Jack Hatch, the Democratic candidate for governor, says Republican Governor Terry Branstad’s latest policy proposal is nothing more than following through on a new federal law. This is Branstad’s pitch on the plan, from a speech the governor made Tuesday: “This is the third item that we have brought up as a new proposal in this campaign and we’re calling it a ‘Center for Human Capital Enrichment,'” Branstad said. “This will be a public-private partnership…This would bring together all stakeholders to identify demand, skills gaps and training needs.”

Hatch says it’s not a new proposal. It’s part of a federal law that the state will be required to implement next year. “There’s no creativity there. You could be Jack Hatch, Terry Branstad or anybody else. That is what the law required,” Hatch says. “…Does he have any ideas of his own?” Branstad insists it’s unique. “This is an Iowa approach that focuses on the success we’ve had, but is designed to make sure that it’s coordinated,” Branstad says, “and that (the state Departments of) Education, Economic Development and Workforce Development are working together.” Hatch says Branstad is merely copying the requirements of the “Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014” that President Obama signed in July.

“What he did was what any governor would have to do,” Hatch says. “He just accelerated it and embraced it as his own initiative.” Hatch says it’s ironic Branstad is embracing a proposal signed into law by President Obama since Branstad has identified the federal government as the biggest obstacle to Iowa’s economy. The new federal law, which Iowa Senator Tom Harkin helped craft, requires state workforce development agencies to coordinate with economic development and education initiatives to help businesses find the skilled workers they need. The bill passed congress with bipartisan support.

(Radio Iowa)