^[1]State Senator Becky Schmitz (D-Fairfield)

A local state lawmaker is touting the fact that all three Major U.S. financial rating agencies have given Iowa the highest bond rating of AAA. Fairfield Senator Becky Schmitz says the designation from Moody’s Investors Service, Fitch Rating and Standard and Poor’s highlights the legislature’s efforts to be responsible with tax dollars. In addition, Forbes Magazine has named Des Moines as the number one place for businesses and careers out of 200 of the largest metro areas. Five smaller Iowa communities were also ranked in the top ten-percent in the Forbes “Best Places for Small Businesses and Careers.”