Budget Cuts: “The state must have a balanced budget — and it does,” Fitzgerald said, adding that that meant cuts were inevitable at times.

Fitzgerald said he was proud that during his time as treasurer the state of Iowa has earned an AAA rating by all three of the Wall Street ratings companies — one of only seven states to achieve that honor.

Health Care: Though decisions relating to health care are not a direct part of Fitzgerald’s job, he said it is important to the state’s economy as a whole for families and corporations to understand how their health care works.

Jobs and Economic Development: “That’s issue number one right now,” Fitzgerald said.

But he did say that the Iowa unemployment rate, 6.9 percent, is much lower than the national average of 10 percent.

He believes that investing in infrastructure, education and alternative energies would create positive effects in Iowa’s economy.

Fitzgerald also started a program called the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, which has returned more than $100,000,000 in unclaimed property to Iowans, such as dormant bank accounts, refunds or unclaimed wages.  

Finally, Fitzgerald said he would work to increase financial literacy programs.

Education: Fitzgerald said two-thirds of Iowa’s budget each year is spent on education. He said the state has a good system that must be maintained for future generations.

He was responsible for founding College Savings Iowa, which has been regarded as the best college savings program in the nation. Fitzgerald said one goal if he is reelected would be to raise awareness of the program.

Background: Fitzgerald has been the treasurer of state since 1982, making him the longest serving treasurer of state in the nation. He grew up in Story County, graduating from Colo High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa. He also worked as a marketing analyst for the Massey Ferguson company in Des Moines. 

His job as treasurer of state includes investing more than $2 billion in state operating funds, serving as trustee of state pension programs and administering College Savings Iowa.