Governor Kim Reynolds is proposing that Iowans receiving unemployment checks be required to check in weekly with a state worker about job openings in their area and — with the exception of union members — unemployed Iowans will have to prove they’ve applied for at least four jobs.

Reynolds says some of the changes will require legislative approval. Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend says her agency needs a re-set since Iowa is in the midst of a workforce shortage.

Townsend says nearly 68-thousand Iowans are receiving unemployment benefits today.

Senator Nate Boulton, the top Democrat on the Senate Labor Committee, says the state should focus on helping small businesses and expanding child care rather than having the government assign Iowans to specific jobs.