Hatch champion for middle class

There is no greater champion for middle class families than Sen. Jack Hatch, the Iowa gubernatorial candidate facing Gov. Terry Branstad in the November election. Hatch points out that Branstad has been a failure when it comes to creating good jobs at good wages all over the state. He has made hollow promises about creating 200,000 jobs by 2014, for example. Branstad has delivered only one-fourth of these jobs, leaving us with a monumental jobs deficit.

Our state's economy is largely driven by successful small businesses. Initiatives that attract capital and increase markets will go a long way toward providing incentives for small business owners.

Hatch would fight for the increase the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. Iowa's unemployment rate ranked 5th in the nation at the start of the recession. Currently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Iowa is 7th and falling.

Tax policy also is paramount in helping middle class families. His plan includes returning tax dollars to the middle class worker by lowering their tax rates.

Technology rounds out Hatch's economic development tools. Partnering with Iowa's community colleges, universities and trades-training programs will produce a technologically oriented workforce.

We can be secure in trusting that Hatch will make growing our middle class families and allowing them to keep more of what they earn a top priority.

Helane Golden

Cedar Rapids