Ageism endorsed by state officials

After reading 'Business leaders want visa system reform” in the July 10 Gazette, a response is required.

It is no surprise that businesses seek an increase in the H-1B visa cap. That is because H-1B visas are a popular business subsidy in the form of labor. The visa facilitates the age discrimination that cuts labor costs.

The United States Government Accountability Office, or GAO, backs this up when they reported that 94 percent of the H-1B visa recipients are under age 40.

Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, ignores the damage ageism does to Iowa families when she repeats the same stale shortage of skilled workers propaganda.

The H-1B visa incentivizes businesses to age baby boomers out of the labor force early. And don't forget, Gov. Terry Branstad named Durham to her position. That means what is truly sad is that our state's highest officials endorse ageism.

How many of the jobs Gov. Branstad takes credit for creating didn't even go to Iowa citizens?

Alan Jensen

Cedar Rapids