Iowa is one of 10 states to join the just-launched SkillSPAN, a nationwide network of non-partisan organizations working together to influence workforce policy in more than 25 states over the next five years. SkillSPAN — which stands for Skills State Policy Advocacy Network — will bring together policy organizations, workforce advocates, community colleges, businesses, unions and others focused on advancing state policies that support workers who want training for good, family-supporting jobs and help local businesses grow a skilled workforce. In Iowa, Central Iowa Works, an initiative of United Way of Central Iowa, will lead efforts to advocate for policies around increasing access to quality and affordable child care; continuing investments in adult basic education and training; addressing housing and transportation issues; assisting new Iowans, people with disabilities, and returning citizens to join the workforce; and supporting better training and wages for direct care workers. More details can be found at www.unitedwaydm.org/public-policy, including specific policy proposals with Skills2Compete.