Senate Journal: Page 174: Thursday, January 28, 1999

  we will create forgivable loan programs; we will offer incentives to promote
  skills
  enhancement; we will coordinate governmental efforts for skills enhancement;
  and we
  intend to increase worker safety by providing more resources for workplace
  inspections.

  We will actively and forcefully work to attract and retain the quality of
  workers
  necessary for our mutual future.  We must send a strong and unmistakable
  message to
  the children of this state, some of whom are here today - and let us start
  with those
  here today.  We need you!  We need your creativity, your energy and your
  intellect.
  But we must do our job if we are asking them to do their job. We must create
  and
  enhance the quality of life in this state so that it is second to none. That
  is why we are
  suggesting the creation of REACH initiative, which would provide additional
  resources
  for recreation, environment, culture and heritage - to send a strong and
  powerful
  message that something's going on in this state, and that we are responding
  to the
  needs and concerns of our young people.

  Our goal is to develop our workforce, strengthen our economic growth, and
  keep our
  young people in our state.  Let it be said that here in Iowa, we put our
  money where
  our tomorrow is.

  And finally, we propose to be known as the first in the nation as we lead
  the way to
  the future.  We will do this in two ways - through government efficiency,
  and by the
  foresight and power of a strategic plan for the next century.

  We will make good on our promise of providing property tax relief by
  virtually
  eliminating property tax funding of mental health.  Let us begin that
  process now.

  We will build a more efficient administration, reduce our dependency on
  gaming
  revenues in the general fund and institute efficiency measures like offering
  early
  retirement programs and spending reforms. We're listening to the people, and
  we're
  acting on what we hear.

  We face a strong set of challenges and unbridled opportunities.  We will not
  be
  daunted.

  Let me read from one of my very first Executive Orders which will be issued
  in the
  near future:  "Now, therefore, I, Thomas J. Vilsack, Governor of Iowa, do
  hereby order
  and proclaim that there shall be an organized commitment to develop a
  strategic plan
  outlining our goal to maximize the development of human and natural
  resources
  within the state, and this commitment shall be called THE GOVERNOR'S
  STRATEGIC PLANNING COUNCIL."

  Together, in a bi-partisan effort that includes full participation of
  private citizens,
  all levels of governmental employees, all communities, with specific
  emphasis on
  people with disabilities - we will identify the way Iowans want their state
  to be in the
  year 2020.  And from that we will develop policies, programs, and procedures
  to carry
  out their vision.

  We are excited by the challenge of tomorrow, and we are ready to meet it
  face-to-
  face.

© 1999 Cornell College and League of Women Voters of Iowa

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