Friend, 

We need to make life easier for working Americans who want to get ahead. That’s why I’m leading an effort to ease some of the upstart costs for those who want to pursue the trades.

Trades offer good wages and long-term opportunities for workers. The trades are essential, in demand, and often offer a faster return on investment than a traditional 4-year college path. Americans should be encouraged and empowered to take the right path for them, not pressured to go to a four year school and get saddled with debt and few job prospects at graduation.

Under President Trump and our conservative majorities, Congress has been taking a fresh look at ways we can make life easier for working Americans and help people achieve the American dream.

That’s why I helped introduce the Jumpstart Savings Act with Congressman Riley Moore.

This legislation would meaningfully help Americans afford the costs associated with careers in the trades, skilled labor, and apprenticeship-based professions through tax savings accounts. The average startup cost for a small business in the trades is $100,000. That is a lot of money. 

I’m proud to team up with my colleague in creating a new savings account – modeled after 529 savings accounts – so working Americans pursuing the trades can afford real start-up costs of building a career – like tools and equipment, licenses, and apprenticeship expenses.

This approach empowers workers to prepare for careers that make sense for them – without forcing people to borrow their way there. Empowering families to keep more of their own money – and decide how best to invest in their futures – will help more families get ahead and achieve their financial goals.

I’ll keep working to expand pathways into good-paying jobs and make life better for Iowans.

Sincerely,

Update on E15

Ensuring we pass year-round E15 is a top priority of mine. While our farmers are hurting and the ag economy is on the brink, leadership in Washington keeps offering half-measures, excuses, and delays — it’s unacceptable.

Anything short of delivering year-round E15 is a failure by Washington to stand up for Iowa farmers and biofuels producers after years of broken promises and platitudes.

With a firm February 25 deadline in place, the Iowa delegation will be relentless and use every available option to get year-round E15 done. Our producers have waited long enough, it’s time to deliver the certainty they deserve.

My Bipartisan Pregnant Students' Rights Act Passes the House

College students who are pregnant or may become unexpectedly pregnant deserve to know every right and resource available to them, and it is unacceptable that so many often feel they have to choose between finishing their education and having their baby.

My legislation empowers young women to choose life and ensures they have the information on their rights and resources necessary to build the best future for themselves and their child.

I’m thrilled to see my bipartisan bill pass the House as we continue to pursue policies that help families grow and thrive! Watch my floor speech here.

Team Hinson in IA-02

My team recently participated in the Dubuque Area Chamber’s Leadership Dubuque series on Local Government Day. It was great to visit with local leaders and discuss the community needs of Dubuque and how we can best serve you all. 

Stay warm this weekend and watch your local news for weather updates!