Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Governor Culver Invites Americans To "Rethink Iowa"
The "Life Changing," "Renewable Energy Capital of the Nation" is First-in-the-Nation in More Than Just the Caucuses
(Des Moines) Today, Governor Culver issued a statement on Iowa and the Iowa Caucuses.
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR CHET CULVER:
With the Des Moines Register and Iowa Public Television debates quickly approaching and the Iowa Caucuses only weeks away, the state of Iowa is in the spotlight. The Iowa Caucuses give us an opportunity to showcase our state’s strengths on a world stage.
Most Americans know that the state is “first in the nation” in the presidential campaign but may not be aware of Iowa’s leadership role in renewable energy, manufacturing, biosciences and information solutions or the state's top ranking in quality of life. A great deal has changed in Iowa since the year 2000 and even since 2004. Today, Iowa is ahead in the race to become the renewable energy capital of the nation. And our state is a national leader in health care, education, economic strength and quality of life. Across the state, Iowans enjoy our safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, easy commutes, excellent schools, low cost-of-living and abundant outdoor recreational activities. The opportunities in Iowa are unlimited.
Iowans are changing lives and changing America for the better. I encourage all of the visiting campaign staff, volunteers, media and others to rethink what they know about Iowa and see why Iowa truly is life changing.
"Did You Know?" - Information You Should Know About Iowa
Renewable Energy - "Iowa is the Renewable Energy Capital of the Nation"
- Iowa's agricultural industry is helping to feed and fuel the world. Iowa's corn, soybeans and windy plains are powering our vehicles and homes and positioning our state for energy independence.
- Iowa ranks #1 in ethanol production, #2 in biodiesel production and #3 in wind energy production.
- In 2006, Iowa alone accounted for over 30 percent of U.S. ethanol production and 25 percent of U.S. biodiesel production.
- Iowa is over 1,000 wind turbines which create almost 1,000 megawatts of energy, generating enough power to service 250,000 homes. (American Wind Energy Association)
- The $500 million Iowa Values Fund and the new $100 million renewable energy research and development initiative called the Iowa Power Fund offer businesses the tools and financial resources they need to be successful. Administered through our state Department of Economic Development, these funds provide tax credits, incentives, loans and regulatory assistance to foster business development and job creation.
Economy and Communities
- Iowa is a top place for business. Eight Iowa metros were ranked among the best places in America to start a business or career: Des Moines, Davenport-Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Ames, Iowa City, Waterloo-Cedar Falls, Dubuque and Sioux City. (Forbes Magazine)
- Iowa ranks second in the nation in "Cost-of-Doing-Business," a study that measures a state's tax burden, electricity costs, industrial rent costs, office rent costs and wage costs. (Milken Institute)
- Iowa's economy has diversified from one dominated by agriculture to one focused on next-generation industries. Today, the state's targeted industries for growth are renewable energy, biosciences, financial solutions, information technology and advanced manufacturing. (Battelle Memorial Institute)
- Iowa's largest private industry is manufacturing.
- Iowa's population is more than 60 percent urban. Approximately 61 percent of Iowans live in communities with populations of 50,000 or more. (U.S. Census)
Education - "Life-Changing Education"
- In 2006, Iowa's high school graduation rates were the second-highest in the nation. (Manhattan Institute for Policy Research)
- Iowa ranks first for highest scores on the SAT college entrance exam in 2007. (College Board)
- Iowa students are among the most likely to successfully complete the education pipeline - completion of college within four years of high school graduation. (Achieve, Education Pipeline)
Health Care - "Life-Changing Health Care"
- Iowa ranks #1 in the percentage of people covered by health insurance. (United Health Foundation)
- Iowa was rated #1 for having the best health care in the continental U.S. in 2007. (Commonwealth Fund)
- Iowa has the shortest hospital emergency room wait in the U.S. (Press Ganey Associates)
- Iowa was ranked the 4th best state for health (National Policy Research Council's Gold Guide) and as the 5th-healthiest state. (Morgan Quitno)
Quality of Life - "Life-Changing Quality of Life"
- Iowa is consistently ranked as one of the most-livable states in the nation. (Morgan Quitno)
- Iowa preserves 156,000 acres of state parks that contain more than 1,000 miles of trails for hiking and biking. (Iowa Department of Natural Resources)
- Iowa has more than 18,000 miles of rivers and creeks. At least 20 of Iowa's rivers are navigable by kayak. (Iowa Department of Natural Resources)
- Iowa ranks in the top 10 in the nation in the number of state parks, recreation and natural areas. (Morgan Quitno)
- Iowa features more nine-hole golf courses per capita than any other state. (U.S. National Golf Foundation)
- Tourism is a $5.8 billion industry in Iowa. (Iowa Tourism Office)
To learn more, please visit http://www.iowacaucus.org.