Press Releases

State Budget Balanced; Fiscal Year Ends with Over $300 Million Surplus

Thursday, July 1,2010

Des Moines, Iowa – The state ended the year with an over $300 million surplus, according to the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency (LSA). The surplus was over $200 million higher than projected and means the state ended the fiscal year on June 30 in solid financial shape.

“Growing our economy and balancing the state budget without raising taxes were our top priorities this year and the over $300 million surplus proves our efforts are having a positive impact,” said State Representative Curt Hanson of Fairfield. “While many Iowans are still struggling to make ends meet, the healthy surplus is just the latest evidence that our economy is beginning to recover and grow again.”

The LSA report was released today after the state 2010 fiscal year ended on June 30. The report shows the budget was not only balanced, but will also increase the amount of money in the state’s savings account. Combined with current projections, the surplus means the state’s savings accounts will be nearly full again at the end of next year.

Other signs pointing to an economic recovery include fewer unemployed Iowans, a positive outlook from Iowa businesses over the next six months, and strong job growth in the first five months of the year. Iowa is also one of just seven states to earn the “triple crown” of credit ratings from all three of the major agencies that rate fiscal health for businesses and governments in the country and Iowa was tied for 2nd best in the nation for fiscal strength from the non-partisan Pew Center on the States.

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Fairfield Lands Preschool Grant; 43 Kids to Receive Assistance

Friday, June 18, 2010

Fairfield, Iowa – The Fairfield School District has been awarded a $151,781 state grant this week to provide preschool for 43 local children. The grant program was established by the Legislature with a goal that nearly every Iowa four year old will have access to quality, affordable preschool.

“Quality preschool is key to boosting achievement in k-12 schools and ensuring we have a skilled workforce. With support from educators and business leaders, this is a smart move for Iowa because we know preschool improves the chances of success for our kids in school, reduces crime, and saves the state money,” said State Representative Curt Hanson of Fairfield.

Awarded by the Iowa Department of Education, the grants announced this month will provide preschool to an additional 4,500 four year olds beginning this fall bring the total children served to over 21,000. The preschool program is voluntary and it does not compete with existing private or public preschools.

All school districts receiving grants this year will receive funds again in the future through the preschool aid formula. By the 2011 school year, every four year old in Iowa who wants a quality preschool experience will have access.
Pekin Lands Preschool Grant; 18 Kids to Receive Assistance

Friday, June 18, 2010

Fairfield, Iowa – The Pekin School District has been awarded a $63,536 state grant this week to provide preschool for 18 local children. The grant program was established by the Legislature with a goal that nearly every Iowa four year old will have access to quality, affordable preschool.

“Quality preschool is key to boosting achievement in k-12 schools and ensuring we have a skilled workforce. With support from educators and business leaders, this is a smart move for Iowa because we know preschool improves the chances of success for our kids in school, reduces crime, and saves the state money,” said State Representative Curt Hanson of Fairfield.

Awarded by the Iowa Department of Education, the grants announced this month will provide preschool to an additional 4,500 four year olds beginning this fall bring the total children served to over 21,000. The preschool program is voluntary and it does not compete with existing private or public preschools.

All school districts receiving grants this year will receive funds again in the future through the preschool aid formula. By the 2011 school year, every four year old in Iowa who wants a quality preschool experience will have access.
Hanson Officially Takes District 90 Seat

With the school where he spent 43 years teaching responsibility and respect to students, State Representative Curt Hanson of Fairfield took the oath of office on Monday to serve the people of District 90 in the Iowa House of Representatives.

"It’s a great honor to serve as State Representative in District 90. I look forward to meeting more people in Jefferson, Wapello, and Van Buren Counties to listen to their ideas and be ready for the 2010 legislative session. I know we share many of the same priorities -- good-paying jobs through key industries like renewable energy, affordable health care for Iowans and a balanced state budget," said Hanson.

Hanson was sworn-in by State Senator Becky Schmitz of Fairfield. He was elected on Sept. 1st to replace John Whitaker, who resigned the post to take an appointment with the United States Department of Agriculture.

“I’m excited to begin my work in the Legislature. I’m grateful to the people of House District 90 for their support and I look forward to working with both Democrats and Republicans at the Statehouse to make our state a better place to live,” added Hanson.

Born and raised on an Iowa family farm, Hanson has been living and teaching in Fairfield for over 43 years. He attended the University of Northern Iowa and received his masters from the University of Iowa. He and his wife, Diane, have two grown children. They are members of First United Methodist Church and Curt is also a member of the Fairfield Kiwanis Club.

Hanson is a retired teacher and driver education instructor in Fairfield. He has been selected by his community as Fairfield Teacher of the Year and has been selected by his peers to serve those in the teaching profession at both the local and state levels. He was also runner-up National Driver Education Teacher of the Year and has served as President and Business Manager of the Iowa Association of Safety Education.

To contact Curt, log on to www.curthanson.org or send him an email at curt.hanson@legis.state.ia.us.
Campaign Kick-Off Fundraiser Featuring U.S. Senator Tom Harkin

Please join:

Curt Hanson
Democratic Candidate - Iowa House
At His Campaign Kickoff Event for the September 1st Special Election for the Iowa House of Representatives.

And Special Guest:

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin

Luncheon Reception at:

The Pony Farm
2835 239th St.
Fairfield, IA 52556

Saturday, August 1, 2009
12:00pm – 1:30pm

Host: $250
Sponsor: $100
Friend: $50
Supporter: $25

All Contributions are Welcome

Please make checks payable to:
Hanson for State Representative

RSVP to Adam at 319-350-9201 or aphillips@iowademocrats.org
Due to the participation of a federal office holder, we are not accepting contributions from corporations or other federally prohibited sources.

Directions to the Pony Farm:

From Fairfield:
Take Hwy 34 east out of Fairfield to Glasgow Road.
Turn right on Glasgow Road (SE).
Go Approximately 8 miles until you see a sign that says Stockport.
Take left on Redwood instead of going to Stockport.
Take the 1st Right off of Redwood on 240th St.
It is the 3rd Farm on the left.
Farm is located after an “S” curve.

From South of Fairfield:
Go North of Stockport to Glasgow Road.
Cross over Glasgow on Redwood.
Take the 1st Right on 240th St.
It is the 3rd farm on the left.
It will be after an “S” curve.

From the East:
Take 34 West to Tamarack.
Turn South on Tamarack approx 3 miles.
Turn right on 239th St. and it is 2nd farm on the right.
Hanson Announces Bid for State House District 90

Friday, July 17, 2009

For More Information:

Curt Hanson, 641-919-2314

HANSON ANNOUNCES BID FOR
STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 90

Fairfield, Iowa – Community activist and educator Curt Hanson today announced his bid to replace State Representative John Whitaker of Van Buren County, who announced his resignation from the Iowa House earlier today to become Iowa Director of the Farm Service Agency. Hanson is a life-long Iowan who has been living and teaching in Fairfield for over 43 years.

“My parents taught me the importance of hard work, helping neighbors, and service to community. Those Iowa values will guide my work as the next State Representative for District 90,” said Hanson, a Democrat.

Hanson was born and raised on an Iowa family farm. He attended the University of Northern Iowa and received his masters from the University of Iowa. He and his wife, Diane, have two grown children. They are members of First United Methodist Church and Curt is also a member of the Fairfield Kiwanis Club.

“My priorities are simple: balance the state budget, create good-paying jobs in key industries like renewable energy, make health care more affordable for middle class families, and ensure our kids have the education and skills they need to get a job in these tough economic times,” said Hanson.

Hanson is a retired teacher and driver education instructor in Fairfield. He has been selected by his community as Fairfield Teacher of the Year and has been selected by his peers to serve those in the teaching profession at both the local and state levels. He was also runner-up National Driver Education Teacher of the Year and has served as President and Business Manager of the Iowa Association of Safety Education.

“As State Representative, I can promise the people of Jefferson, Van Buren, and Wapello Counties two things – I’ll work hard and I’ll always listen to you,” concluded Hanson.

For more information, go to www.curthanson.org.

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