House Journal: Page 28: Tuesday, January 13, 1998

I am more pumped up about the future of our state than ever
before.  Now, don't worry all you gubernatorial candidates - I'm
not announcing for re-election here.  But I don't plan to go
gently into that good night either.
I will spend every waking moment of my final year as Governor
pushing and pulling, speaking out and working behind the scenes,
all to make this great state the best it can be.
We've come a long way.  We've weathered a farm crisis as searing
as the Great Depression.  We've seen hardships as well as
bounty; economic uncertainty as well as prosperity; natural
disaster as well as nature's benevolence.  The heart and soul of
our state has been tried and tested, reinvigorated and renewed,
seasoned and strengthened.
Iowa's story is best described by something once said by a
prominent American businessman:  "Good timber does not grow with
ease. The stronger the wind the stronger the trees."
Today, we stand together stronger and taller than ever before. 
I am proud to report, the condition of our state is as good as
we've ever had it.  Consider just a few facts:
	In 1997, unemployment fell to the lowest level in history and
the number of working Iowans rose to the highest level in
history.
	In 1997, the number of jobs created by new businesses rose
almost 19 percent.
	In 1997, we had one-third fewer Iowans on welfare than four
years ago.
	In 1997, Iowa land values increased for the eleventh
consecutive year.
	In 1997, we created one of the best student-to-computer ratios
in the nation and within a year, every Iowa school district will
be hooked up to the Information Superhighway.
	In 1997, we ended the year with a state budget surplus of over
$800 million - the state's best fiscal position ever.
This record of achievement didn't happen by magic.  It took a
lot of hard work by Iowans all over this fertile prairie all
pitching in to build a better Iowa.  
And the people in this chamber, yes, you the members of the 77th
General Assembly did your part too.
A year ago, I stood in this very place and challenged you to
take bold steps to make our state more competitive.  You
answered that call.  And today, every Iowa taxpayer is paying 10
percent less in state income taxes.  The elimination of the
inheritance tax for family members will help Iowa families pass
on their piece of the Iowa Dream to loved ones.
On behalf of all Iowans, I would like to thank you for taking
those actions.  
But our job's not complete.  
As we stand on the cusp of a new century, we face unique
challenges brought on by our own successes.
-  We need more and better trained workers for a growing economy.

Iowa General Assembly

Index: House Journal (77th General Assembly: Session 2)

© 1998 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

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Last update: Wed Jan 14 13:50:04 CST 1998
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