Hear from the Candidates: Iowa's Second Congressional District

Ashley Hinson (R)

Incumbent

I have championed legislation to make tax relief permanent for working families and small businesses who are struggling under Bidenomics. I’ve also helped introduce bipartisan legislation (the Informed Lawmaking to Combat Inflation Act) to help rein in government spending that could worsen inflation and drive prices higher. I’ve also introduced legislation (the Red Tape Reduction Act) to get big government out of the way by rolling back onerous regulations that prevent growth and stifle economic opportunity. Additionally, I support extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to provide certainty for families and businesses and keep our economy competitive globally.

Sarah Corkery (D)

Candidate

I would advocate for further investment in existing infrastructure, emphasizing repairs and maintenance. We can create incentivized projects that will make local communities more financially sustainable and livable by increasing the economic viability of existing parts of our communities. We can continue to enhance programs in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act that will better communities.

Ashley Hinson (R)

Incumbent

My track record of bringing federal dollars back to eastern Iowa speaks for itself. Through Community Project Funding requests, I am proud to have secured $5 million to support the Hawkeye Community College Smart Automation and Robotics Center at TechWorks, $1 million for Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity’s Targeted Neighborhood Revitalization, and $50,000 for the Leader Valley Foundation’s “Leader in Me” project. I’ve also helped secure funding in surrounding counties including airport improvements, housing initiatives, and childcare centers. These vital investments help grow the Cedar Valley’s workforce and drive economic development across Iowa. I remain committed to bringing as many federal dollars back to our state as possible — ensuring that Iowans’ tax dollars work for us, not just for places like New York and California.

Sarah Corkery (D)

Candidate

Once in office, I will direct my staff to compile a top projects list from communities within the district and match them with existing federal and state programs. We will proactively update the list each year and assist communities in applying for funds.. When we identify gaps between desired projects and available funding, we will advocate for additional  funding or revisions to programs through the legislative process to fill those gaps.

Ashley Hinson (R)

Incumbent

Our economy grows when Iowans are able to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks, when small businesses have certainty, and when we are helping connect Iowans with great local job opportunities. I will continue to focus on a pro-growth economic agenda that cuts red tape, empowers our workers, and gives all Iowans the freedom to achieve their goals and thrive.

Sarah Corkery (D)

Candidate

- Support increased childcare funding so that working families can access childcare at a reasonable price.
- Implement and fund pre-K for all school districts in the district to give children, including those from disadvantaged economic backgrounds, the opportunity to succeed in their education and future employment.
- Ensure community colleges’ technical and skilled trade programs meet the workforce needs for the next 5 to 10 years and are fully funded.
- Invest in projects that make our communities livable and attractive to retain talent the district loses every year.

Ashley Hinson (R)

Incumbent

I have worked across the aisle to help promote career and technical education and increase access to skills-based training programs to help address the pervasive workforce shortage. For example, I have introduced legislation (REAL Trucking Act) to allow 18 to 20-year-old truck drivers to be able to cross state lines. Bridging the skills gap will help rebuild the workforce and ensure our long-term economic growth.

Sarah Corkery (D)

Candidate

- I will work to ensure that we understand specific future workforce needs by funding statistically-valid workforce studies and forecasts. I’ll ensure these forecasts are matched with existing training resources and where there are gaps, help identify funding to grow or adjust program capacity.
- I will assign a member of my staff to focus on economic recruitment and development activities of the communities in the district.

Ashley Hinson (R)

Incumbent

I have visited every single community college in our district and seen firsthand how these institutions prepare their students for great job opportunities upon graduation. I am working to break the stigma that someone has to go to a four-year college to find success - in fact, it is quite the opposite. Four-year schools can often be roads to nowhere, where community colleges or apprenticeship programs offer skills-based classes that actually prepare students for high-tech, in-demand careers. I also helped lead the PELL Act, legislation that would extend Pell Grant eligibility to qualifying short-term workforce education programs. Many Iowans are seeking flexible, short-term learning options that help advance their careers. Federal resources should be used more effectively to align education opportunities with our workforce needs.

Sarah Corkery (D)

Candidate

- Please see the comments above

Ashley Hinson (R)

Incumbent

The University of Northern Iowa is a great institution that plays a crucial role in shaping the state’s educational and economic landscape, providing affordable, high-quality education to a broad range of students and helping develop a skilled workforce that benefits Iowa’s economy. While the majority of funding for Regent universities is not federal, I have supported key investments in these institutions through the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and National Institutes of Health, which facilitate federal grant and contract opportunities for innovative and competitive research. I have also supported direct financial support for students, including funding for Pell Grants.

Sarah Corkery (D)

Candidate

I am fully supportive of our public educational institutions and will work to enhance the premier programs they offer. These institutions provide opportunities to improve the lives of the next generation and enhance the economic vitality of the communities that host them. In addition, I support funding for educational institutions' research efforts.

Ashley Hinson (R)

Incumbent

- My top legislative priorities related to economic development is workforce empowerment. In Congress, I introduced the Workforce Innovation and Empowerment legislative package. This package consists of three bills that identify and address workforce gaps to help connect Iowans with career advancement opportunities, particularly in skilled trades, and provide pathways to continued success for workers without college degrees. The BEST Act provides a tax credit for employers that maintain a qualified training program for employees who are not seeking a college degree, empowering skilled workers to advance in their careers and strengthen our workforce.

- Child care is also related to economic development. Access to child care is one of the top issues I hear about from working families and small businesses across our district. If folks don’t have access to child care, they can’t work. If child care is too expensive or far away, it may make more sense for one parent to stay home and care for their kids. I’m working to expand affordable childcare options, especially in rural communities. I’ve brought home federal investments in child care to help expand childcare centers and add more slots. I’ve also introduced legislation to expand childcare access for those who don’t work traditional 9 to 5 jobs.

Sarah Corkery (D)

Candidate

- We must take a long view on economic development. Successful economic development should not be transactional. Communities that invest in their children, maintain and increase our educational standards, and increase workforce participation will be better positioned to attract employers and retain employees.
- We must focus on pre-K for all Iowa children. Many of our children, particularly in economically challenged areas, start K-12 behind and never catch up.

Ashley Hinson (R)

Incumbent

I have worked across the aisle to reduce inflation, improve access to child care, and bolster the workforce in Iowa and nationwide. I frequently visit with members of the business community and local stakeholders to hear their concerns and priorities so that I can work on solutions in Congress. I will continue working in a bipartisan manner to support economic development in Iowa and keep our state a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Sarah Corkery (D)

Candidate

- I have a long history working in the private sector where the party doesn’t matter. Our capacity to get the job done with whoever shows up to work determines our success. I will bring that approach to Congress and seek to build relationships–regardless of party affiliation.
- I will hire staff in my district offices who possess an on-the-ground understanding of local economic needs.
- Working with DC staff, these Iowa-based leaders will ensure community businesses are 1) able to fully realize the benefits of our  legislation, and 2) understand and apply to grant opportunities from federal agencies and programs. 3) have a lower cost of living
- I will hire graduate public policy students as interns, who will assist in community projects and utilize their interests to improve legislation.
- My Iowa-based staff will include a Regional District Manager and office staff here in District 2.