Fairfield Senator Becky Schmitz says compared to the rest of the country, Iowa has weathered the recession relatively well. Schmitz says despite budget cuts in many areas, the state ended fiscal 2009 with a balanced budget and 441-million dollars in reserves. She says many national publications and organizations have rated Iowa’s financial outlook well when compared to other states. Schmitz says the state is making smart investments in job creation, education, and quality of life.