Saturday, April 26, 2008
Statement From Governor Culver On The 2008 Legislative Session
DES MOINES – Below is a statement from Governor Chet Culver on the completion of the 2008 legislative session:
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR CULVER ON THE COMPLETION OF THE 2008 LEGISLATIVE SESSION:
As the legislature adjourns and the members return home to their districts, the people of Iowa should be proud of the condition of the state and what we have accomplished. Here in Iowa , we have worked hard to create the best quality of life in the nation, and the results speak for themselves.
Iowa ’s economy continues to buck the national trend. Since taking office, we have worked to create more than 10,000 jobs throughout Iowa , including more than 2,000 green-collar jobs.
Over the past 15 months we have expanded access to health care for thousands of adults and more than 17,000 Iowa kids.
In addition, with the creation of the Iowa Office of Energy Independence and the Iowa Power Fund, we are beginning to see innovative proposals to research and develop the next generation of renewable energy submitted to the Power Fund board. Investing in these projects is important for our nation’s energy security and will maintain Iowa ’s leadership in today’s bioeconomy.
Our state is on the right track, and the legislature deserves credit for all they were able to accomplish this session.
In January, I had three key priorities for the legislative session.
First, I made it clear we must continue to live within our means and pass a common sense, balanced budget which maintains more money in our cash reserves than at any time in our state’s history.
Second, I said we must protect our priorities from last year’s legislative session and recommit ourselves to investing quality preschool, paying Iowa teachers what they deserve, making college more affordable, expanding access to health care and investing in the renewable energy.
Third, I urged the legislature to work in a bipartisan way to pass specific policy initiatives to meet some unmet needs. Important initiatives such as Senior Year Plus and the creation of the new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math center at UNI will improve education and, at the same time, strengthen our workforce. Legislation aimed at promoting wellness in our schools and expanding access to health care will lower health care costs and make Iowa a healthier state. Investing in our infrastructure, whether it is bridges and roads or our state prisons, is a critically important step we must take to keep the public safe.
I’m proud to say these and several other steps were taken on behalf of the people of Iowa with my support and the support of Democrats and Republicans in the legislature. In addition, in a tight budget year we were able to offer tax relief to more than one million Iowans across the state.
I'd like to thank the Legislature for their leadership, dedication and willingness to put partisanship aside to get this important work done for the people of Iowa.