Terry Branstad in 2011 gubernatorial press release
On Education:
One Unshakable Vision: World-Class Schools for Iowa
Young people today must meet higher expectations than ever to succeed in this global economy. For the future of our children and our state, we must transform our good schools into world-class schools. "One Unshakable Vision: World-Class Schools for
Iowa," represents a long-term, reform-minded policy direction that builds from Iowa's strengths and adopts whole system improvements with lessons learned from the highest-performing systems in the world.
Source: 2011 Iowa Gubernatorial press release
Oct 3, 2011
On Technology:
Partnership between state and Google is good for jobs
Iowa Get Your Business Online, will drive economic growth by providing Iowa businesses the tools and resources to get online, grow and expand by providing a free and easy-to-build professional website, a free customized domain name and hosting for one
year, a local business listing on Google Places, free tools, resources, and trainings.While 97% of people research local products and services online, 59% of small businesses in Iowa do not have a website.
Source: 2011 Iowa Gubernatorial press release
Aug 30, 2011
On Health Care:
Lifestyle changes make people healthier & save state money
The Healthiest State Initiative will assist Iowans with healthier lives. We control more than 70% of the factors that influence our health. Addressing comprehensive lifestyle changes could allow the State to redirect as much as $16 billion over
the next five years to grow the state economy [versus being consumed by health care ($11 billion) and lost productivity ($5 billion)]. The success of this initiative is critical to the economic viability of the State.
Source: 2011 Iowa Gubernatorial press release
Aug 10, 2011
On Corporations:
High commercial property taxes mean higher prices
The inability of Senate Democrats to address commercial property taxes means Iowa will continue to have the 2nd highest commercial property taxes in the nation. It will mean residential taxpayers in this state will see historic increases in their
property taxes over the next five years as record prices for commodities will trigger a roll up in residential property taxes. I will not let this issue be pushed aside and will take steps to bring it to the Legislature's attention in the future.
Source: 2011 Iowa Gubernatorial press release
Jun 30, 2011
On Tax Reform:
Reduce commercial & residential property tax
My primary focus remains on creating the jobs Iowa needs in order to poise the state for future growth, and property tax reform must be enacted this year.For Iowa's employers, this is important as there should not be a choice between hiring another
employee and paying the tax bill.
Failure to act on commercial property taxes, and failure to cap residential property taxes, will amount to a $1.3 billion tax increase during a time of economic uncertainty.
Source: 2011 Iowa Gubernatorial press release
Jun 12, 2011
On Energy & Oil:
Supports wind energy by signing HF 672
[On signing HF 672]: It is the intent of the general assembly to encourage the development of renewable electric power generation.
It is also the intent of the general assembly to encourage the use of renewable power to meet local electric needs and the development of transmission capacity to export wind power generated in Iowa.
Source: 2011 Iowa Gubernatorial press release
May 26, 2011
On Free Trade:
Letter to Obama: Pass trade agreements
With an increasingly competitive global economy, it is important for President Obama and Congress to enact the pending trade agreements. These agreements deserve bipartisan support, because trade is one of the best ways to grow our economy through
high-paying jobs for American workers and increased opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, and business owners. In the beef, pork and poultry industries alone, an estimated 5,000 new Iowa jobs would be created by these trade agreements.
Source: 2011 Iowa Gubernatorial press release
May 23, 2011
On Homeland Security:
Exempt active-duty military from paying state income tax
Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed the following legislation into law: House File 652: An act providing an exemption from the computation of the individual state income tax of all pay received for active duty military service and service in
Operation New Dawn and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.
Source: 2011 Iowa Gubernatorial press release
May 11, 2011
On War & Peace:
Remain vigilant in support of 3,000 National Guard overseas
I am proud of our president, and our troops, who never lost their resolve in finding Osama bin Laden and bringing him to justice. While the world is no longer nervously looking over its shoulder for this ruthless murderer, Iowans must remain vigilant
in our support of the nearly 3,000 Iowa National Guard members deployed overseas. Our thoughts, prayers and support are with our brave men and women who remain in harm's way.
Source: 2011 Iowa Gubernatorial press release
May 2, 2011
On Health Care:
Mental Health Care Reform: secure vulnerable Iowans
Vision for mental health reform: - No statewide system of care
- County investment in services is not consistent or equitable
- Disparity in access, service levels of care, & quality
- Essential crisis services exist in only a few counties
-
Reliance on property tax
- Goals:
- Establish a statewide system of care that both secures outcomes for vulnerable Iowans and is accountable to the public
- Reasonable balance between access, affordability, quality, and appropriateness.
Source: 2011 Iowa Gubernatorial press release
Apr 11, 2011
On Local Issues:
Saving costs is a priority: rescind RICE rule
Signed Executive Order number 72, rescinding the Iowa "RICE" rule. The RICE rule forced back-up diesel generators to be retrofitted with very expensive new parts, even though the engines are rarely used.On a 'Rules and Regulations' tour we learned
of many regulations burden Iowa business. This administration is serious about removing burdensome regulations. 67 Iowa utilities would have added costs because of this rule, which would likely result in higher prices for the Iowa consumer.
Source: 2011 Iowa Gubernatorial press release
Apr 4, 2011
On Foreign Policy:
Partnership with Kosovo will benefit National Guard
I am delighted to announce the establishment of a State Partnership Program with the Republic of Kosovo. The SPP will benefit both our Iowa National Guard and the Kosovo Security Force by creating bilateral reciprocal relationships.
The state partner opens doors for its partner country to U.S. capabilities, assisting in the development of democratic institutions and open market economies, as well as generating interagency coordination, cooperation and enduring relationships.
Source: 2011 Iowa Gubernatorial press release
Mar 17, 2011
On Government Reform:
Sunset of rules and regulations every four years
Jobs for Iowa:- Cut Iowa corporate income tax rates in half.
- Bring commercial property taxes to 60% of value, down from the current rate of 100%.
- Remake the Department of Economic Development into a 21st Century public-private partnership
that works with businesses to create jobs.
- A sunset of rules and regulations every four years to determine their effectiveness, and have a jobs-impact statements.
- Tour the country and world in search of new jobs for the state of Iowa.
Source: 2011 Iowa Gubernatorial press release
Feb 16, 2011
Page last updated: Feb 13, 2019