Thursday, May 1, 2008
Governor Culver Enacts School Curriculum, Energy Legislation Today
Signs two bills during trips to Mason City and Independence
( Des Moines )- Today, Governor Chet Culver signed two separate pieces of legislation during stops in Mason City and Independence .
In Mason City , the Governor signed Senate File 2405 at the Chamber of Commerce in Mason City . SF 2405 has three key components. First, it encourages banks to invest in wind energy by expanding eligibility for the state “Wind Production Tax Credit” to institutions which have a majority equity interest in future projects. Second, the bill expands the tax credit for four more years, until the year 2012. Third, this bill encourages more consumers to use wind energy by allowing individuals and businesses to take advantage of the credit for energy use.
Joined by state Senator Amanda Ragan, Governor Culver said, “I am committed to a constant pursuit of ideas and policies that will strengthen our environment and our economy – and investing in wind power does just that.” He added, “It will now be easier for businesses, small and large, and individuals, to take advantage of the unlimited opportunities related to wind energy in Iowa .”
Later in the day, Governor Culver traveled to Independence where he signed SF 2216 at the Independence Alternative High School , located at Hawkeye Community College . SF 2216, the statewide “core curriculum” bill, establishes core teacher and student competencies in the subjects of math, science and literacy, and emphasizes life skills, such as health literacy, civics, and financial planning.
With state Senator Brian Schoenjahn in attendance, the Governor said, “I want to thank all members of the Legislature, teachers, and school administrators for their support. They share my goal: to teach our kids to love to learn – to love to learn more chemistry, more physics, more algebra, and more trigonometry.” He continued, “I am also committed to ensuring that every student can be successful in the workplace, and in life. Students must learn to think critically, work with others, manage their own affairs, and contribute to their community. Today, we’re standing up for our students, our teachers, and living up to our tradition of excellence in education.”