Amendment saying theres not a right to abortion and to give convicted felons the right to vote. [applause] thank you, thank you. Thank you. [applause] mister president , mister speaker, Lieutenant Governor, legislative leaders, senators and representatives, justices and judges, elected officials, distinguished guests, family, friends, and my fellow iowans, please be seated. [laughter] each time i enter this spectacular building im reminded of the generation of iowans who have come before us. And each time i walk into this Historic Chamber i am humbled by the responsibility of following in the footsteps of some amazing leaders and outstanding public servants. We lost a number of those leaders last year. Most notable for us today is chief justice mark katie whose absence is felt right there in the front row. He loved his state and he loved the law and to his family and colleagues in the Iowa Judicial Branch our entire state shares your loss. [applause] we also bid farewell to former Lieutenant Governor joann zimmerman, the first woman elected Lieutenant Governor of this great state. She brought the passion of a mother to a distinguished career in Public Service. And with shared sadness we mourn the loss of former Iowa Supreme Court justice darrell hecht as well as the longestserving chief justice in state history. Art the given. We honor those leaders and so many more who committed their life to making tomorrow a little better than today. [applause] a lot of Public Service comes with sacrifice. A sacrifice that our men and women make every day in uniform. Our military, police and First Responders risk their life to protect hours. Today and every day we should thank those who serve while honoring those lost. [applause] in 2019 we saw the resiliency of iowans tested as historic floods ravaged both sides of our state and parts in between. And tire communities were white out of the waters rose and didnt seem to reseed. But that devastation was met with purpose and resolve to build and recover. To those live to have been impacted your state stands with you as you work and we work to return life to normal and get your homes, businesses and communities back on track. To do that the budget im submitting today includes an additional 20 million for flood relief. [applause] this is the third time i have stood before you to report on the condition of the state. As always it is a time to reflect on what we have done over the last year and to layout additions for the year to come. This year marks the beginning of a new decade so it seems appropriate we take stock in what we have accomplished the last we ten years and to talk about what we want for the next ten years and beyond. When this body meant in january of 2010 our Unemployment Rate was 6. 4 . Just months earlier our state faced a near billion dollar deficit. School funding was drastically cut and iowans were worried about their future. A decade later the conditions of our state is truly strong. Because of the vision and tenacity of iowans, our Unemployment Rate has gone from your record high to record low. Instead of Cutting School budgets we are cutting taxes. Our cash reserves are full, wages are going up. And iowans once again believe we are headed in the right direction. [applause] because we have a great story to tell, last year we launched the this is Iowa Campaign and the goal was to show the country what we have to offer, to show that iowa is the best place to live, work and raise a family. As part of the initiative we created a candid camera style video where and after playing a Real Estate Agent shows iowa home listings. When the couples talk about how did the homes are, how should the commuters and what they can buy the property for they are baffled. That is not possible is the general reaction. When the actor told him these homes are in iowa, not new york, they are shocked and amazed, not how they envisioned iowa. It is not what they have been told. We made that video to dispel the misconceptions and showcase what we have here but i think that video serves another purpose. It reminds us of what we have. Because it can be easy to forget, to forget what it means to grow up in a safe neighborhood, in a group school a nice backyard, to spend more time with our families than we do in traffic and to watch the sunset in our skies and the stars shine over our beautiful fields. That is what iowa has to offer and so much more. Those new yorkers saw what i see. That opportunity lives here but we cant take it for granted. If we do, if we become complacent, and the condition of the state will not be strong when this body, in 2020, we need to plan in 20302040, we need to seize the opportunities that exist so that years from now the next generation of iowans will inherit in iowa whose greatness comes as no surprise to anyone including new yorkers. That kind of planning takes work. It doesnt happen all at once, no single policy will do. That kind of planning, it takes a bold vision, that preserves our heritage while seizing opportunities. My request to this General Assembly is that you join me in taking the first bold step right now this session. In the coming weeks i will be introducing the invest in iowa act, a bill that will significantly cut income taxes, create a sustainable Funding Source for our Mental Health system, reduce the burden of property taxpayers and fund the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation trust. [applause] these changes will make our vision a reality. It is an investment in our future and those who are our future. Ten years ago iowans voted to establish the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation trust. Funding the trust is no small investment but i believe it is one we need to make. We were given this beautiful land to work but also to keep and preserving the responsibility of all iowans. In 2010 the legislature established a formula for distributing the trust fund. I voted for that formula, as did any of our colleagues. That is different than we understand them to be ten years ago. So it is time to amend the formula. Specifically we need to increase the amount of money that will be allocated for Water Quality and conservation. Under my bill, 50 of the trust fund, an estimated 100 million will go towards Water Quality efforts every year. Representing an almost 31 increase in current funding. We also commit 52 million for other conservation and Outdoor Recreation efforts representing an increase of 14. 6 of current funding. These investments not only aid in the conservation efforts that improve the quality of life and will help us retain and recruit a new generation of iowans. [applause] i have no interest in raising taxes. Any increase in revenue from sales tax must be more than offset by additional tax cuts. That starts [applause] that starts with, with income tax rates, two years ago thanks to so many of you in this room we passed the largest income tax in iowa history and i said then and i have said ever since that wasnt a won and done. I intends to make good on that promise which is why am proposing to cut income tax. 10 for every i went with lower income iowans receiving, a 25 cut. [applause] so let me put that into perspective. Just one year ago our top tax bracket was almost at nine , one of the worst in the country. Now with this new round of tax cuts, our top rates will be down to 5. 5 by 2023. [applause] significant Progress Making iowa competitive with our peers. Mental health is becoming one of the Biggest Challenges of our time. Two years ago we reformed our adult Mental Health system and last year we created iowas first children Mental Health system. These were important steps to putting iowans on a path to wellness. Now we must provide predictable funding. Property taxpayers have supplied most of that support through the county to the local Mental Health regions. I am proposing through the invest in iowa act that we reduce property tax levies and provide the needed funding through the state general fund. No family or friend should be told treatment isnt available for their loved one and by establishing a dedicated and stable fund for Mental Health will give hope to so many who are suffering in silence. It is a promise we made and it is a promise i intend to keep. [applause] the invest in iowa act will bring change to iowans in the first year but most importantly it looks to the future. A future that will benefit our children and theres. If we take this bold step, then whoever is standing at the podium 10, 20, 30 years, republican or democrat, proudly say what i can say today. The condition of our state is strong. [applause] when i look to the next decade, im reminded that will rogers once said that farmer needs to be an optimist or he wouldnt need to be a farmer. The weather at home, to markets overseas. And so much farmer success hinges on seeming out of their control. That doesnt mean we set back and help someone else fight for interests. It is up to us to shape the challenges of uncertainty into opportunities for growth. I will always be a relentless advocate for our farmers and producers and our very way of life which is why today i am calling for an additional 2 million for the Renewable FuelsInfrastructure Program as well as modernizing and expanding the e 15 promotion tax credit. The yearround drive domestic demand, for Renewable Fuels. [applause] as we move into 2020 we focus on the overall wellness of all stages of life. When i say all stages of life, i mean to include the unborn. We must protect life by making it clear through an amendment that our constitution does not grant a right to abortion. [applause] we must also do more to promote and support maternal health. Fewer doctors and fewer hospitals are delivering babies and providing care for mothers. Especially outside the urban areas. That is why i am taking steps to increase the number of doctors who are willing and able to provide services in all four corners of our state. [applause] im proposing a fellowship for new family practice, and each year. Four residents will develop fellowship programs, to local communities to take with them connections for expertise to better treat mothers and their babies. Lbs our best institutions can consult physicians across the state. Of doctor, and the high risk pregnancy. And it is no longer a dream. Telehealth is reality to be. This year those budget, and does not expand the use of those services. And directed the department of human services, and partnering with telehealth providers. Especially for behavioral health. What we used to be the drive in the middle of the school day maybe a walk down the hall, that means children receiving the care they need would love disruption to the education. [applause] these advances would not be possible without highspeed broadband and after unanimous support from this Legislature Last year to the iowa act, 5 million to do that. That funding is now helping 17 broadband projects become reality in rural iowa. It is critical infrastructure. From the farmer checking crop conditions to the main street business participating in the 24 seven marketplace. Productivity should be the expectation, no matter where you live. Lets make that expectation a reality. Im requesting we appropriate an additional 15 million and adjust a state match and that will allow us to continue to Leverage Private and federal funding to hand out broadband every part of iowa making us the most connected state in the nation. [applause] broadband also supports worldclass Education System and if there is something iowans have always understood, it is that there is no greater path to opportunity them quality education. We have strong local control rooted in communities and parents who care deeply about educating their children. We have the highest Graduation Rate in the country with more of our high school is taking College Courses than any other state. We made remarkable progress in recent years putting a new focus on stem, science, technology, engineering, and math and Opening Doors in elementary, middle and high school for students who want to explore fields that will best equip them to be the innovators who builds tomorrows economy. Computer science quickly moved from a narrow to a basic skill that every student needs, something that people at Osage CommunitySchool District understand and have embraced with passion. In addition to requiring Computer Science for students to graduate they have dramatically increased learning opportunities for k12 students to explore coding, design apps, and the world of technology and an Innovative Partnership with cedar rapids, training teachers to better integrate Computer Science like math, english and art. I want to recognize their vision, they are absolutely the model for the state and our nation. Please stand. [applause] it is amazing, two thirds of schools teach Computer Science in middle and high school and they teach it in elementary, im calling on the legislature to take Computer Science statewide and ensure every student at every level had access to this new basic skill. [applause] one of the best ways, handson experience, we are making iowa a leader in workbased hurting. We expanded high school registered apprenticeships and launched the workplace clearinghouse and this year we will be adding 1 million for workbased learning coordinators to be covered by operational sharing agreements. Momentum in workbased learning is building across the state and this is a great example. Western Community College and several local businesses have partnered to create trade works academy. And to experience what it is like to have a career as an electrician or mechanic. It is a win win for the students in the community, they lead to lifelong careers, and the workforce desperately needed. With trade works to learn about welding. Something her dad has done for 40 years and would like to file in his footsteps. A welding certificate that can immediately lead to a job right there. I want to recognize them a and a member of the folks from trade works academy. [applause] in 2019, made historic investments in k12 education and for people funding and transportation equity. It is another historic investments, 103 million in new funding so iowa schools can maintain the best teachers and classrooms in the world. [applause] when it comes to workforce opportunities, iowa in a strong position, thousands of open jobs and rewarding careers and that is how we launched future ready iowa. Three years after starting the initiative and just one year after this body overwhelmingly voted to approve funding, iowans who are looking for a way up are finding that opportunity. Over 6000 iowans are already receiving the last scholarship, 80 of which are adult learners. That is 6000 iowans who are on their way to a rewarding career. Take sarah keane, a 35yearold mother of six from hampton who was laid off when her employer closed its doors because of the scholarship, she is now at niac pursuing a medical assistance agree and she will fill the shortage of workers in our healthcare industry. Zach terrencemeyer from liberty is another example. College was something he couldnt afford but the last dollars scholarship has enabled and encouraged him to pursue a degree in Computer Software developed at kirkland. When he graduates, he will have a highly marketable degree and a field where the average starting salary is 55, 000 a year. Sarah and zach, please stand and be recognized. [applause] through the employee Renovation Fund, future ready iowa is working to spur innovation among employers and communities and addressing their Workforce Needs. In muscatine, the local Community Foundation has partnered with muscatine Community College in Eastern Iowa University college to create an extent a sixweek program for lowincome parents who have children in school. They are working to become welders or certified nursing assistants and if they stay on track in this program a job will be waiting for them at the end. On the other side of the state, peter belk of sioux city, at diesel tech academy developed a Training Program to meet the increasing demand for diesel mechanics in the area. In oskaloosa, the School District recognized transportation as a major barrier for students who attend career academies at indian hill Community College so they developed a Transportation Program to make it happen. With all three of these and so many more the state of iowa through the employee Renovation Fund was a partner. In less then a year we have helped thousands of iowans upscale for the new economy. Future ready iowa is working. Which is why i am proposing that we expand the last dollars scholarship and Employer Innovation Fund by 2. 3 million each bringing the total investment to 20 million. [applause] childcare is the next workforce issue we need to tackle. Another barrier for families looking for a way up. For some, it is about affordability. For others, access is the issue and for thousands of islands it is both. This year we need to act. First, lets make childcare more affordable by extending the Early Childhood tax credit. They are available for families making 45, 000 or less. Im recommending that be doubled to 90, 000. [applause] second we must address the childcare lift. Hang on there. Okay. I agree. So we are not punishing parents as they continue on a path to selfsufficiency. To do this we should implement a tiered copay system that doesnt punish those who work hard enough to earn a raise. [applause] finally we need to a list iowans to find Common Sense Solutions that increase access to childcare. If you consider a lead container it is a manufacturer facility that employs 200 people, since opening its doors in 2008 they have expanded but struggled to find workers. Lack of childcare was part of the problem so we partnered with a local provider to turn a vacant Elementary School into a Day Care Center and that is the kind of innovation we need, which is why im opening the employee Renovation Fund to employers and Community Organizations who have ideas to expand and create Childcare Options in their communities. I want to recognize robert, the ceo of lead container and michelle from curious kids who are with us today. Thank you for your inspiring idea. They are in the corner. [applause] i made it a priority of this administration to focus on prisoner reentry and rehabilitation. Because prisons should not be one stop in a circle that leads back to prison. Those in our correctional facilities are serving time for a briefing but when they leave we want them to succeed because heres the thing. If they reoffend they end back in prison at a cost to taxpayers of 32, 000 a year but it is more than that. When someone has lost their way we are called to seek them out, to leave the 99, to find the one. I believe in that calling which is why i formed the governors focus committee on criminal justice reform. This committee which is chaired by the Lieutenant Governor includes law enforcement, correction officials, the naacp and a wide range of stakeholders. Last month they provided several recommendations and were already in the process of implementing many of them. Last year i find legislation that protects employers that are willing to give returning citizens a Second Chance, to build on that we hosted roundtables at our correctional facilities at mitchellville where 80 employers to stepped inside our prison walls and maybe a little outside their comfort zone. They did that to learn more about how to meet their Workforce Needs and given iowa a Second Chance at a productive and rewarding life. Finally, i am renewing my support to amend our constitution so it no longer bars felons from voting after they serve their sentence. To see why it matters, talk to william byrd from waterloo. He spent much of his life in and out of prisoner, but now, a Business Owner working to change iowa law to allow barbershops, which i think is a good idea. I recently called william to tell him i was restoring his Voting Rights and hearing those words brought tears to his eyes. You cannot imagine the gratitude and dignity that iowans like william felt when they are told they can once again exercise what Ronald Reagan called the crown jewel of american liberties. William, please stand so we can recognize your effort to become an active and productive citizen of this great state. [applause] i am grateful to the house for starting this process by approving the constitutional amendment with a strong bipartisan vote of 95two. I appreciate the productive conversations we are having with senators and i look forward to continuing to work with you to pass the amendment and craft and implementing statute that lets us avoid the confusion and lawsuits that have plagued other states restoration efforts. [applause] together, we can help put returning citizens on a path to redemption, help them become productive members of society, reduce recidivism and make the community a safer place. [applause] opportunity lives here because of the ingenuity of our people. If iowa is going to drive in the next decade we must make sure government isnt cycling that ingenuity. I am concerned we are. One quarter of iowas workforce requires some kind of professional license. If it sounds like a lot, it is because it is. It is the second highest in the nation which puts our state and its people at a competitive disadvantage. Recent study shows the system cost iowa 48,000 jobs, and 290 million. Our licensing requirements are also the worst for low income people meaning those who need opportunity the most have the hardest time getting a license. We should never ever dismiss the importance of protecting the health and safety of the people but it has been far too long since we have modernized our licensing structure and that is what i am asking you to do today. We need to adopt universal licensing recognitions. Those who goes through an application process and make certain conditions in our state, should be able to have that licensed recognition here. Lets encourage these workers to move to iowa. We should waive license fees for low income individuals. That doesnt mean we lower any standard. It just ensures we dont deny someone a professional license because of their inability to pay. Third, we currently have no uniform standard for considering criminal convictions and licensure. As a result, qualified and skilled iowans are being denied the chance to obtain a license because of mistakes and related to the profession. And this is another barrier to entering the workforce and we need to change it. And we need oversight of the entire licensing process. Im calling for the creation of a commission that will review every professional license requirement and the boards will oversee them every four years. Licensing reform is a topic that has bipartisan support but that doesnt mean it will be easy. As we head into this legislative session lets not focus solely on the next 12 months. This is a time to chart the path for the next ten years, to stand together to enact a comprehensive agenda that invests in iowa, returns money to taxpayers, reserves on land and water, strengthens our schools, looks after the health and wellbeing of all iowans and gives is every eye when the opportunity to succeed. So as we move to the next decade, lets put iowans first. Lets the bold and visionary. Lets seize this opportunity and make the next decade iowas best. Its time we show the world that opportunity lives here. Thank you. God bless you and god bless the great state of iowa. [applause] live coverage now. We bring you coverage of the discussion on citizens united, the Supreme Court decision allowing unlimited corporate spending in political campaigns. The tenyear anniversary of that decision is in march. Well hear from House Majority leader steny hoyer and congressman John Sarbanes as part of this discussion. This is live coverage on cspan2. 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