Branstad challenges lawmakers to reshape government

DES MOINES - Gov. Terry Branstad used his final Condition of the State speech Tuesday to urge the GOP-run Legislature to 'seize the opportunities” to reshape state government to improve education, public safety, health care and water quality.

'This new General Assembly brings new dynamics, new expectations and new opportunities to deliver positive results for Iowans,” he said in delivering remarks to both legislative chambers for the 22nd time as the longest-serving governor in U.S. history.

Branstad, who likely will leave office later this year to become U.S. ambassador to China, spoke of past challenges and successes the state has seen while charting future expectations for a smaller, smarter government to a Legislature where Republicans control the Senate 29-20-1 and the House 59-40.

Reaction to the governor's 3,231-word speech predictably fell along party lines with Republicans praising Branstad for what he said, if not for what he didn't say.

They agreed with the need to move quickly to deal with a $110 million budget shortfall, but wished he had included tax cuts in his speech.

They are open to his proposal to change the state's 'antiquated” collective bargaining system by establishing a single statewide health care contract for public employees at the state and local level.

But they were disappointed he didn't propose a major collective bargaining law overhaul similar to that undertaken in Wisconsin.

House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, said House Republicans will like Branstad's 'vision to grow good jobs and careers and … share the governor's commitment to making education a priority.”

Democrats agree lawmakers should work together to support Iowa's working families 'and make sure every family gets a fair shot,” said House Minority Leader Mark Smith, D-Marshalltown. But Branstad didn't mention raising the minimum wage, providing time off for parents with new children and making child care - or higher education - more affordable.

'There are some things in there we will be able to work with the governor on,” said Senate Minority Leader Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids.

But like Smith, he wished there had been a plan to raise the minimum wage, which was last increase in 2007 when Democrats controlled the Legislature and governor's office.

Hogg also questioned Branstad's claim that under his administration Iowa's government is smaller and smarter.

If that's the case, 'why do we have this $113 million budget hole?” Hogg asked. 'It's because the economy is not performing the way that Gov. Branstad thinks it is, family incomes have not been going up and under his leadership we're falling behind other states.”

State revenues have been falling behind projections, so Branstad said lawmakers' first job will be erasing a roughly $110 million shortfall yet this fiscal year before approving a two-year budget.

He proposed a $78.8 million increase in state aid to K-12 in fiscal 2018 and $63.5 million the following year, and ending any state funding for Planned Parenthood.

'It prioritizes education, health care, economic development and public safety,” Branstad said of his two-year blueprint, 'and it redirects family planning money to organizations that focus on providing health care for women and eliminates taxpayer funding for organizations that perform abortions.”

Branstad said he hoped this would be the year to pass a bipartisan water-quality improvement plan to provide funding for conservation practices and improvements to wastewater and drinking water facilities.

Branstad said a starting point could be a plan that won bipartisan support in the House last session that proposed to shift $478 million over 13 years to water quality projects from an existing water-metering tax and the gambling-funded state infrastructure account. Then-majority Senate Democrats balked at that plan fearing it would shift money from priorities like education.

Branstad called the rise in traffic deaths from 315 in 2015 to 402 in 2016 'unacceptable” and urged legislators to consider recommendations from public safety officials on ways to reverse 'a troubling trend.”

'Modern technologies should come with new responsibilities,” he said.

Branstad wants to limit drivers to using hands-free communication devices, among ideas for reducing distracted and impaired drivers.

That sat well with Hogg, but not with some Republicans.

'I appreciate him raising it. I'd like to make more progress than what he's proposing,” said Hogg, who would like texting while driving to be a primary offense.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Brad Zaun, D-Urbandale, did not share that viewpoint. Texting while driving is 'very dangerous,” Zaun agreed, but so are looking at a GPS device, putting on makeup and eating while driving.

'How many more laws do we have to pass to protect people from their stupidity?” Zaun asked.

Branstad paid tribute to his wife, Chris, for her patience and volunteer work; his family for their sacrifices during his years in office; and the encouragement of friends he's made in Iowa over the years.

'I've been so blessed to serve as your governor, leading the state I love, for 22 years. I am confident Iowa will continue to move forward because Iowans care deeply about their neighbors, their communities and creating an even better future,” he said.

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