Braley said a large focus for him is to make college affordable. He helped introduce legislation to extend low interest rates for federally subsidized loans. Braley takes issue with the No Child Left Behind law, saying that it punishes the successful students. Ernst on the other hand, is in favor of eliminating the federal Department of Education, saying that eliminating the department would not harm Pell Grants or student loans. Ernst said those services can be housed in the Department of Treasury. Ernst also believes the Common Core that sets standards for public schools is not necessary and that states should be in charge of setting their own standards for curriculum.

Braley is in favor of raising the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. He is also in favor of legislation that would expand tax deductions on start-up expenses for small businesses. Ernst is in favor of a free market approach and said it is a great economic tool, but federal government regulations discourage the creation of business, especially small business. Joni said she will make sure Iowa will have an influx of businesses and jobs if the markets remain open to the export of Iowa goods.

Braley supports Obamacare and said that Medicare reimbursement brought by the act helps providers accept more Medicare patients. Braley believes in continuing to fund Medicare and Medicaid, and he said that affordable health care would be a focus of his term in Senate. Ernst said she wants to repeal Obamacare because it would put health care decisions on the shoulders of doctors instead of policymakers. Ernst voted against Medicaid expansion in Iowa. She said she wants to replace Obamacare with free-market alternatives so Iowans can choose health care options for themselves.