About I-JOBS
In 2009, Governor Culver requested the Legislature create an Iowa Jobs (I-JOBS) state investment program, through the issuance of bonds rather than raising taxes. During the 2009 and 2010 sessions, the Legislature created an $875 million I-JOBS program, which is a state recovery package designed to:
- create/retain jobs
- rebuild communities impacted by the natural disasters of 2008
- invest in Iowa’s infrastructure
- promote long-term economic growth
In the short-term, the I-JOBS initiative will create/retain jobs. In the long-term, this investment will strengthen our economy and allow us to build a safer, stronger, greener, and smarter state.
See a list of the the I-JOBS programs and agencies that administer them.
I-JOBS means:
- Investing in our roads
- Improving our highways and bridges
- Improving water quality
- Helping communities, businesses, and families that were affected by the flood get back on their feet
- Preparing for future disasters
- Improving our quality of life through community attractions and tourism, lakes restoration, and revitalizing our state parks
- Keeping our promise to the men and women who serve our country by expanding and renovating the Iowa Veterans’ Home
- Making smart investments and building a brighter economic future for all Iowans
For the first time in Iowa history, we have the highest rating from all three of the major rating agencies in the country. Only seven other states have an across-the-board AAA rating. Both Moody’s and Fitch recently upgraded the state of Iowa; Standard and Poor’s rated Iowa AAA in 2008. The experts continue to recognize the first-rate fiscal management and strong economy of our state and we can stand out as a model to other states. Credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet its financial commitments. AAA bond ratings mean Iowa is able to access more affordable funds for vital infrastructure projects critical to generating job growth and opportunity.
