A story that got a little bit of notice a couple of weeks ago had to do with young college graduate Iowans leaving the state to go elsewhere for employment. This is hardly a new trend. As we have noted before, Iowa is the only state whose population has not doubled since 1900.

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This is only a small slice of those who have graduated or who will graduate in Iowa this month many of them this week. But they carry a very telling message for Iowa. As noted in the video only 8 states have a lower retention rate for their college graduates. This brain drain has had and will continue to have a negative effect on the state.

Why are the youngsters leaving. I want to say this is my own views based on our experiences, but little has changed since my kids and my brothers’ kids graduated. First off the opportunities are not in Iowa. Also, when there are opportunities in Iowa, the pay is frequently lower than comparable opportunities in other states.

Let’s be honest, opportunity and pay are #1 for graduates. A second consideration is living conditions. With the exception of a few major cities in Iowa there is little to keep young people in Iowa. The lifestyle in Iowa is not the kind of lifestyle that people in their 20s and 30s are looking for. There is no single lifestyle young adults require but let’s face it, most of Iowa is geared to the middle aged and older.

Finally, the reporter hinted at it near the end of this quick report – the political climate in Iowa has become authoritarian and very conservative. As the legislature and the governor continue to narrow the political scope in Iowa, the youngsters will be looking to go to states and areas that are more open and free.

The more freedom is squeezed, the more the citizens will look for places they can flourish. This is hardly new in history – it is a common theme. 

Don’t expect Iowa to change. The government here is geared to serve the wealthy. The media in this state seems to have a standard that they seldom question a republican offie holder. If they do that may be the last question they ever get. Why would anything change when we are pretty much a one party state?

And then there are some specific policies that drive young people to more inviting places. Expect abortions to be almost eliminated later this year or early next year. If you are paying attention you know this is driving doctors from states where abortion is illegal with heavy penalties. Women are also looking elsewhere for places where they can have options if they have pregnancy complications.

If youngsters are planning to raise a family in Iowa, it does no sit well to see the state planning the destruction of the public school system. 

Now that Iowa has joined the ranks of open carry, nothing says we don’t want you like a gun. Having had to do live shooter drills all their lives many young folk are looking for states with sane gun control laws. 

Given that, don’t expect the exodus of young Iowa minds to reverse. That myth that Iowa is a very welcoming state is simply belied by what we do.