On Saturday the 7th of February, we attended a Cracker Barrel Meeting in Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. It was a meeting of State Senators and State representatives to talk essentialy about Iowa budget and economy, but also about education, energy, working issues, etc. It was opened to the public, everybody could come and get information about what are the big issue in Iowa today, ask question about one particular issue they are interested in. One of the State Senator, Pam Jochum I think, told that " the purpose of the Cracker Barrel is to inform general citizenry about progress in Iowa ". It is surprising to see how open are democracy and State government in the USA. They think that as they represent the people and are elected by them and so accountable to them, they have to pay attention to their concerns and suggestions. So they gladly listen to them.
During this meeting, the politicians noticed that Iowa was also affected by the financial crisis, in terms of economy and budget but also in terms of employment (- 4,8% today = 800,000 people out of work), housing, health care, etc. The State government plans to create job as well to find a solution to recession. Moreover, 60% of their budget is spent in education. It seems to be a big issue in Iowa. A increase of teachers salaries is planned, as well as of the budget for education in general. What emerged of the Cracker Barrel is that the budget has to be balanced to confront challenges and that Iowa needs of transparency.
The Cracker Barrel was a really good political experience to know more about Iowa. We were really good welcome by people and were expected to take part in the debate too.
During this meeting, the politicians noticed that Iowa was also affected by the financial crisis, in terms of economy and budget but also in terms of employment (- 4,8% today = 800,000 people out of work), housing, health care, etc. The State government plans to create job as well to find a solution to recession. Moreover, 60% of their budget is spent in education. It seems to be a big issue in Iowa. A increase of teachers salaries is planned, as well as of the budget for education in general. What emerged of the Cracker Barrel is that the budget has to be balanced to confront challenges and that Iowa needs of transparency.
The Cracker Barrel was a really good political experience to know more about Iowa. We were really good welcome by people and were expected to take part in the debate too.
