Thursday, May 03, 2007
Generation Iowa Commission Applications Flood Governor's Office
Office has received 87 applications; deadline to apply is May 15th
(Des Moines) Dozens of young Iowans are submitting applications to serve on the Generation Iowa Commission. The Generation Iowa bill (House File 617) was authored by Iowa’s next generation of leaders in the Iowa House of Representatives. It’s part of a strategy to keep more young people working and living in Iowa. The bill establishes a 15 member commission made up of young Iowans between the ages of 18 and 35.
As of the beginning of May, the Governor’s office has received 87 applications from young Iowans wanting to serve on the board. These applications represent young Iowans from at least 20 different counties, have a diverse racial makeup and are split between Democrats, Republicans and Independents.
“I was honored to sign this very important piece of legislation. It’s a step toward building one unlimited future for the State of Iowa,” said Governor Culver. “I’m thrilled that so many young people want to get involved and help shape the future of Iowa. I would encourage all young Iowans that want to make a difference and have a voice in the future of the state to apply to this influential board within the next couple weeks.”
The bill was drafted by four legislators elected last fall who are all age 30 or under. State Representative Elesha Gayman of Davenport sponsored the bill. Representative Andrew Wenthe of Hawkeye managed and co-sponsored the bill. Representative Gayman said, “I’m hopeful Generation Iowa can help us craft a strategy to stop the mass exodus of young people leaving our state.”
Governor Culver was joined at the April 5, 2007 bill signing ceremony by the freshman legislators and members of Iowa young professional groups who were influential in getting this important bill to the Governor’s desk. At the bill signing, the Governor said, “This new generation is our team and they are our future workforce. As the number of skilled workers continues to drop in this state – an estimated shortage of 150,000 by 2012, it is important we focus on ways to keep young Iowans here.”
The deadline to apply for the Generation Iowa Commission is May 15, 2007. To download an application form, go to www.governor.iowa.gov and click “Boards and Commissions” or call the Governor’s office at 515-281-5211.