration in terms of how business works and the true economic impact of such policy.