Branstad: Offering a better Iowa for older Iowans

(DES MOINES) – Former Gov. Terry Branstad today unveiled policy proposals he says will make a better Iowa for older Iowans.

The proposal can be found here: http://governorbranstad2010.com/assets/older-iowans.pdf

“One of my goals as governor will be to provide older Iowans with the resources and support they deserve and need to lead productive, vital and dignified lives and to continue to choose Iowa as their home,” Branstad said during an afternoon news conference at Wesley Acres assisted living center in Des Moines.

Branstad noted that in 2011, the first of the 78,000,000 Baby Boomers will reach age 65.  For Iowa, the demographics of aging are even more vivid:  already second in the nation for those 85 years and older, by 2030 nearly one in four Iowans will be aged 65 and older – a 47% increase over the numbers of 2010 – and an estimated 105,000 of Iowa’s residents will be 85 and older. 

Branstad says Iowa’s aging population provides unique opportunities along with its challenges.

“Iowa’s elders possess a wealth of wisdom, experience, education, skills, and perspective that is an invaluable source of leadership in the labor and volunteer force of Iowa,” said Branstad. “At the same time, Iowa has an obligation to provide safe and affordable housing and services for its older Iowans as we face the need for an additional 10,000 direct care workers by 2016.”   

Branstad stated that the ability of older Iowans to remain in their homes or hometowns—whether an urban center or a village—is dependent on the availability of community-based resources and, as importantly, their awareness of those services. 

Branstad has three main proposals:

1. Acknowledge and celebrate older Iowans as a treasured asset of our state:

• Promoting public policies and programs that reflect the value of Iowa’s older citizens and the vital role they play in our communities.
• Recognizing the compassion and vitality of older Iowans by encouraging their participation in mentoring and volunteer programs, such as RSVP.
• Promoting community-based programs to encourage local engagement and employment and to give older Iowans the option to remain in their homes and hometowns.

1. Advocate for public policies and the use of public resources that protect older Iowans and empower them to maintain independence and quality of life:  

• Conducting a comprehensive evaluation of Iowa’s existing programs and policies intended to address the needs of older Iowans for housing and health services. 
• Reinstating the Governor’s Conference on Aging to honor older Iowans and to educate the public on the invaluable asset they are to the state as well as provide training for those who serve the needs of older Iowans.
• Protecting the independence of the Office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman and maintaining the offices of the Resident Advocate Committees.
• Providing public policy support of the Area Agencies on Aging throughout Iowa.
• Re-establishing the Department of Aging as a resource to protect our older Iowans while enhancing their quality of life in Iowa and supporting the agencies who serve them.

1. Give older Iowans the information and resources they need to make informed decisions:

• Working with the Area Agencies on Aging and others to increase awareness of existing programs available to serve older Iowans.
• Supporting the efforts of local communities to educate and inform their residents by making available affordable and user-friendly resources for publicizing services for the aging.

For more information on the Branstad/Reynolds campaign please visit www.GovernorBranstad2010.com.

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Branstad announces “A Better Iowa for Veterans” policy rollout, holds tour stops

(URBANDALE) –  This week former Gov. Branstad announces “A Better Iowa for Veterans” policy . The following events for Branstad and Lt. Gov. candidate Kim Reynolds are open to the public and press:

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

4 p.m. Former Gov. Branstad holds “A Better Iowa for Veterans” policy rollout and news conference

All Veterans Memorial Park

950 Rockford Rd. S.W.

Cedar Rapids, IA

5:30 p.m. Lt. Gov. candidate Kim Reynolds attends Crawford County Turnover Tuesdays

Cronk’s Restaurant

812 4^th Ave. S.

Denison, IA

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

8 a.m. Former Gov. Branstad attends Dubuque Chamber of Commerce Pancakes and Politics event

Eagle Point Park

2601 Shiras Ave.

Dubuque, IA

11:30 a.m. Former Gov. Branstad attends Dubuque County Jaycees and Young Professionals event

Hotel Julien

200 Main St.

Dubuque, IA

5 p.m. Lt. Gov. candidate Kim Reynolds attends Carol Earnhardt for County Supervisor fundraiser

Home of Caroline Ruhl

233 Fernwood Ave.

Davenport, IA

Thursday, September 9, 2010

6 p.m. Lt. Gov. candidate Kim Reynolds attends Bremer County GOP event

Kohlmann Park

233 Fernwood Ave.

Waverly, IA

For more information on the Branstad/Reynolds ticket, please visit www.GovernorBranstad2010.com.

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Branstad: Ready to Grow Iowa’s Agricultural Economy

(BOONE) – During the Farm Progress Show in Boone today, Gov. Branstad outlined his goals for growing Iowa’s agricultural economy.

The proposal can be found here: http://governorbranstad2010.com/assets/ready-to-grow-ag.pdf

Branstad noted that agriculture is in the business of nourishing bodies and a major engine for job creation and economic growth.  In 1983, with Iowa in the depth of an agricultural recession, its 115,000 farmers produced economic value of $1.98 billion on 33.7 million acres of farmland.  Today, Iowa’s 92,600 farmers are producing crops and livestock on 30.8 million acres.

“In 2008, this engine of economic growth created $26.3 billion in agriculture production value in the state,” said Branstad. “Currently, increased federal and state regulatory actions have created an environment non-supportive of increased productivity, innovation and job creation.  The lack of regulatory stability is driving business out of the state and causing those who remain to limit or eliminate additional investment in their businesses and employees.”

Gov. Branstad’s proposal includes:

1. Better use of current resources through technology and partnerships
2. Responsible regulation
3. Sustainable Entrepreneurship
4. A Five-Year Strategic Vision and Implementation Plan

““In order to move agriculture forward we must address and develop a plan to enhance and invest in infrastructure state wide which will allow us to better transmit, handle, store, transport and transfer the increased production of agricultural crops, renewables, energy and value-added products,” said Branstad.

For more information on the Branstad/Reynolds campaign please visit www.GovernorBranstad2010.com.

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Monday, August 30, 2010 

5:30 p.m.                  Branstad lieutenant governor nominee Kim Reynolds attends Mitchell County GOP event

                                    Sunny Brae Country Club

                                    3419 Golf Course Rd.

                                    Osage, IA

 7:30 p.m.                  Branstad lieutenant governor nominee Kim Reynolds attends Franklin County GOP event

                                    Harriman’s Park Shelter

324 19th Ave. NE

Hampton, IA  

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 

11 a.m.                      Gov. Branstad holds Woodbury County “Ready to Create Jobs” event

                                    Western Iowa Tech Community College

                                    4647 Stone Ave.

                                    Advanced Sciences Building – Room L 417

                                    Sioux City, IA 

12:30 p.m.               Gov. Branstad holds Plymouth County “Ready to Create Jobs” event

                                    Wells Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor

                                    24 5^th Ave. NW

                                    Le Mars, IA                        

2 p.m.                        Gov. Branstad holds Sioux County “Ready to Create Jobs” event                                   

The Corporate Center

                                    950 N. Main Ave.

                                    Sioux Center, IA         

 3:30 p.m.                  Gov. Branstad holds O’Brien County “Ready to Create Jobs” event

                                    Northwest Iowa Community College

                                    603 W. Park St.

                                    Building A, Room 117

                                    Sheldon, IA  

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 

9 a.m.                        Gov. Branstad and Sen. Kim Reynolds attend the Farm Progress Show

                                    Highways 30 & 17

                                    Boone, IA

 10:30 p.m.               Gov. Branstad and Sen. Kim Reynolds hold “Ready to Grow Iowa’s Agricultural Economy” policy rollout and news conference

                                    Monsanto Tent, Farm Progress Show

                                    Highways 30 & 17

                                    Boone, IA 

Friday, September 3, 2010 

1:15 p.m.                  Gov. Branstad holds “A Better Iowa for Older Iowans” policy rollout and news conference

                                    Wesley Acres

                                    3520 Grand Ave.

                                    Des Moines, IA 

Saturday, September 4, 2010

10 a.m.                      Gov. Branstad attends Midwest Old Threshers Reunion

                                    Henry County Fairgrounds

                                    Mt. Pleasant, IA 

11 a.m.                      Branstad lieutenant governor nominee Kim Reynolds attends the Iowa Latino Association Festival

                                    Southridge Mall

                                    1111 East Army Post Rd.

                                    Des Moines, IA 

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Proposal would form teams to aggressively market Iowa through Branstad’s IPEP program

(PELLA) – Former Gov. Terry Branstad, along with lieutenant governor nominee Sen. Kim Reynolds, this afternoon unveiled his latest policy proposal for job creation in Iowa.

Stressing the need to market Iowa more aggressively, Branstad says he will form “IGNITE” teams throughout the state, and initiate the Iowa Network of Entrepreneurial Transplants (INET) to identify key former Iowans in targeted businesses and industries around the country and world.

The policy is found here: http://governorbranstad2010.com/assets/ready-to-market.pdf

“Economic development, at its core, is about identifying and creating opportunities and to do that we must aggressively sell our state,” said Branstad. “It is about selling the merits of expanding their business in Iowa to existing in-state employers and touting the benefits of Iowa to prospective out-of-state companies.”

Last week, Gov. Branstad unveiled his plans for a public/private partnership, called the Iowa Partnership for Economic Prosperity (IPEP) to replace the existing Department of Economic Development. Gov. Branstad will use this new public-private partnership to forge teams to visit with employers across Iowa and to sell our state to prospective companies across the country and the world.

The IGNITE teams will be comprised of economic development professionals from around the state teamed with current Iowa employers who are willing to periodically give of their time. IPEP professionals will lead and staff the teams and will start with a focus on industries poised for growth in Iowa including: advanced manufacturing, value added agriculture, biotechnology, insurance and financial services.

“Iowa has produced thousands of successful individuals who have left our state and found success with companies outside of Iowa,” said Reynolds. “However, these former Iowans still know the benefits of doing business here and many would return to Iowa if the right opportunities were available. We must take advantage of these former Iowans and their networks. IPEP will develop this network of former Iowans to increase the scope of our efforts to reach and attract economic development opportunities around the globe.”

INET will serve several purposes. As Governor Branstad’s administration implements changes that better Iowa’s business climate he will need a broad base of well-networked individuals around the globe spreading the news about Iowa. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, that same network will serve as Iowa’s eyes and ears to alert IPEP about high quality employers looking for a place to expand.

For more information on the Branstad/Reynolds ticket, please visit www.GovernorBranstad2010.com.

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Branstad, Reynolds launch second week of “Ready to Create Jobs” tour with 2nd job creation policy announcement
News conference in Pella a continuation of Gov. Branstad’s commitment to creating 200,000 over five years

(URBANDALE) – Former Gov. Terry Branstad will launch the second week of his “Ready to Create Jobs” tour tomorrow, launching his second economic development policy announcement in Pella.

Branstad, who last week launched the multi-week tour by announcing he’ll scrap the dysfunctional Iowa Department of Economic Development and replace it with a public/private partnership, is committed to the creation of 200,000 Iowa jobs over the next five years.

The following schedule is open to the press and public:

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

2 p.m. Gov. Branstad and lieutenant governor nominee Kim Reynolds hold news conference to announce new economic development policy
Vermeer Corporation – Global Pavilion
2110 Vermeer Road
Pella, IA

3:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad holds Mahaska County “Ready to Create Jobs” event
Oskaloosa Public Library – Room A & B
301 South Market Street
Oskaloosa, IA

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

9 a.m. Gov. Branstad holds Carroll County “Ready to Create Jobs” event
Carroll County Republican Headquarters
528 N. Maple St.
Carroll, IA

11:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad holds Webster County “Ready to Create Jobs” event
Decker Trucking
4000 5th Ave. South
Fort Dodge, IA

11:30 a.m. Lieutenant governor nominee Kim Reynolds attends the Polk County GOP fundraiser featuring Steve Forbes
Des Moines downtown Marriott
700 Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA

2 p.m. Gov. Branstad holds Hardin County “Ready to Create Jobs” event
Dale Howard Chevrolet
600 Brooks Rd.
Iowa Falls, IA

6 p.m. Lieutenant governor nominee Kim Reynolds attends Audubon County GOP fundraiser
Exira Legion Park
Parkcrest Ln.
Exira, IA

Thursday, August 26, 2010

10:30 a.m. Gov. Branstad and lieutenant governor nominee Kim Reynolds hold Black Hawk County “Ready to Create Jobs” event
The Mudd Group
915 Technology Parkway
Cedar Falls, IA

2:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad and lieutenant governor nominee Kim Reynolds hold Marshall County “Ready to Create Jobs” event
Fisher Community Center
709 S. Center St.
Marshalltown, IA

5:30 p.m. Lieutenant governor nominee Kim Reynolds attends Calhoun County GOP picnic
Twin Lakes Recreation Area
N. Twin Lakes Road
Manson, IA

Friday, August 27, 2010

6 p.m. Gov. Branstad attends the O’Brien County Republican Summer Gala
Hartley Community Center
820 2nd St. NE
Hartley, IA

For more information on the Branstad/Reynolds ticket, please visit www.GovernorBranstad2010.com.

# # #

Find the Culver/Judge release here: http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.iml?Article=207238 

However, the total share of actual I-JOBS debt Worth County is shackled with equals $4.26 million. 

“It’s disingenuous for the Culver campaign to claim Terry Branstad is ‘against’ Worth County on a day he is there, meeting with residents of the county, during the exact time when Chet Culver shackles them with a $4.26 million debt mandate from Des Moines.” said Branstad 2010 campaign manager Jeff Boeyink. “This is a continuing pattern of deception and misinformation in which this administration continues to engage.” 

“Lobbing press releases and debt from Des Moines is not real leadership,” Boeyink concluded. 

Here are the figures: 

IJOBs debt:               $1,700,000,000 

Iowa Population:    3,007,856 (US Census Bureau, 2009: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/19000.html) 

Per person IJOBs debt:  $565.18 

Worth County Population:  7,541 (US Census Bureau, 2009: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/19/19117.html) 

$565.18 x 7,541 = $4,262,022.30 (approximately $4.26 million over the next 23 years) 

“Worth County residents’ share of the IJOBs debt is approximately $4.26 million over the next 23 years.  A high price to pay for $13,003.74 in road repairs,” concluded Boeyink. 

For more information on the Branstad/Reynolds ticket, please visit www.GovernorBranstad2010.com.

# # #

Find the Culver/Judge release here: http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.iml?Article=207227 

However, the total share of actual I-JOBS debt Greene County is shackled with equals $5.2 million. 

“It’s disingenuous for the Culver campaign to claim Terry Branstad is ‘against’ Greene County on a day Kim Reynolds is there, meeting with residents of the county, during the exact time when Chet Culver shackles them with a $5.2 million debt mandate from Des Moines.” said Branstad 2010 campaign manager Jeff Boeyink. “This is a continuing pattern of deception and misinformation in which this administration continues to engage.” 

“Lobbing press releases and debt from Des Moines is not real leadership,” Boeyink concluded. 

Here are the figures: 

IJOBs debt:               $1,700,000,000 

Iowa Population:    3,007,856 (US Census Bureau, 2009: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/19000.html) 

Per person IJOBs debt:  $565.18 

Greene County Population:  9,251 (US Census Bureau, 2009: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/19/19073.html) 

$565.18 x 7,541 = $5,228,480.10 (over $5.2 million over the next 23 years) 

“Greene County residents’ share of the IJOBs debt is approximately $5.2 million over the next 23 years.  A high price to pay for $44,825.10 in road repairs,” concluded Boeyink. 

For more information on the Branstad/Reynolds ticket, please visit www.GovernorBranstad2010.com. 

# # #

(URBANDALE) – Former Gov. Terry Branstad today made good on his goal to visit all 99 counties with his visit to Worth County this afternoon.

Branstad, who visited every county, every year as governor, made the commitment to hit every Iowa county when he announced his run for governor.

“I am running to be governor of all the people, to listen to their concerns, to visit with Iowans and find solutions to make our state even better,” said Branstad. “I love this state, and visiting every county has shown me that Iowa can and will reach its full potential, and I’m committed to seeing jobs come back and education again be the best in the country. There is a lot of work to do, but in visiting every county, I am more confident than ever in the resolve of Iowans to get this state back on the right track.”

Branstad reached his 99^th county during his multi-week “Ready to Create Jobs” tour, which he kicked off on Tuesday.

For more information on the Branstad/Reynolds ticket, please visit www.GovernorBranstad2010.com.

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]]> http://governorbranstad2010.com/branstad-accomplishes-99-county-goal-with-todays-visit-to-worth-county/feed/ 0 http://governorbranstad2010.com/lucas-county-563311-54-in-i-jobs-projects-and-5-2-million-in-i-jobs-debt/ http://governorbranstad2010.com/lucas-county-563311-54-in-i-jobs-projects-and-5-2-million-in-i-jobs-debt/#comments Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:08:14 +0000 Erin http://governorbranstad2010.com/?p=3219 Lucas County: $563,311.54 in I-JOBS projects…

And $5.2 million in I-JOBS debt

(URBANDALE) – Yesterday, the Culver/Judge campaign launched its “Demand an Answer” campaign with a release highlighting the $563,311.54 in I-JOBS funding Lucas County received…