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My Plan for This
Year’s Session
In my planning, I was motivated by one
overarching goal: “How do we help Iowa families succeed?” Not only do Iowa
families deserve the opportunity to be successful, but as a state, we cannot
afford to let families fail. The cost to us is far too great on so many
levels. My plan to help families succeed is based on Iowa values of hard
work, sacrifice, accountability, equality, and fairness.
Last year, I asked you to complete a
survey to share your priorities and ideas about the issues facing our
communities and the state. (A summary of the results are provided below.)
You made it very clear that your top three issues of importance were;
healthcare, education and renewable energy. Your top issues have provided
the framework for my work plan for this session. Together, I
think we did a pretty good job outlining what needs to get done!
1.
Healthcare:
Work must begin immediately toward the goal of ensuring all Iowans have
access to quality healthcare.
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My plan
is to take the first step this year by assisting small businesses and
non-profits in providing healthcare to their employees. This can be
accomplished by allowing these groups to pool together and purchase better
coverage as a larger group, much like larger employers are able to do.
Meanwhile, I will be a strong proponent of pushing the State of Iowa towards
a universal healthcare solution that provides healthcare to all Iowans. In
fact, during the first three weeks of Health & Human Services Appropriations
Sub-committee meetings, our discussions will focus solely on how we might
implement some form of universal health care in Iowa. You let me know that
health care is the number 1 issue and we will make it our top concern.
2.
Education:
Opportunity begins at childhood with a quality education and strong parental
involvement. Our children must be ready to enter our schools and then be
challenged with a rigorous curriculum that is taught by highly-qualified
teachers. In today’s competitive world, we must also make sure higher
education is affordable and available to our graduates.
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My plan
sets the goal of raising teacher salaries to the national average in five
years. We must insist that teachers be certified
in the subjects they teach and assure that remedial assistance is provided
for all students who need it. We will hold the line on college
tuition rates and restore work-study programs for students working their way
through school.
3.
Renewable Energy:
Iowa should be recognized around the world as the ‘Green State.” We can
strengthen our economy by making Iowa the nation’s leader in alternative and
renewable energy, such as ethanol, bio-diesel and wind.
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My plan
includes developing the nation’s first bio-refinery for the next generation
of ethanol technology. We will make Iowa a national leader in the
manufacturing of equipment and technology for the production of alternative
energy. We need to focus on creating public/private partnerships to
commercialize alternative fuels research and technology.
In addition to these top three
priorities, we also MUST offer some hope for hard-working Iowa
families by raising the minimum wage and improving job training.
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