09 Jul 2013

Lt. Governor Reynolds to Chair New STEM Food and Ag Council founded by STEMconnector®

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

Iowa Lt. Governor and DuPont Pioneer President Lead Efforts to Further Science Education 

(DES MOINES) - Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds today announced her role as Chair of the STEM Food & Ag Council, a global council focused on advancing STEM education to help meet the growing demand for food, feed, and renewable fuels, founded by STEMconnector®. The STEM Food & Ag Council will be announced by Lt. Gov. Reynolds on July 14th in Chicago at the annual meeting of The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) - a co-founder of the Council.

The STEM Food & Ag Council will assemble government, business and education leaders aimed at increasing collaboration and mobilizing resources to connect today's youth to the Food and Ag careers of tomorrow.  Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds will serve as inaugural Chair of the Council, and also announced that DuPont Pioneer President, Paul E. Schickler, will serve as Vice-Chair.

"The STEM Food & Ag Council is a unique public-private partnership dedicated to driving education and career opportunities for the next generation of the food and agricultural workforce. We live in a knowledge-based, global economy and it is critical that our students are prepared for the jobs of the 21st century," said Lt. Governor Reynolds. "I look forward to working with Vice-Chair Paul Schickler and the members of the Council to create focused initiatives that enhance STEM skills in our students, heighten careers in food and agriculture, and provide solutions that address workforce needs."

"Advancements in modern agriculture are one of the greatest stories of scientific and technological achievement of our time," said Schickler. "However, to meet the increasing global demand for food will require the next generation of scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs. From listening to students around the world, we know they hear the call and STEM can ensure they have the tools needed to be part of the solution."

Current members of the Council include Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill, the National 4-H Council, the FFA Organization, PepsiCo, Sodexo and Wal-Mart. The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) will serve as co-founder of the Council.

STEMconnector® is the leading communications platform driving collaboration between stakeholders in STEM education.  Launched in 2011 with the mandate of identifying, informing and connecting stakeholders in STEM education, STEMconnector® has over 50 sponsoring organizations from the public, private and non-profit sectors.

The daily newsletter of STEMconnector® - STEMdaily® - reaches over 10,000 key thought leaders throughout the United States and world every day.  In the past year, STEMconnector® has recognized leadership in STEM education through its 100 Women Leaders in STEM, in which Lt. Governor Reynolds was featured, and the recently released 100 CEO Leaders in STEM.

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05 Jul 2013

Rolling Billboards to Promote Iowa Destinations, Travel Across State

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - The Iowa Tourism Office and nine Convention and Visitors Bureaus have partnered with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) to provide rolling billboards that encourage travel in Iowa.

Nine ABD trucks have been wrapped with images from Ames, Burlington, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City/Coralville, Newton, Okoboji, Sioux City and Waterloo. Each truck also carries graphics promoting Iowa travel in general.

"Traveling takes many forms - watching your son or daughter play in a soccer tournament out-of-town, visiting friends and family or just getting away from it all," said Governor Terry Branstad. "You don't have to go far to make a lasting memory with your family and there's plenty to do right here in Iowa."

The Iowa Tourism Office images feature Maquoketa Caves in Maquoketa, Arnolds Park Amusement Park in Okoboji, the Loess Hills in Western Iowa and Sky Tours Ziplines in Dubuque.

Ames uses a whimsical type treatment to express the fun of exploring the community along with the tagline "When in Ames." View the truck.

Burlington's truck features the Bees minor league baseball team, Fun City Waterpark, the restored Capitol theater, gaming at Catfish Bend Casino and a relaxing family picnic. View the truck.

Cedar Falls, named a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, showcases one of their bike trails. View the truck.

Cedar Rapids highlights the NewBo City Market, National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library, Theatre Cedar Rapids and Brucemore. View the truck.

Des Moines encourages travelers to "Catch Unexpected Moments" and includes Iowa Cubs baseball, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the State Capitol and waterpark fun. View the truck.

Iowa City and Coralville have teamed up with North Liberty for "three times the fun." The truck promotes festivals, theater and Iowa Hawkeye football. View the truck.

Newton's truck includes the Iowa Speedway, Maytag Blue Cheese, biking and sculptures. View the truck.

Sioux City showcases outdoor adventures at Stone State Park, Saturday in the Park, the Orpheum Theatre and the indoor rock wall. View the truck.

Waterloo encourages visitors to "Dig Deeper" and explore the Iowa Veterans Museum, John Deere factory, festivals and Lost Island Water Park.  View the truck.

Tourism in Iowa generates more than $7 billion in expenditures, employs 63,400 people statewide and generates $328 million in state taxes. The Iowa Tourism Office is part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

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02 Jul 2013

Governor issues disaster proclamation for Jackson County

By Office of the Governor of Iowa
(DES MOINES) - Today, Governor Terry E. Branstad issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for one county in response to recent storms and flooding.

The Governor's proclamation, for Jackson County, allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of the storms and flooding.

Additional information on storms and flooding may be found at www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov<http://www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov>.

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01 Jul 2013

Governor Branstad issues Disaster Proclamation for Clinton County

By Office of the Governor of Iowa
Wednesday, June 26, 2013 (DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad has issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for one county in response to recent storms and flooding.

Today, the Governor issued a proclamation to activate the Iowa Individual Assistance Program in Clinton County. A governor's proclamation of disaster emergency had been issued June 1 to make state resources available for disaster response in Clinton County.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available at the "Disaster Assistance" link on the Iowa Department of Human Services website: www.dhs.iowa.gov.

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21 Jun 2013

Gov. Branstad signs bills into law

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

2013 legislative bill action now complete

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed the following legislation into law:

House File 604: An Act relating to the funding of, the operation of, and appropriation of moneys to the college student aid commission, the department for the blind, the department of education, the economic development authority, the department of workforce development, and the state board of regents, and providing for related matters.

View transmittal letter explaining item vetoes.

House File 638: An Act relating to and making appropriations to state departments and agencies from the rebuild Iowa infrastructure fund and the technology reinvestment fund, providing for related matters, and including effective date provisions.

View transmittal letter explaining item vetoes.

House File 648: An Act relating to state and local finances making transfers and appropriations and including effective date and applicability provisions.

View transmittal letter explaining item vetoes.

Senate File 396: An Act relating to government operations and efficiency and other related matters, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

View transmittal letter explaining item vetoes.

Senate File 406: An Act relating to involuntary commitments for persons with substance-related disorders, mental illness, and intellectual disabilities, and providing for the creation of an office of mental health advocate in the department of human rights and including effective date provisions.

View transmittal letter explaining item vetoes.

Senate File 430: An Act relating to appropriations to the department of cultural affairs, the economic development authority, the board of regents and certain board of regents institutions, the department of workforce developments, the Iowa finance authority, and the public employment relations board, providing for other properly related matters, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

View transmittal letter explaining item vetoes.

Senate File 446: An Act relating to appropriations for health and human services and including other related provisions and appropriations, providing penalties, and including effective, retroactive and applicability date provisions.

View transmittal letter explaining item vetoes.

Senate File 447: An Act relating to appropriations to the justice system and including effective dates.

View transmittal letter explaining item vetoes.

Senate File 452: An Act relating to state and local finances by making appropriations, providing for fees, providing for legal responsibilities, providing for certain employee benefits, and providing for properly related matters, and including effective date and retroactive and other applicability provisions.

View transmittal letter explaining item vetoes.

Gov. Branstad has signed all transmittal letters linked above. This concludes legislative action by Gov. Branstad for the 2013 legislative session.

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19 Jun 2013

Branstad names D.T. Magee as interim director of the Iowa Department of Education

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today named Duane "D.T." Magee, 42, as the interim head of the Iowa Department of Education. Magee starts June 24. He replaces outgoing Director Jason Glass.

"We are conducting a nationwide search for our permanent Department of Education director, and I am pleased D.T. Magee is taking on this important role," said Branstad. "We are beginning our systemic, transformational education reform, and D.T. Magee will ensure a smooth transition."

Since July 2012, Magee has served as executive director of the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, which licenses Iowa's teachers, and he will continue in that role. Previously, he was assistant superintendent of human resources and director of human resources for the Waukee Community School District. Before moving to Waukee, Magee was a principal in the Harlan Community School District.

Magee holds an Ed. S. in Educational Leadership from Drake University, an M.S.E. in Education Administration from Buena Vista University and a B.S.E. in Secondary Business Education from Drake University. He is an Ames Senior High School graduate.

"This is a great opportunity to continue the great work of Jason Glass and to ensure continuity within the department as a new leader is chosen," said Magee. "I look forward to serving in this new capacity and moving Iowa's education system forward."

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19 Jun 2013

Gov. Branstad to sign Iowa Health and Wellness Plan Thursday in Mason City

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad today announced he will sign Senate File 446, which contains the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan, on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 9 a.m.at the Mason City Clinic in Mason City, Iowa.

The Iowa Health and Wellness plan will make Iowa a national leader for patient outcomes and quality of care for low-income individuals. The plan is designed to protect Iowa from federal budget cuts in the future, increases the number of Iowans on private insurance, and will provide $48 million in property tax savings in the first full year of implementation.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

9 a.m. Gov. Branstad signs Iowa Health and Wellness Plan into law

Mason City Clinic - Atrium, 250 South Crescent Drive, Mason City, IA

Note: The Mason City Clinic is on the Mercy Hospital campus with the main entrance facing east.

Senate File 446: An Act relating to appropriations for health and human services and including other related provisions and appropriations, providing penalties, and including effective, retroactive and applicability date provisions.

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17 Jun 2013

Branstad, Reynolds to hold Benton, Tama and Mahaska County town hall meetings

By Office of the Governor of Iowa
(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds today announced they will hold town hall meetings in Benton, Tama and Mahaska counties on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 and Friday, June 28, 2013.

Branstad and Reynolds plan to discuss 2013 legislative accomplishments including enacting significant property tax reform, transformational education reform and a modernizing of the Medicaid system that focuses on making patients healthier while protection Iowa taxpayers.

The following events are open to the public:

 

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

  • 1 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Benton County "Our Opportunity. Our Iowa. Our Results." town hall meeting. Vinton City Hall - Council Chambers, 110 West Third Street, Vinton, IA

 

  • 3 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Tama County "Our Opportunity. Our Iowa. Our Results." town hall meeting, King Tower Café, 1701 East 5th Street, Tama, IA

 

Friday, June 28, 2013

  • 1 p.m. Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold Mahaska County "Our Opportunity. Our Iowa. Our Results." town hall meeting, Smokey Row, 109 South Market Street, Oskaloosa, IA

 

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14 Jun 2013

DEADLINE EXTENDED: NOMINATIONS FOR 2013 IOWA FARM ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER AWARDS NOW DUE JULY 1

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

Deadline pushed back due to delayed planting season as a result of the wettest spring on record

(DES MOINES) -  Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced that deadline for nominations for the 2013 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards has been pushed back to July 1, 2013. The previous deadline was June 15.

Iowa has experienced the wettest spring on record, which has significantly delayed planting. Just 92 percent of Iowa corn and 60 percent of Iowa soybean crops have been planted as of June 9th.

"The record-setting wet weather this spring has significantly delayed planting and as a result farmers have understandably been focused on their fields, not award nominations," said Branstad. "Recognizing and encouraging farmers who have taken the lead in incorporating conservation practices into their operations is important to help reinforce their conservation ethic and encourage others to follow their lead."

The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award recognizes the efforts of Iowa's farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality. Farmers that are nominated should have made environmental stewardship a priority on their farm and adopted best management practices throughout their farming operation.

"Iowa farmers take their role seriously in preserving our precious natural resources, and we look forward to hearing these stories," said Reynolds. "We are proud to hold up these farmers as examples of environmental stewardship and highlight their practices for others to follow."

Nomination forms can be found on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov under "Hot Topics.

The award is a joint effort between the Governor, Lt. Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources and it seeks to recognize the exemplary voluntary actions of farmers that improve or protect the environment and natural resources of our state while also encouraging other farmers to follow in their footsteps by building success upon success.

An appointed committee of representatives from both conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners.

The recipients will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair on Thursday, August 15 at the Penningroth Center.  A lunch for award winners sponsored by Hagie will follow at the Farm Bureau shelter house on the fairgrounds.

The award was created in 2012 and 67 Iowa farm families were recognized during the inaugural award ceremony at the Iowa State Fair.  Winners receive a certificate as well as a yard sign donated by Monsanto.

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14 Jun 2013

Gov. Branstad issues proclamation of disaster emergency for Des Moines County

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) -- Governor Terry E. Branstad has issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for one additional county in response to recent storms and flooding.

The Governor issued a proclamation to activate the Iowa Individual Assistance Program in Des Moines County. A governor's proclamation of disaster emergency had been issued June 4 to make state resources available for disaster response in Des Moines County.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available at the "Disaster Assistance" link on the Iowa Department of Human Services website: www.dhs.iowa.gov.

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