Let’s take Iowa’s economic success and make it work in Washington

Iowa is experiencing a historic and exciting economic comeback. Up to 150,000 new and good-paying jobs have been created - meaning that more of our friends, family and neighbors have a good-paying job to go to each day.

Additionally, Iowa's personal income average is growing at the fourth-fastest rate in the nation, ensuring our middle-class families are better able to pay their bills while saving for their children's education and even toward retirement.

By putting aside differences and working on a bipartisan basis in the Iowa Senate - and with the reforms and leadership of Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds - we were able to launch economic recovery in Iowa.

Today, Iowa taxes are lower, businesses are thriving, and more Iowans are working than at any other time in our history.

We've passed the largest tax cut in Iowa history, which reduced taxes on families and businesses; eliminated rules and regulations and made Iowa more attractive for job creators; and successfully balanced the state budget - taking a $900 million deficit and quickly turning it into a $900 million surplus.

During his past eight years in Washington, Congressman Bruce Braley has doubled down on policies that have broken the promise of a better tomorrow.

He has thrown his weight behind job-killing policies that are stifling our economy and hurting our middle class families.

During Braley's past eight years in Washington, America has seen the weakest economic recovery since the Great Depression and sustained, high national unemployment.

We've seen one of the largest tax increases in history. We've seen increased health care costs and fewer choices. We've seen more regulations that hurt our businesses and farmers.

And our national debt has doubled.

It's time to roll back these policies and bring some Iowa common sense to Washington. This year we have the opportunity to bring the Iowa way to Washington and fix what's broken.

I want to make sure that more Iowans have expanded opportunities and a better shot at the American dream.

The Iowa way starts with creating good-paying new jobs and making sure every family can benefit from a growing economy.

That means lowering taxes on working families and small businesses, eliminating onerous regulations, and working to balance the budget.

It's not easy - it will require bipartisan cooperation - but that's the Iowa way. I stand ready to tackle these challenges as your next U.S. Senator.

' Joni Ernst is the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate. Comments: joniforiowa.com