Tax breaks, not talent, lure Iowa companies

Both of my children settled out of state after they graduated from college. My daughter lived in Los Angeles, and my son lived in Denver, Colorado. But when they got married and had children, they decided to move back to Iowa. Why? Not because of the income tax rate. They moved back because at least at the time, Iowa's public education was ranked in the top five in the nation, and also because of better public safety, i.e. less crime and violence due to our investment in law enforcement. Are they representative of the reasons young people have in the past decided to live in Iowa? I think the answer is yes.

In addition, I have noticed, at least in the past, that some companies have indicated that they located here because of the level of education and skills of the potential employees that live here. I am not as sure that they represent a majority of companies locating here, since it is clear that some definitely locate here motivated by tax incentives, which costs me more in order to pay for their fire protection, police protection, and roads. I am convinced that the Republican thinking in terms of attracting "brains" and employers is just wrong.

Craig Wood

Cedar Rapids