Carrie Koelker, State Senator, Dist. 33

     Personal history: I graduated from Stanton High School in Iowa in 1989. I attended Iowa Lakes Community College from 1989-91.

   I am a lifelong Iowan. I was born and raised in southwest Iowa. I’ve resided in Dyersville since 1993.

   From 2000 to the present, I have been the executive director of the Eastern Iowa Tourism Association. Before that, from 1996 to 2000, I was the tourism marketing manager for Travel Dubuque/Dubuque Chamber of Commerce.

   I have four children: Creighton, 25; Colin, 24; and twins Addison and Easton, 18.

   Why should voters vote for you? I made promises on the campaign trail four years ago. Promises made, were promises kept—I’m reliable and dependable. We delivered the largest tax cut in Iowa history and my experience in economic development can continue to deliver. Iowa is leading and I have the energy and vision Iowa deserves.

   Why are you seeking the office of State Senator, Dist. 33? I am just completing my first four-year term in the Iowa Senate. I look forward to continuing a second term and am working diligently to cross the finish line strong. Sharing my Iowa passion is something I do every day. Our state is a great place to live, work, travel, raise a family.

   How do your qualifications/skills prepare you to be an effective State Representative? The skillset in leveraging private and public partnerships has been a career strength of mine for many years. My career in economic development has delivered strategic planning and technical assistance to communities looking to build and thrive. That takes difficult conversations and unity at times.

   In the Iowa Senate, I currently serve as an Assistant Majority Leader, Ethics (Chair), Commerce (Vice Chair), Economic Development Budget (Chair), Appropriations, Transportation, Legislative Council, State Government, International Relations, and the Capital Projects committees.

    Staffing shortages continue to impact businesses in Iowa, big and small. How can the state continue to address this? Every industry is facing a workforce crisis and shortage. Unfortunately, it is a national issue. It is going to take many steps including collaborations and discussions of many fronts. Throwing money at something doesn’t fix a problem. I strongly believe we took a solid step by implementing our new tax policy. The cost of living in Iowa is about 8.5 percent less expensive than the national average. Pro-growth policies will assist with this. Examples of tools implemented include: expanding rural broadband, workforce housing tax credits to address housing shortages, childcare center funding streams, workers compensation reform that limits abuse through fraudulent claims, and workers comp insurance. The Future Ready Iowa program will continue and encourages education of all sizes including trades and community colleges, apprenticeships, volunteer mentors, and the employer innovation fund.

   Where do you stand on funding education for public schools? My solid voting record showcases my support in funding public education. Since FY ’17, we have increased funding over $400 million new dollars, and just last year we put an additional $172 million dollars into our K-12 programming, added $2.35 million in therapeutic classrooms and $29.5 million in transportation equity, as well as included funding and expansion of the operational sharing options for schools.

   Iowa supports education and it is the largest line item in the state budget. That is all clear and consistent funding. The rhetoric that we aren’t funding our public schools is incorrect and nonsense. Parents matter and deserve a clear and consistent path for their children.

   What are some additional issues Iowans face in the upcoming legislative session? Fighting inflation. There is real concern and real fear. The fear mongering of our federal government isn’t how we do things (or policy) in Iowa.

   I assure you, I will continue to work hard to cut taxes so our hardworking Iowans can keep more of their well- and hard-earned money.

   48 of the 99 counties withheld their savings from their citizens when the mental health property tax levy was removed. It has turned into a shell game; in essence it raised your taxes so transparency is needed. Property tax evaluations are going through the roof – driving values up and these growth increases are a strain on Iowans.

   Additional comments: It has been an honor to serve the past four years in the Iowa Senate. I assure you I will continue to implement tax cutting policy bills, support a balanced budget, and keep our spending controlled. I look forward to earning the vote of the people of Jones, Jackson, and Dubuque counties. Iowa is leading and making great strides. Representing rural Iowa at the Capitol for another four years is something I look forward to accomplishing.