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Tom Vilsack on Jobs

Democratic IA Governor


Launched plant construction projects to create jobs

In Iowa, we launched the largest power plant construction projects in state history creating thousands of good paying construction jobs. We promoted entrepreneurship with direct, focused help for men and women who have a dream. And we developed a comprehensive, seven-year plan to create 50,000 new jobs. Bush must apply the same focused approach to uplifting the national economy instead of chaining our children’s dreams to a rudderless and unfair economic agenda.
Source: Press Release Feb 24, 2004

University R&D will find new uses for crops

Research and development on our university campuses will expand the uses of our crops from food and fiber to cures for cystic fibrosis and other illness, to renewable, cleaner burning fuels, and to biodegradable materials suitable for manufacturing a wide variety of products. Imagine a world where rosemary is used for more than adding flavor to food. Imagine a day when it will produce an anti-oxidant that wards off illness or disease. Imagine a world where pharmaceutical drugs are no longer needed to treat illness and disease because gene therapy has prevented the illness or disease in the first place. Imagine a world where the effects of weather on crops can be managed by applying a substance to plants already planted, that will enable the plants to adjust to unexpected weather patterns. Iowans do not have to imagine: [we are doing this at] the Plant Science Center at Iowa State University or the Biomedical Centers at the University of Iowa.
Source: Condition of the State speech to the Legislature Jan 9, 2001

Full review of farm policy; more state flexibility.

Vilsack adopted a letter to House Agriculture Committee from 4 Governors:

The National Governors Association supports a comprehensive review of agricultural policy to ensure that farm programs incorporate the most efficient means to promote a healthy and prosperous economy for America’s farmers and ranchers.

We appreciate the opportunity to provide our views, and look forward to working with Congress to develop and implement a farm policy that truly reflects our nation’s needs.
Source: National Governor's Association letter to Congress 01-NGA20 on May 25, 2001

State instead of federal rules for animal operations.

Vilsack signed the Midwestern Governors' Conference resolution:

Source: Resolution of Midwestern Governors' Conf. on AFOs 99-MGC3 on Nov 22, 1999

Immediate federal assistance for farm crisis.

Vilsack signed the Midwestern Governors' Conference letter:

Dear President Clinton:

On behalf of the farmers and ranchers of the states comprising the Midwestern Governors’ Conference, we ask for your assistance in addressing the current farm crisis. While the majority of the US economy is prospering, the agricultural sector is at a critical stage and needs your immediate attention. Our farmers and ranchers are paying operating expenses that have continued to rise, while they are receiving prices for commodities and livestock that have dropped, in some instances, to 50-year lows. To further compound the problem, drought conditions in some areas and flooding in others have devastated crops.

We are aware that many national farm organizations are putting forth various plans to provide both short-and long-term relief to our nation’s agricultural producers. While we believe long-term solutions are essential, the current situation demands a more immediate response. We, therefore, urge you to act quickly to provide federal financial assistance to farmers and ranchers including dedicated direct aid to those producers impacted by drought or other natural disasters. Immediate direct payments could allow some farmers and ranchers to continue in business this year.

In addition, changes to the current crop insurance program that will increase participation and expand coverage are needed in the short-term. The development of new risk management products is also necessary. Furthermore, export market development and regulatory relief are needed in 1999 to prevent further disruptions in our ability to produce an abundant, wholesome supply of food while competing in a global agricultural economy. Immediate action is needed to make it possible for US farmers and ranchers to compete fairly and to continue to feed people throughout the world.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to working with you on these important issues.

Source: Letter from Midwestern Governors' Conf. to Pres. Clinton 99-MGC5 on Sep 14, 1999

Other governors on Jobs: Tom Vilsack on other issues:
IA Gubernatorial:
Terry Branstad
IA Senatorial:
Chuck Grassley
Tom Harkin

Newly seated 2010:
NJ Chris Christie
VA Bob McDonnell

Term-limited as of Jan. 2011:
AL Bob Riley
CA Arnold Schwarzenegger
GA Sonny Perdue
HI Linda Lingle
ME John Baldacci
MI Jennifer Granholm
NM Bill Richardson
OK Brad Henry
OR Ted Kulongoski
PA Ed Rendell
RI Donald Carcieri
SC Mark Sanford
SD Mike Rounds
TN Phil Bredesen
WY Dave Freudenthal
Newly Elected Nov. 2010:
AL: Robert Bentley (R)
CA: Jerry Brown (D)
CO: John Hickenlooper (D)
CT: Dan Malloy (R)
FL: Rick Scott (R)
GA: Nathan Deal (R)
HI: Neil Abercrombie (D)
IA: Terry Branstad (R)
KS: Sam Brownback (R)
ME: Paul LePage (R)
MI: Rick Snyder (R)
MN: Mark Dayton (D)
ND: Jack Dalrymple (R)
NM: Susana Martinez (R)
NV: Brian Sandoval (R)
NY: Andrew Cuomo (D)
OH: John Kasich (R)
OK: Mary Fallin (R)
PA: Tom Corbett (R)
RI: Lincoln Chafee (I)
SC: Nikki Haley (R)
SD: Dennis Daugaard (R)
TN: Bill Haslam (R)
VT: Peter Shumlin (D)
WI: Scott Walker (R)
WY: Matt Mead (R)
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Health Care
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Page last updated: Aug 15, 2011