Loebsack on Iowa Workforce Development

April 20, 2011
 
Dear Governor Branstad,
 
I write to bring to your attention concerns my constituents have expressed to me with respect to the proposed closing of Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) offices such as in Lee, Muscatine and Johnson Counties among numerous others in Southeastern Iowa. As you know, there are areas in my Congressional District that continue to experience unacceptably high unemployment rates.
 
As our economy continues to recover, we should ensure resources are maintained for those out of work or looking to improve their skills and secure employment. For example, Lee County residents, like other counties, will be hard hit by the proposed closings in a number of ways. Since the clients of the IWD offices are typically already struggling to make ends meet, they can hardly afford to pay for trips to other counties to obtain IWD services. If Lee County's offices were closed, it would be a two hour commute for these clients and similarly long commutes for other counties with closing offices.
 
The commute is a particular burden for the elderly, the poor, and those without a vehicle, especially because many areas lack an extensive public transit system. In addition, while moving services online is an admirable goal to serve some clients in a more cost-efficient manner, it would negate one of the vital functions of some IWD centers, which is to provide computer and online skills trainings and internet access as many of these clients don't have the skills, knowledge or personal access to such services.
 
Case-management is another important function of the IWD offices and this type of interaction with clients can have a very positive impact on the efficiency of service delivery. Further, I have heard concerns that shifting the work from the IWD offices to other community service providers or community colleges will greatly burden these already struggling providers with potentially unsustainable work and client-loads.
 
Iowa is a leader in providing efficient and innovative workforce development services. While I support ensuring the efficient use of the workforce development system and understand the difficult budget situation we face, I hope you take into consideration the above concerns with respect to the planned closure of important IWD offices throughout the state.
 
Sincerely,
 
Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

~Congressman
Dave Loebsack was first elected to the United States House of
Representatives in 2006 and represents the Second District of Iowa. He serves on The House Education and Labor Committee and The House Armed Services Committee. To learn more about Congressman Loebsack click here.