Branstad's agenda: Clean water, computer ed, traffic safety

Gov. Terry Branstad, in what may be his final major speech at the Iowa Capitol, called Tuesday for offering more computer science courses in schools, curbing a dramatic upturn in traffic deaths and funding water quality programs statewide.

The six-term Republican chief executive, who has been tapped as the next U.S. ambassador to China, laid out his 2017 agenda to a joint session of the Iowa Legislature in his annual Condition of the State address.

"Although we have faced a headwind out of Washington, D.C., that is stifling our agricultural economy, we still have positive state revenue growth. But we must proceed with caution and not repeat the mistakes of the past," Branstad said.

He called for rural Iowa communities to take their futures into their own hands, pushing for economic diversification and using an entrepreneurial spirit for revival. He also said education and job training are the foundation for Iowa's future economic growth while proposing 2 percent increases in state school aid for each of the next two state fiscal years.

In addition, the governor proposed changing health care coverage for state and local government employees in Iowa, an idea that will likely be seriously considered by Republican legislators who hold a majority in the Iowa House and Senate. He wants to remove health insurance from collective bargaining and adopt a uniform health care benefit program similar to one that provides pension benefits for public employees.

"Unfortunately, the cost of these benefits has grown dramatically because of our antiquated collective bargaining system that has led to over 500 health-care plans, many of which are inefficient and way too costly for public employees and Iowa taxpayers," he said.

Republican legislative leaders praised Branstad's speech and promised the House and Senate GOP majorities will work with the governor to adopt a conservative agenda.

House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, said Branstad shares the priorities of House Republicans. “I think he did a nice job with touching on the accomplishments that he’s proud of over his last few years and laying out what he’d like to see us get done this year," Upmeyer said.

But minority Democratic lawmakers criticized the governor and lamented budget troubles that have developed since Branstad returned to office in 2011. They blamed Branstad and Republican legislators for  "reckless policies and massive out-of-state corporate tax giveaways" that left the state with a budget shortfall.

House Minority Leader Mark Smith, D-Marshalltown, faulted Branstad for not following through on past promises to create jobs and to raise wages of Iowa workers by 25 percent. Furthermore, instead of making Iowa's schools the best in the nation, Iowa schools have slipped while Branstad has led the state, Smith charged.

Senate Minority Leader Robert Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, said his caucus will work with Branstad to address traffic safety issues and the need for water quality projects. But he is troubled by the governor's plans to reduce the state's budget this fiscal year by about $110 million.

"Gov. Branstad says we have smaller government and a growing economy, so why do we have this hole in this year’s budget?" Hogg asked.

Branstad, who turned 70 in November and is the longest-serving governor in the nation's history at 22 years, reflected on his time in office since he returned to the Iowa Capitol in January 2011.

Over that period, Iowa has seen its unemployment rate drop from 6.2 percent to 3.8 percent as the nation has recovered from the worst recession since the Great Depression. He said the state has helped to attract more than $13.5 billion in private-sector capital investment, which has created jobs across Iowa.

"We’ve made tough decisions to give Iowans a smaller and smarter government. We have stayed the course with an unwavering commitment to create jobs, increase family incomes, reduce the size of government, and give Iowa students a globally competitive education," he said.

But more difficult decisions must be made to reduce the current state fiscal year's budget by about $110 million, Branstad said. He asked lawmakers to adopt budget cuts selectively, without reducing funding for K-12 education, property tax credits, and Medicaid health care, and without furloughing state employees. The Iowa Board of Regents faces the biggest cuts — about $25 million.

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Branstad also called for the Legislature to review all state boards and commissions to address any unnecessary barriers that prevent competition and raise costs

In addition, he proposed eliminating taxpayer funding for organizations that perform abortions, a controversial move aimed at defunding Planned Parenthood. He suggested the money would be redirected to other organizations that provide health care for women. Some lawmakers stood and applauded in response to the governor's proposal, but other legislators remained silent and seated.

Branstad announced that he and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds are launching a comprehensive computer science initiative. This will encourage every high school to offer at least one high-quality computer science course, every middle school to provide exploratory computer science, and every elementary school to include an introduction to computer science. The state's initiative will not be mandatory, aides said.

"Computer science will provide students a chance to join one of the fastest-growing and best-paying fields," he said. "No student should miss out on this opportunity because of where they live. This is another step to better align education and training with essential workforce needs."

On traffic safety, Branstad said a "troubling trend" has seen deaths on Iowa's roads soar from 315 in 2015 to 402 in 2016, and he asked lawmakers to consider the work of a state traffic safety task force in addressing the issue. Aides said Branstad would support tougher penalties to address crashes involving pedestrians and bicycle riders, increased penalties for texting while driving, and a proposal to address repeat offense drunken drivers.

11 cyclists died in Iowa in 2016

On water quality, Branstad said discussions on legislation should begin with a bill that passed the House last session but died in the Senate. The House plan shifted money now spent on infrastructure projects and would have used money Iowans already pay on metered water through their water bills.

"By leading on this issue, together we have the opportunity to modernize Iowa’s agricultural infrastructure, create jobs in rural Iowa and promote collaboration between urban and rural communities," he said.

Over the next year, Branstad added, the Iowa Economic Development Authority will work with Iowa’s manufacturers to advance a “Year of Manufacturing” although he said Iowa remains an "agricultural powerhouse" that feeds and fuels the world. He noted that Iowa currently has over 6,100 manufacturers that contribute more than $31 billion to Iowa’s economy and employ over 200,000 Iowans.

In closing, Branstad said he has been blessed to serve as governor for 22 years in a state that he loves.

He said he's especially thankful for a woman he called perhaps the most patient person in the state — his wife, Chris Branstad — as she has served Iowa as first lady with grace.

"She has welcomed Iowans and visitors from around the world to Terrace Hill, and she has volunteered to help in many ways, including reading with Jackson Elementary students. To Chris and my entire family, thank you for your sacrifice during my time in public service."

Branstad promised to continue to serve Iowans each and every day with the same energy and passion while he goes through the U.S. Senate confirmation process to become an ambassador. He's expected to win confirmation sometime in the coming months, but a firm date hasn't been established. Reynolds will become governor when Branstad resigns to accept the ambassador's post.

"There is no better job in the world than being the governor of the state that you love. But sometimes we are called to serve in ways we had never imagined," he said.

Register reporter Jason Noble contributed to this report.