Hear from the Candidates: Iowa State Senator for District 38

Eric Giddens (D)

Incumbent

I am supportive of many of our economic policies at the state level. I am supportive of Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Manufacturing 4.0 program, workforce training programs at our community colleges, trail funding, High-Quality Jobs Program, funding our economic development programs at our Regents Universities (especially UNI), federal housing tax credits, state Workforce Housing tax credits, and Iowa’s historic tax credit program. I am constantly working across the aisle to advocate and support these programs promoting economic growth.

Dave Sires (R)

Candidate

As a small business owner, I'll bring real world experience to the State Senate.  I'll support policies that attract economic growth and development such as lowering taxes and decreasing regulations, to unleash entrepreneurship.  

Eric Giddens (D)

Incumbent

I work to create and maintain good relationships with all of our local, state, and federal partners so that I can have open lines of communication and identify opportunities that are available.

Dave Sires (R)

Candidate

No Response Received

Eric Giddens (D)

Incumbent

The Cedar Valley area is a leader among Iowa communities for innovation and quality-of-life projects. We have a deep history in the agriculture and manufacturing industries. The only way to weather the economy's ups and downs is to help our businesses innovate. I vow to continue advocating for the state to partner with local leaders and businesses to ensure our businesses can innovate. We must continue focusing on projects that improve our housing quality and quantity.  In addition, we need to make sure childcare is affordable and accessible for more Iowa families.

Dave Sires (R)

Candidate

No Response Received

Eric Giddens (D)

Incumbent

I appreciate the collaborative relationships we have in the Cedar Valley. Businesses and local officials work well together.  I will continue to advocate for state support for the educational and training programs that are necessary to help industries and businesses in our area thrive.

Dave Sires (R)

Candidate

You can't talk about workforce development without the issue of childcare.  The two are tied together.  I'd like to see more progress made on access to quality, affordable child care.  One idea is to incentivize employers to provide child care or child care stipends.  

Eric Giddens (D)

Incumbent

Iowa has a long history of bipartisan support for worker training programs and many of those programs are housed in our community college system.  I have been a strong supporter of Iowa’s community colleges as they partner with local businesses and respond to changing local workforce needs.

Higher education in Iowa, like across the nation, has been dealing with general funding challenges.  I have and will continue to push for increased state funding for community colleges to enhance programs and expand grants that help support students pursuing careers in high-demand fields.  Our community colleges are also one of the best places for continuing education programs that help workers upskill or reskill as industries evolve or lay off workers.  This has become increasingly important considering the recently announced layoffs at many Iowa agriculture and manufacturing businesses.

By focusing on these areas, an Iowa legislator can help ensure that the state's educational institutions are well-equipped to prepare students for the evolving job market, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for Iowans.

Dave Sires (R)

Candidate

Additionally, I'd like to see money for students studying in the most-needed professions and more apprenticeship programs.  

Eric Giddens (D)

Incumbent

The University of Northern Iowa plays a key role in both the educational and economic landscape of Iowa and I am very supportive of increasing the state funding for higher education institutions.  Unfortunately, the Legislature has underfunded our public universities over the last decade and that has increased the cost for students and their families. UNI provides a high-quality education for its students, 90 percent of which are Iowans – more than any other Regent university.   We cannot have higher education become financially out of reach for most Iowans.  That would be a detriment to our state’s economy and future.

UNI's commitment to teacher education is particularly important right now.  UNI has a long-standing reputation for producing some of the best educators in the state, which directly benefits Iowa's K-12 schools and their communities. By training the next generation of high-quality teachers, UNI ensures that Iowa’s children receive a great education that will set them up for future success in school and careers.

UNI acts as a catalyst for regional growth, adding $1.6 billion in income to the Iowa economy in 2022.  The university supports local businesses through partnerships and helps drive innovation.  UNI’s Business and Community Services (BCS) helped over 3,700 unique businesses, communities, and local government clients this past year (source).

Graduates from UNI stay in Iowa more than any other state university and in doing so - contribute to the state’s workforce and economy.  The University of Northern Iowa is vital to Iowa’s educational and economic landscape. By providing necessary funding for UNI, we are not only investing in Iowa students but also the economic future of Iowa.

Dave Sires (R)

Candidate

No Response Received

Eric Giddens (D)

Incumbent

I feel that the Cedar Valley region has done a great job of making the area one of the top places in the state to live. To take advantage of all of that work, we need to invest in housing to make housing more affordable. We also need more childcare opportunities for families.

Dave Sires (R)

Candidate

In the State Senate, my priorities are lowering taxes, making sure we continue to have good schools, and ensuring there is available housing to attract businesses to the area.  

Eric Giddens (D)

Incumbent

I take great pride in working with legislators regardless of political party to help advance the interests of our region. I will continue to do so and find opportunities to help our communities grow and fight for the needs of the Cedar Valley.

Dave Sires (R)

Candidate

As a lifelong Iowa resident, business owner, and former city councilman, I've proven I know how to work across the aisle to get the job done for my constituents.