State Representative Roger Thomas says passage of "Made in Iowa" legislation should be a priority

State Representative Roger Thomas of Elkader says the 2013 legislative session should make it a priority to approve the "Made in Iowa" legislation that gives Iowa business first crack at obtaining state contracts.

Said Thomas, "This will help Iowa manufacturers and small businesses hire new employees, grow their business and keep more of our taxpayer dollars here in Iowa instead of going overseas."

Thomas, who is the ranking member on the legislature's Economic Growth/Rebuild Iowa committee, also wants legislators to work to encourage more production and use of renewable energy, expand tuition grants to fill job openings in key worker shortage areas, expand literacy efforts in the early years, keep tuition affordable at state universities, and continue worker training initiatives at community colleges to train workers for high-skill jobs.

"I'm excited to start the 2013 session and begin another term in the Iowa House.  I'm ready to put aside the partisanship and work together to strengthen the middle class and grow Iowa's economy," said Thomas.

Other issues that may come up for debate during the 2013 Legislative Session include: expanding access to affordable health care, reducing commercial property taxes, reforming the state's mental health system, and improving public safety.