Generation Iowa makes legislative recommendations

Local Generation Iowa Commission members and local elected officials held press conferences Wednesday in five Iowa locations to discuss the 2008 Status Report from the Generation Iowa Commission. The report includes an analysis of progress made in the last year and updated legislative recommendations to the Iowa State Legislature to recruit and retain young people in Iowa.

"I am pleased with the work of the Generation Iowa Commission and their effort to generate new ideas that will capture the attention of young people in Iowa," said Governor Chet Culver. "We can create opportunities in Iowa to attract and retain young workers, and I look forward to working with leaders across the state on this issue in order to strengthen our economic future."

Press conferences releasing the 2008 report were held today in Des Moines, Sioux City, Waterloo and Davenport. The Coralville event was canceled due to weather.

"Our state currently finds itself with the challenge of keeping our educated young adults," said Commission Chair Rachel Judisch. "Our recommendations are multifaceted and ambitious resembling our generation, but underscored by an awareness of the critical role economic development must play to attract, retain, and engage the Next Generation of Iowans."

Recommendations to the State Legislature include:

* Amend legislation to include voting seats for Next Generation Iowans on all boards and commissions relating to economic development and quality-of-life.

* Make job creation programs more ambitious to increase job opportunities for the next generation's education level.

* Expand "Iowa Internship Program" that links top Iowa college students with internships in small and medium sized businesses.

* Expand the Education Award to Iowa's Americorps volunteers to attract service-minded, educated young professionals.

To view the 2008 Status Report and learn more about the Commission, visit: http://www.iowalifechanging.com/generati...

The bill creating the Generation Iowa Commission (House File 617) was authored by Iowa's next generation of leaders in the Iowa House of Representatives. It's part of a strategy to keep more young people working and living in Iowa. The commission is made up of 15 young Iowans between the ages of 18 and 35. The commission is staffed by the Department of Economic Development to advise and assist in retaining and attracting young adults in the state in both urban and rural areas.

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Who comprises the Generation Iowa Commission

Last year, the 15-member Generation Iowa Commission released its "Road Map to Recruit and Retain Young People to Iowa," a sweeping list of recommendations aimed at taking full advantage of Iowa's "brain gain" and making Iowa a destination and a home for future generations.

The new Generation Iowa Commissioners are:

Kyle Carlson, Colfax

Karris Golden, Waterloo

Mitchell Gross, Coralville

Jodi Grover, Rowley

Rachel Judisch, Lake View

Emiliano Lerda, Urbandale

Emilia Martin, Davenport

Isaiah McGee, Waukee

Jordan Oster, Clive

Michael Schneider, Altoona

Jesse Harris, Waukee

Christian Fong, Cedar Rapids

Ragen Cote, Sioux City