Beard: State's economy is improving

State Representative John Beard of Decorah says Iowa's economy is improving.  His comments come in the wake of new projections by the state's non-partisan financial experts, predicting the state will have a $480 million surplus at the end of the year.

"While the national recession still lingers, we can see Iowa's economy is beginning to recover," said Beard.  He said such economic growth is especially welcome news in Allamakee County, where 2,000 jobs have been lost in the last two years.

Beard also touted the actions of last year's legislature.  "In addition to balancing the state budget without raising taxes, we focused on growing our economy with initiatives to give small businesses and the renewable energy industry a boost," said Beard.