‘This is a huge victory for Iowans hoping to find a job’

Iowa Workforce closed it's office in Oskaloosa

Senators applaud court decision overturning Governor’s veto

DES MOINES (Dec. 8, 2011) – A court decision today overturning Governor Branstad’s veto of a bipartisan effort to keep dozens of local workforce offices open is a victory for tens of thousands of Iowans still looking for a job, two key legislators said today.

“This is a huge victory for Iowans hoping to find a job,” said State Senator Bill Dotzler of Waterloo, a plaintiff on the lawsuit.

“As Iowans were attempting to recover from the worst national recession since World War II, the Governor’s decision to close dozens of local workforce offices could not have come at a worse time,” said State Senator Daryl Beall of Fort Dodge, a plaintiff on the lawsuit. “The Governor has the authority to line-item veto legislation, but he can’t then keep the money. This is a political and policy issue that affects the lives of Iowans, but it’s also a constitutional issue. The Court ruled that the Governor’s veto was unconstitutional.”

Senate File 517 included specific funding to keep open dozens of local workforce offices that help unemployed Iowans find work. The legislation was approved with overwhelming, bipartisan support during the 2011 regular session. The state workforce offices help Iowans search for jobs, prepare for interviews, improve their skills and help businesses find qualified employees.

Dotzler and Beall pledged to work with the Governor to expedite the reopening of the workforce offices that were illegally closed.