I think every week, if possible should start with some good news. I have always believed that it is much more helpful to look at the glass as half full, as opposed to half empty. Last week I gave a talk about all the great things Iowa has to be proud of, and had several requests to repeat those points. So here they are for your Monday;

1. Iowa is one of the few states that has money in a rainy day fund, savings

2. Iowa is one of 8 states that was given a AAA rating by all three top rating agencies in the country

3. The US Chamber of Commerce ranked Iowa 8th in the nation as “top performing economic states” and 4th in growth in exports.

4. The Iowa Business Council (made up of the CEO’s of the largest 20 companies in Iowa, and the Presidents of the 3 Iowa Universities) stated that major indicators are trending up for Iowa businesses

5. Forbes ranked Des Moines as the number 1 best place in the nation to raise a family!

6. After keeping the state budget balanced last session, state revenues are running ahead of projections and the state budget could end the year with a $180 million SURPLUS.

7. A nationwide Manpower survey ranks Iowa as 3rd best employment outlook in the nation.

While many middle class families are still struggling, our economy is begining to turn around and Iowa is in a much better place than most every other state. We need to work to keep improving that trend!

The Legislature made good on another promise to Iowa’s middle class families this week – all four-year olds would have access to quality preschool so they enter school ready to learn. After expanding each year since the initiative started in 2007, over 21,000 four-year olds in 326 school districts across Iowa will be in school at least 10 hours each week thanks to the state’s voluntary preschool program.