Kim Reynolds in 2020 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Abortion: State constitution does not grant right to abortion

As we begin 2020, I'm focused on the overall wellness of all Iowans, in every part of the State, in all stages of life. And when I say all stages of life, I mean to include the unborn. We must protect life by making clear, through an amendment, that our constitution does not grant a right to abortion. It's time, and unfortunately it's necessary. Source: 2020 Iowa State of the State address Jan 14, 2020

On Crime: Priority to focus on prisoner re-entry, rehabilitation

I've made it a priority of this administration to focus on prisoner re-entry and rehabilitation, because our prisons shouldn't be one stop in a circle that leads back to prison. Last year, I signed legislation that protects employers who are willing to give returning citizens a second chance. I am renewing my support to amend our Constitution so that it no longer bars felons from voting after they've served their sentence. Source: 2020 Iowa State of the State address Jan 14, 2020

On Education: We need 100% of schools to teach computer science

Currently, almost two-thirds of school districts teach computer science in middle and high school. And about half teach it in elementary school. We need that to be 100 percent--which is why I'm calling on the Legislature to take computer science statewide and ensure every student, at every level, has access to this new basic skill. Source: 2020 Iowa State of the State address Jan 14, 2020

On Energy & Oil: New $2 million for Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program

I'm calling for an additional $2 million for the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program, as well as modernizing and expanding the E-15 Plus Promotion Tax Credit. This will support the sale of E-15 year round and drive domestic demand for our homegrown renewable fuels. Source: 2020 Iowa State of the State address Jan 14, 2020

On Environment: Increase funding for water quality and conservation

Iowans voted to establish the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust. We need to increase the amount of money that will be allocated for water quality and conservation. Under my bill, almost 58% of the Trust Fund, an estimated $100 million, will go toward water-quality efforts every year, representing an almost 31% increase in current funding. We will also commit $52 million for other conservation and outdoor recreation efforts, representing an increase of 14.6% of current funding. Source: 2020 Iowa State of the State address Jan 14, 2020

On Families & Children: Expand Early Childhood tax credits

Childcare is the next workforce issue we need to tackle. Let's make childcare more affordable by expanding Early Childhood tax credits. Currently, they are available to families making $45,000 or less; I'm recommending that be doubled to $90,000. We must begin to address the child-care cliff so we are not punishing parents as they continue on a path to self-sufficiency. To do this, we should implement a tiered co-pay system that doesn't punish those who work hard enough to earn a raise. Source: 2020 Iowa State of the State address Jan 14, 2020

On Health Care: Shift mental health funding from property tax to state

Mental health is becoming one of the biggest challenges of our time. We must provide predictable funding. To date, property taxpayers have supplied most of that support, through their county to the local mental-health regions. I'm proposing, through the Invest in Iowa Act, that we reduce property tax levies and provide the needed funding through the State general fund. Source: 2020 Iowa State of the State address Jan 14, 2020

On Health Care: Telehealth is a reality and will help underserved Iowans

We're launching a tele-mentoring system where OBs at our best institutions can consult with physicians across the State. Using technology to bring cutting edge health care into every community is no longer a dream. Telehealth is reality today but we've only just begun to scratch the surface. This year, my budget includes additional funding to expand the use of these services to underserved Iowans. Source: 2020 Iowa State of the State address Jan 14, 2020

On Local Issues: Reform state professional licensing process

One quarter of Iowa's workforce requires some kind of professional license. We need to adopt universal licensing recognition. Those who go through a rigorous application process in another state, and meet certain conditions in our state, should be able to have that license recognized here. Second, we should waive license fees for low-income individuals. These reforms are long overdue, and this is the year we will begin to fix a broken system. Source: 2020 Iowa State of the State address Jan 14, 2020

On Tax Reform: Reduce top state income tax rate to 5.5% by 2023

I have no interest in raising taxes, so any increase in revenue from a sales tax must be more than offset by additional tax cuts. I'm proposing to cut income taxes by an additional 10% for almost every Iowan, with lower-income Iowans receiving as much as a 25% cut next year. Just one year ago, our top tax bracket was at almost 9%, one of the worst in the country. Our top rate will be down to 5.5% by 2023--significant progress that will make Iowa competitive with our peers. Source: 2020 Iowa State of the State address Jan 14, 2020

On Technology: Broadband is not a luxury; it's critical infrastructure

After unanimous support from this legislature, last year the Empower Rural Iowa Act provided $5 million that is now helping to fund 17 broadband projects in rural Iowa. Broadband is not a luxury; it's critical infrastructure. I'm requesting that we appropriate an additional $15 million and adjust our state match so we can continue to leverage private and federal funding to build out broadband to every part of Iowa, making us the most connected state in the nation. Source: 2020 Iowa State of the State address Jan 14, 2020

The above quotations are from 2020 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts from 2020 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts by Kim Reynolds. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Dec 01, 2021