House Journal: Page 8: Monday, January 13, 1997

dropout rates and one of the highest graduation rates. We have
more roads per capita and we rank second or third in the number
of bike trails. Our crime rate is one of the lowest in the
nation and our air and water are clean.
The recent report that rates states on several quality of life
issues has a livability rating. We're number one. Iowa is the
most livable state in the entire union. On top of that, our
economy is strong, unemployment has been under the national
average for four years and we have a record number of Iowans
working. Our state finances have been rated as one of the best
in America. Many economists are calling this the nirvana
economy. But let's be realistic. It is easy to grow during a
good economy. The challenges are to make the correct budget
decisions during the good times and to maintain growth during
slow or down times. We have met the first challenge. We must be
prepared for the second.
I am proud of Iowa's many favorable ratings and rankings. But
there is one ranking that I am not proud of. In fact, I am
ashamed of it. That ranking is our position among the highest
tax states in America.
This is what I see as our biggest challenge this year. Just as
previous legislators made investments and decisions to help us
move to the top in education and the environment, we have to
make an investment into our economy and for our children.
The recent census bureau report showed that other states around
us over the years will be growing at twice our rate. I've been
giving a lot of thought to that report and it is extremely
puzzling. Remember, we are rated as the most livable state, we
have a very low crime rate, better schools, the same climate as
the states around us and yet they are growing faster.
I have concluded as many of you have, that we have to reduce our
high taxes. Our economy depends on it, and if we are going to
reverse what I see as a dangerous growth trend, it is the only
way. I hope as we work to lower taxes we do it with the goal of
what's best for Iowa.
There is a growing trend in politics that both political parties
have used that divides people, promotes hatred and anger, and
plays on people's emotions. This trend is extremely bothersome
to me. As elected leaders of this state, I hope that we would
not resort to this type of tactic. It does not serve a purpose
and it is destructive.
Let me be specific. When the floods hit Iowa back in 1993, I
didn't see volunteers bagging sand in different lines. One line
for those making $20,000 and one for those making $40,000. They
were standing together, shoulder to shoulder, regardless of
income level.
This state was built by people working side by side for the good
of Iowa, it wasn't built by pitting one Iowan against another.
This year we have the opportunity to make an investment into and
for the people of our state. An investment for better paying
jobs and for our children. Let's do it with the same spirit upon
which Iowa was built. The same spirit that allowed us to
celebrate 150 years of statehood.
As critical as tax cuts are, it is not the only issue this
General Assembly needs to address. I am a conservative and I
believe in lower taxes. But I know that the drive-by shootings
in Des Moines, the methamphetamine bust in Pella, the dead baby
found in a barn in Cedar County, the teenager that just had a
baby in Sioux City _ these incidents are not taking place
because our income tax rate is 9.98. They are social problems.
And because they are social problems they are surrounded with
controversy. 

Iowa General Assembly

Index: House Journal (77th General Assembly: Session 1)

© 1997 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

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