Ames’ branch of the Iowa Workforce Development was closed at the end of October. It was one of five around the state to close. 

Gov. Terry Branstad has said this is an “effective” cost-cutting measure, but Democrats have seen it as heartless to unemployed Iowans, according to iowapolitics.com. The closures are expected to save about $5 million in state and federal money, and resulted in about 77 layoffs. 

Now, the closest office to Ames is in Des Moines. It provides services such as job listings and fairs, proficiency testing and training for computer programs, resume placement assistance and job placement assistance. 

Some of the services are now being offered at computerized access points in areas such as libraries, colleges, armories, faith-based organizations and probation offices.

The other offices to close were in Clinton, Muscatine, Newton and Storm Lake. The move follows the closure of 31 smaller, part-time field offices at the end of August.