Thursday, May 17, 2007
Governor Culver Kicks off “Capitol for a Day” Tour
Signs Film Bill, Promotes Economic Development During Day in Dubuque
DUBUQUE – Today, Governor Chet Culver began his Capitol for a Day tour by moving the Capitol to the Grand River Center in Dubuque. The Governor was joined by Mayor Ray Buol, Department of Economic Development director Mike Tramontina and local legislators to discuss the future of Iowa’s Economy.
“To create ‘One Iowa with one unlimited future’ requires input from every Iowan” said Governor Culver. “That is why I decided it was time to put the Capitol on the road and bring it directly to the people of Iowa. These events give every Iowan the opportunity to meet with their state’s leaders, and share their thoughts or concerns about the future of our state. And, they will give me the opportunity to hear from my employers – the people of this state - because the best briefings I can receive are firsthand from the people of Iowa, one-on-one.”
The premise behind “Capitol for a Day” is for the Governor to travel to counties across the state to hold office hours and listen to Iowans’ thoughts, ideas and concerns. During the events, the Governor is available to meet with Iowans and hear their ideas for the future of our state.
The Governor discussed the future of Iowa’s economy with stops throughout the community. In a visit to the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce earlier in the day, the Governor highlighted the amazing impact of the bio-economy upon our state, as well as the importance of historic tax credits in creating new jobs and greater opportunities for Iowa’s communities.
The Governor also signed HF 892, which is designed to promote and develop Iowa’s film industry. An important part of the Culver/Judge Administration’s economic vision, this legislation provides production service providers in Iowa a 25% tax break on the expenses they incur while filming in Iowa’s communities.
“There is one industry that has the ability to not only create new jobs and greater investment in our communities, but create a product that promotes our state to people across the country and around the globe – Iowa’s film industry,” said the Governor. “Movies like ‘The Final Season’ and ‘Field of Dreams’ have had a tremendous impact on our state, and that is why we promised to use the resources of state government to grow this important industry. Well, I am happy to say that today, we keep our promise.”
In Dubuque, the Governor was also joined by the Colt Cadets, part of Dubuque’s own Colts and Colt Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. Under the direction of Greg Orwoll, the group will represent Dubuque and the State of Iowa in numerous competitions and performances during the summer season. In recognition of their numerous competitive performances and achievements, the Governor presented the group with a certificate proclaiming them “Iowa’s Ambassadors of Music.”