‘Patient’ Branstad sees mostly success for ‘right agenda’

DES MOINES - While lawmakers huddled Wednesday to share the latest rumors about when they might adjourn, fly paper airplanes and discuss spring planting progress, Gov. Terry Branstad was cautiously declaring the 2014 session a success.

'I've learned from 30 years of experience that perseverance and patience pays off,” the fifth-term Republican said.

Branstad and his staff were continuing to meet with lawmakers to get his agenda approved, keeping in mind that last year the so-called 'Big Three” - education reform, property tax relief and the health and wellness plan - were approved by lawmakers in the final week of the session.

Five of seven Branstad priorities appeared to be surviving the legislative meat grinder and he vigorously rejected suggestions that his agenda was not very ambitious.

'It is the right agenda for this time,” the governor said.

And, Branstad, who is seeking re-election to a sixth term, pointed out it was accomplished in a highly partisan environment. Senate majority Democrats have been hammering him daily for what they call mismanagement and Republicans call an orchestrated effort on the behalf of Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Sen. Jack Hatch.

'My focus is on public policy not politics,” he said.

About that policy, Branstad said:

'At his request, both chambers unanimously approved resolutions calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to maintain current renewable fuel standards.

'The Home Base Iowa veterans incentive program has been approved by both the House and Senate.

'He signed a bill into law providing a tax credit for repurposing public buildings, such as abandoned schools.

'Appropriations for the state's three regent universities will allow them to freeze tuition for the second year in a row - the first time since 1980.

'His apprenticeship appeared likely to survive some legislative massaging.

However, his anti-bullying bill and broadband connectivity bills did not fare as well.

'We thought we had an agreement” with House Democrats on broadband, Branstad said, but only two joined 42 Republicans in voting for it. 'We're still trying to find a way to resurrect it, but it doesn't look very promising.” By midafternoon, senators said they will wait until next year to take up broadband connectivity.

Branstad was still holding out hope for his anti-bullying bill, but conceded it appeared unlikely.

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