We know Iowa is a great place to live, and the rest of the country seems to agree with us. Congressional Quarterly Press and other national organizations consistently rank Iowa among the most livable states in the country.
Iowa is in the top 10 for wellbeing, according to the most recent Gallup-Healthways Wellbeing Index. And a 2012 study from the University of Iowa’s Public Policy Center showed that Iowa children feel healthier, happier and safer than kids nationally.
What gives Iowa its excellent quality of life? Good schools and jobs, access to health care, safe neighborhoods, low cost of living and fun things to do are all important. But it’s really the commitment of individuals, businesses and communities that make Iowa a great place to live, work and play.
Iowans are always working to improve our state. This year, they encouraged us to expand state investment in our environment, enhance recreation and cultural opportunities, and boost philanthropy. Highlights include:
• Promoting outdoor recreation, conservation, and preservation of our natural and cultural resources by increasing funding for REAP, Iowa’s successful Resource Enhancement & Protection Program (SF 435).
• Ensuring Iowa’s popular state parks get the get the upkeep they need to remain clean, beautiful places for Iowans to visit and vacation (SF 435, HF 638).
• Boosting hunting, fishing, boating, hiking and other outdoor activities by encouraging more farmers and private landowners to open up their property to the public (HF 649).
• Investing in local events and attractions, cultural organizations, sports and recreation (SF 430, HF 638, HF 648).
• Encouraging charitable giving by expanding voluntary payroll deductions for donations to charities (HF 131).
• Creating lasting local improvements by increasing Endow Iowa Tax Credits for donations to endowment funds of community foundations (HF 620).
• Ensuring no Iowan goes hungry by boosting incentives for donations to Iowa food banks (HF 648, SF 452).
These quality-of-life investments make for communities that attract good businesses and an excellent workforce—just one more way we can grow Iowa’s middle class and strengthen our economy.
For more on how Iowa stacks up against other states when it comes to quality of life, go to http://tinyurl.com/IowaQoL.