Governor Branstad sees 'golden era' for Iowa in inaugural speech

DES MOINES – Gov. Terry Branstad used Friday's inaugural address to call for a new covenant that removes the “lead boots of excess government” and allows Iowans to “seize the day” by pursuing economic opportunities and striving to achieve their full potential.

In launching his fifth term as governor, Branstad said the new covenant he envisions between Iowans and their government would embody the principles of limited government, service above self, transparency and integrity, world-class schools, and celebrating the success of Iowans.

“Iowa stands at the precipice of opportunity greater than at any time since our ancestors crossed the Mississippi to view an expanse of prairie as far as the eye could see. With the advent of open markets, a growing world middle class, and a need for sustainable solutions to the world's problems, Iowa sits in the catbird seat of history,” he said in remarks prepared for delivery. “Only wrong-headed policy choices can prevent us from entering a golden era in Iowa history.”

Branstad, 64, made his comments to a joint convention of the 84th Iowa General Assembly, scores of family, friends, partisans and well-wishers, and a statewide television audience after he and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, 50, a former state senator from Osceola, were administered their oaths of office by interim Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady during ceremonies at Hy-Vee Hall. Friday's activities included public receptions, a Statehouse tribute to Iowans deployed in military service, and an inaugural ball.

The rural Boone Republican, who previously served four terms as governor from 1983 to 1999, said he brings a new perspective to Terrace Hill after spending 12 years out of public office – including a stint as president of Des Moines University – and traveling the entire state during his successful 2010 campaign talking to ordinary Iowans in all walks of life about their hopes, dreams and concerns for Iowa's future. That experience, he said, was the inspiration for Friday's message and his vision for the next four years.

“The world is hungry for our food and biomass, envious of our technology, pining for our productivity. The economic winds, which for a century or more blew in our face, are now firmly at our back.

Iowa is exceptional and these are exceptional times. Our challenge: to seize the day,” the new governor said. “To those who say that our goals of 200,000 new jobs and 25 percent increase in family incomes are too high, I say ‘you ain't seen nothing yet.'”

For starters, Branstad said Iowa's “old ways” of conducting governmental business at all levels – state, county, city, school and local -- must be radically altered by ridding “the yoke” that taxes too much, spends too much and regulates too much.

“It must change, lest it dampen our opportunity and squelch the individual initiative which is our engine for growth,” Branstad said. “We will remove the lead boots of excess government from our economy, and, without that burden, we will be able to run like the wind in the race to prosperity.”

The newly installed governor said the transformation he envisions will require sacrifice from all Iowans while “protecting those who need our help.” Branstad said State Auditor David Vaudt has advised him that at least 15 percent of state government spending must be permanently eliminated to balance the books “and I aim to make sure we do it and do it now.”

“For too long, we have papered over the fact that our appetite for government exceeds our pocket book to pay for it,” he said. “Iowans have worked harder, sacrificed more and tightened their belts further as they endured the Greatest Recession since the Great Depression, and now it is time for government to do the same.”

Branstad said Iowa needs to reduce and simplify its system of taxing income and property in a way that rewards the job creators, responsible risk takers and the entrepreneurial spirit. Also, the state has to find and praise success in rural and urban settings, he said, noting that – while charming – Iowans' modesty often limits their reach and thwarts efforts to retain and attract young people. He also called upon Iowans to embrace public service and volunteerism through a renewed commitment to get involved in their communities.

Branstad's new covenant included higher expectations for schools and parents in helping Iowa's children meet the growing challenges of a knowledge-based economy – especially in developing strong backgrounds in math, science, English and social studies.

“Sadly, where once Iowa's educational system was the envy of the world, today it is in the middle of the pack,” he said. “It is time to put in place reforms that are hallmarks of high-performing school systems – starting with assuring there is a first-rate teacher in every classroom.”

Branstad said he plans to convene an education summit of national and state leaders to establish a benchmark for Iowa's status and lay out recommendations for legislative consideration to provide Iowa kids the best education in the world. He said the conversation will focus on attracting more top students into the teaching profession, helping experienced teachers become more effective instructors, and deciding “how do we get rid of teachers whose students consistently do not learn enough – even after those teachers have received coaching to improve?”

The new governor also called for a return to transparency, integrity and accountability in the governmental decision-making process.

“We've over-promised and under-delivered, turning solutions into problems. Iowans deserve better. We will get back on track with a slimmer, better managed and sustainable government you can count on when you need it,” he said, “and it will start by opening up to the people our budgets, briefings and the like. Sunshine remains the best cure for what ails our government.”

Photos by Brian Ray

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