Issues
21st Century Workforce:
This is why I am running to be your State Representative. Iowa ranks 49 out of 50 states in retaining our college graduates in our state. This needs to change if Iowa is going to reach its full potential. We need to create an environment where young people can find the high-quality jobs and enjoy the recreational activities they want and deserve. We need our young people to stay in Iowa, raise a family in Iowa, and grow the economy in Iowa.
Fiscal Responsibility:
A 20 percent increase in our state budget - in just two years - is not sustainable. I will provide fiscal discipline with your tax dollars and ensure that your money is used wisely. To increase spending by 20% when our overall population growth has remained virtually stagnant is irresponsible and illogical.
Taxes:
Iowa's tax code is complicated and outdated. I will work to simplify and lower the tax rates in order to remain competitive with other states. Too many people leave our great state due to our high state income tax. Florida, Nevada, Texas, and even South Dakota do not have a state income tax. We are losing Iowans who have made their money here to these states. It is sad and needs to change.
Jobs:
We must focus on high-quality jobs in Iowa. Too many of our young workers are leaving the state. I will work to remove roadblocks for Iowa employers and provide them with a wealth of opportunity here. I will encourage employers to grow their workforce which will in turn grow our economy.
Education:
We need more accountability in our educational system. The drop-out rate in Polk County remains way too high. I will work for higher standards and for better pay for our best teachers. Spending more money into the education system without more accountability will not solve our problems. Historically, Iowa has had some of the best schools in the nation. We need to face the facts and deal with the problem at hand. There is nothing more important than educating our young people. If this is not a top priority then shame on us.
Health Care:
I believe prevention should be emphasized; I will work to ensure that our health care dollars go toward education and screening. Further, I will offer incentives for individuals and businesses that provide private insurance or Health Savings Accounts. A market-based solution will help drive down costs for all.
Right to Work:
I will stand strong on behalf of Iowa's Right to Work law. Individuals should have the right to participate in a union if they so choose, but employees should be forced to pay into a system against their will. This is vital to the economic development of our great state. We want to attract new businesses and jobs to Iowa. Gutting the right to work law that is currently in place will have the opposite effect.
Senior Citizens:
Peter Cownie believes that the current generation can only be as strong as the previous generation and in Iowa we are blessed with a generation of older Iowans that stood tall in the face of challenging times. Iowa's generation of older Iowans have dedicated their lives to working and raising a family in Iowa so that we may have the opportunities we have today . It is unfortunate that so many of our seniors eventually choose to leave our great state due to our unfair and increasingly high tax burden. Too many of our seniors that have lived their entire lives in Iowa leave Iowa for states with no state income tax. This needs to stop. We also must make it easier for older Iowans to stay in their homes longer, that is why I will work to protect the Senior Living Trust Fund so our senior citizens have more choices for their long term care.