Monday, January 22, 2007
Statement from Governor Chet Culver
(DES MOINES) – GOVERNOR CULVER’S RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT BUSH’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS:
“After listening to the President’s State of the Union address, it is clear that some of our priorities here in Iowa are finally receiving some much-needed attention in Washington. Last year he said we were ‘addicted to oil’ and this year he made renewable energy a focus of his speech. I am encouraged by the fact that the President is again highlighting renewable energy, and I commend the Democratic Leadership in Washington for also taking important steps toward weaning our country off foreign oil. I look forward to working with the legislature here in Iowa to create the Iowa Power Fund and working with the President and Congress to make Iowa the renewable energy capital of the world.
“Although I am encouraged that it appears a serious health care discussion is finally starting at the federal level, I have also come to the conclusion that we can no longer afford to wait on Washington to solve this problem. I believe it is a moral responsibility that every child have health care coverage, and I plan on addressing that and other ways we can expand access to health care here in Iowa in my budget address to the legislature next Tuesday.
“Finally, regardless of what we think of the President’s decisions in Iraq, I think we can all agree that we want our troops home safely and as soon as possible. As Iowa’s Commander-in-Chief, I say to our Iowa troops you have made us proud and we commend you for your service to your country.”