Senate Journal: Page 30: Tuesday, January 9, 1996

    Sesquicentennial Commission and the many former elected state officials
    who have joined us for this special occasion. I ask that this group
    stand and be recognized.

         We should reflect. Reflect on this special place between two great
    rivers that we call Iowa. Its a place where hard work, common sense,
    family, and faith in God still count for something. I believe as sure as
    I am standing before you today that this is a blessed place; that this
    state has not happened by chance, but by the grace of God. We are so
    fortunate to be Iowans.

         It is entirely proper that our celebrations, our thanksgivings, and
    our reflections turn to the past as we mark this important milestone in
    our states history.

         Hugh Sidey, the Greenfield, Iowa native who is a contributing
    editor of Time magazine, put it best when he wrote that our state has a
    subtle magic which was God-given at first, but has been protected and
    enlarged by Iowas generations and now yields a culture that has
    remarkable virtues.

         Ours is a state of good people, closely tied to the rhythms of
    nature with a stability and resilience that was, and still is uncommon.
    Where else can a young boy be taught by his father that life is not a
    sprint, its a marathon and take that lesson and teach it to his
    children? Only here in Iowa. It is here that the character of a people,
    though weathered by 150 years of flood and drought, depression and war,
    has emerged stronger and tougher than ever before.

         Just look at a few of our accomplishments over the past year. Our
    economy is thriving; our fiscal condition is sound; our communities are
    growing; and our families are stronger.

         Today:

         More Iowans are working than ever before and our unemployment rate
    remains at half the national average.

         Exports and land values continue to rise. For the first half of
    1995, we saw exports jump 29% and land values is increased by over 7%
    last year.

         Our state budget is in the best condition in a generation with cash
    reserves full and a surplus of $435 million.

         Iowa school children continue to receive a truly first class
    education with more students taking courses in foreign languages, higher
    levels of math and science, and advanced placement.

         We are one of the best places in the country to raise a family.
    Kids Count ranks us second in the quality of life for children.

         Our focus on jobs and quality education has paid off. Today, Iowa
    is truly a vibrant, growing state, even though just a few years ago the
    experts said we were destined for decline. Well, they couldnt measure
    with their census tracts the character and resilience of Iowans.

         But as we celebrate and give thanks for our successes let us
    remember that this is not a sprint, but a marathon. And the finish line
    has yet to be crossed.

Iowa General Assembly

Index: Senate Journal (76th General Assembly: Session 2)

© 1996 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

Comments? sjourn@legis.iowa.gov.

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