Despite the political firestorm that ensues when Iowa public officials talk about "project labor agreements" in the public sector, the evidence shows they work — and are a valued tool for both private-sector and public-sector construction. Our 2004 report remains the research standard on this topic in Iowa, and shoots factual holes through emotion-tinged arguments following Governor Culver's order for their use on state projects.
IPP report on PLAs (PDF)
Executive summary (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
| |
Wage data show many Iowans are unable to meet a carefully determined standard for what it takes to support their families. As wages stagnate and even decrease during this recession, Iowa needs to maintain or expand work supports, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Care Assistance and public health insurance..
Full report 53-page PDF including county-by-county tables 1/26/10 NEW!
| |
|
A sharp one-month drop in payroll jobs erased recent gains and left Iowa over 40,000 jobs behind to close out 2009, while the state's unemployment rate remained in the mid-6 percent range for the sixth straight month.
News Release (HTML) or PDF, 2 pg 1/22/10
| |
|
|
“Governor Culver has made tax credit reform a centerpiece of his 2010 legislative agenda. This is an important step toward accountability....
“Iowa cannot afford tax giveaways at the same time essential services are being cut back and working Iowans are struggling to make ends meet.”
— excerpt of Iowa Fiscal Partnership statement on Governor's Condition of the State message.
|
Iowa Fiscal Partnership reports have illustrated the problem with runaway costs of tax credits. See:
The Revenue Roots of Iowa's State Budget Crisis (PDF, 6 pgs)
Budget Belt-Tightening: Focusing on the Largest Waists Graphs (PDF)
|
|
|
