Senate Journal: Page 46: Tuesday, January 13, 1998

  I am also asking you to pass a strong Crime Victims' Bill of Rights.  And,
  we need
  the possibility of the death penalty for multiple killings and the
  cold-blooded murder of
  rape and kidnap victims.

  We should also take action to ban the heinous procedure of partial birth
  abortion.

  Whether it be the victims of crime or our next-door neighbors, Iowans have
  always
  been willing to lend a helping hand.  I remember President Reagan saying
  that "the
  success story of America is neighbor helping neighbor."

  Community service and volunteerism are important chapters in Iowa's success
  story.   Over the past couple of years, I have spent considerable time
  volunteering with
  Iowans.  From painting a school in Waterloo to serving meals to seniors in
  Bedford, I've
  seen volunteers truly making a difference in the lives of others.

  As we build Iowa's foundation for the future, we can never forget the
  importance of
  volunteerism.  I am proclaiming 1998 as the Year of the Volunteer in Iowa.

  In June of this year, we will be having a state summit on volunteerism - in
  the
  spirit of the Presidents' Summit for America's Future held in Philadelphia.
  The Iowa
  Summit will bring together teams from all 99 counties to set forth a bold
  agenda of
  helping others.  Seated in the gallery today are many of the members of the
  steering
  committee - from throughout the state - who are helping to put the Iowa
  Summit
  together and I would like to recognize them at this time.

  Today, I invite you to join me in recommitting ourselves and our state to
  caring for
  those in need.

  Making schools better, adding value to agricultural commodities, making our
  state
  more competitive, protecting the safety of our citizens.  This is our common
  sense
  agenda for 1998.

  Our state is in good shape.  It is tempting to sit back, pat our stomach,
  and rock
  away these good times.  But that would only guarantee that they will never
  last.

  My love for this state is founded not on what Iowa has been, but what it can
  be.

  Iowa can be a state that is growing good, quality jobs everywhere.  Iowa can
  be a
  state with the best schools and smartest kids in the world.  Iowa can be a
  place to raise
  and nurture a family for people from every race, religion and country.

  Yes, I am convinced that those challenges which face us - which some see as
  storm
  clouds on our horizon - are truly directed by God to bring us the refreshing
  rains of
  spring - if we prepare the ground.

  The program I have outlined for you does just that.

  When the gavel has fallen and our work here is done - when the last echoes
  of
  speeches have faded - let us be able to say that we truly seized the day.
  We ushered in
  a new century of growth and opportunity for Iowa.

  That will be our lasting legacy.  Thank you and God bless the state of Iowa.

Iowa General Assembly

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

© 1998 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

Comments about this site or page? sjourn@legis.iowa.gov. Please remember that the person listed above does not vote on bills. Direct all comments concerning legislation to State Legislators.

Last update: Wed Jan 14 13:50:15 CST 1998
URL: /DOCS/GA/77GA/Session.2/SJournal/00000/00046.html
jhf