(Editor’s note: This is the first of two parts covering Gov. Kim Reynold’s ‘Condition of the State’ address.)
DES MOINES – In her third Condition of the State address, Gov. Kim Reynolds reflected on 2019, outlined her priorities for the new year, and reminded state leaders of the progress that has been made in the past decade.
“When this body met in January 2010, our unemployment rate was 6.4%. Our state faced a near billion-dollar deficit. School funding was drastically cut and Iowans were worried about their future,” she said. “Because of the vision and tenacity of Iowans, our unemployment rate has gone from a near-record high to a record low. Instead of cutting school budgets, we’re cutting taxes. Our cash reserves are full, wages are going up, and Iowans once again believe we’re headed in the right direction.”
Because she believes Iowa has a great story to share, she announced the launch of the “This is Iowa” campaign.
“The goal is to show the country what we have to offer. To show that Iowa is the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” she said.
Reynolds requested the support of the General Assembly to support the “Invest in Iowa Act,” in an effort to “seize opportunities that exist” for future generations of Iowans.
Reynolds said the Invest in Iowa Act will significantly cut income taxes, create a sustainable funding source for mental health system, reduce the burden of property taxpayers, and fund the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust.
“These changes will make our vision a reality. It’s an investment in our future. And it’s an investment in those who are our future,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds said state legislators 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,” she said.
Reynolds said she plans to commit $52 million for other conservation and outdoor recreation efforts, representing an increase of 14.6% of current funding.
“These investments will not only aid our conservation efforts, they will improve our quality of life and help us retain and recruit a new generation of Iowans,” she said.
Mental health
Reynolds said mental health has become one of the state’s biggest challenges.
“Two years ago, we reformed our adult mental health system, and last year we created Iowa’s first children’s mental health system—important steps to putting Iowans on a path to wellness,” she said. “We must now provide predictable funding. To date, property taxpayers have supplied most of that support, through their county to the local mental-health regions.”
Through the Invest in Iowa Act, Reynolds proposed reducing property tax levies and provide the needed funding through the State general fund.
Renewable fuels
Reynolds called for an additional $2 million for the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program, as well as modernizing and expanding the E-15 Plus Promotion Tax Credit to support the sale of E-15 year round and drive domestic demand for “homegrown” renewable fuels.
Technology
Reynolds announced the launch of a tele-mentoring system where OBs at the best institutions can consult with physicians across the State.
“With this program, a doctor in Corydon can talk with a specialist in Iowa City about treatment for a mother with a high-risk pregnancy,” she said. “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 under-served Iowans.”
Reynolds said she’s also directed the Department of Human Services to remove barriers that are restricting schools from partnering with telehealth providers, especially for behavioral health.
“What used to be a 70-mile drive in the middle of the school day can now be a walk down the hall,” she said.
Broadband
Reynolds said technological advances are not possible without high-speed broadband.
“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,” she said.
Reynolds said broadband is not a luxury.
“It’s critical infrastructure. From the farmer checking crop conditions to the Main Street business participating in the 24/7 marketplace, connectivity should be the expectation no matter where you live.”Reynolds requested that legislators appropriate an additional $15 million and adjust the state match so it can continue to leverage private and federal funding to build out broadband to every part of Iowa.”