Associate Editor, jhoog@ncppub.com
Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds included Lyon County last week in their statewide “Jobs for Iowa” tour. They discussed the progress made in the last legislative session and plans they have to “continue moving Iowa forward toward economic prosperity,” according to their press release.
Among the highlights of this year’s legislative session was the passage of a biennial budget. “That provides predictability and stability,” stated Reynolds. “We also balanced the budget without raising taxes.”
At the top of Branstad’s list to aid economic growth is reducing commercial property taxes to a much more competitive rate.
“I would also like to eliminate taxes for startup businesses for the first few years until they’re up and running,” he said. “We need to make Iowa more attractive for businesses.”
Dr. Cody Hoefert, a member of the Rock Rapids City Council, noted the strain tax cuts would have on city governments.
Branstad proposes “back filling” cities’ lost revenue with $50 million the first year, going up to $250 million in five years. He also believes that future increases in land values and job growth will make up for the loss.
Acknowledging the majority of his audience (government students from George-Little Rock and Central Lyon high schools), the governor noted that “Iowa has great opportunities in the biosciences, health and medical fields.” He encouraged them to focus on science and math to “get those critical jobs in the future.”
Brenda Sandbulte, government teacher at George-Little Rock the past 15 years, wondered, with government’s negative reputation, how she could encourage students to be part of public service.
“You need thick skin,” Branstad jokingly responded. On the serious side, he noted that public servants can make a difference in people’s lives. “You can help people and solve problems,” he said.
Reynolds added that serving the public is “very rewarding. It’s an opportunity to give back to your community.”
She encouraged the high schoolers to get involved at the local level in school and church.
“I’m glad I live here and I love what I’m doing,” said Branstad.