Condition of the State 1982 & 1983; 1982 & 1983; Governor Robert Ray

This program is made possible in part by a grant from friends of IBM. From the state capitol in the morning the ritual that marks the opening of every Iowa legislative session. The condition of the state address. Ladies and gentlemen the governor of the state of Iowa Robert De Re. Mr President Mr. Speaker Mr. Chief Justice justices judges state officials senators representatives. Distinguished guests and friends. I hope you all are. As I was coming in I was told that this address is going to be carried on live television. But we had to preempt the Wheel of Fortune. I just hope there is no significant consequences in rooting out the Wheel of Fortune. You and I are together again to consider

the condition of our state and what we can do together to better that condition. We bring to this task experience and energy we bring insight and ideas. We should also bring a measure of perspective. Let me give you an example from an eloquent essay written by or about Iowa. Last summer by a native son Hugh Sidey an editor with Time magazine. Hugh Sidey wrote The Right of doing of creating still so easily exercised in Iowa is becoming one of the world's most scarce commodities. Hugh Sidey was right on the mark. As I once we have been freely doing and created since the early days of statehood. Year after year we progressed. We change we grow. During my years as governor I have always been proud to say that more and more Iowans

seem to appreciate who they are where they live and what they do. Just this morning I received a letter from a lady by the name Mrs. L. S. Chinaman from Cedar Rapids and she wrote in this letter I have been practically all over the world and there is not a place I would care to live in in preference to Allah. Iowa offers so much to the world we offer productive people to match the rich resources that are ours. We offer commonsense tolerance respect and caring. We offer stability and balance. Yet we also have the confidence to reach out and try new things. I once possessed these strengths and we should not forget it. Perhaps it even takes tough times like these to recognize what we do

have going for us. If that is the case then surely we were tested in 1991. Our hopes for recovery from the recession of 1980 were quickly dashed by the recession of 1981. Indeed America's economy was about as flat as some of I was best farmland here in Iowa. We have felt the full force of this recession. Farm prices have yet to rebound. Adjusted farm income last year was the lowest of any year since the Great Depression. We have also seen manufacturing layoffs and a slowdown in business activity. Housing construction in Iowa last year dropped by 69 percent. All of this was caused by a recession. We did not start in a recession. We alone cannot end. But there is some consolation in the knowledge that we are not alone. Governors and legislators in the Midwest and all across the land are also

struggling and coping and trying to make ends meet. Let me give you some additional perspective on the year 1981 for there was some good news. Iowa farmers harvested record corn and being crops tops in the country. Iowa companies announced one hundred and fifty nine plant expansions up 11 percent from 1980 and another 81 firms located here in 81 creating new jobs for Iowans Iowans reduce their energy consumption by 7 percent saving an average of three hundred sixty eight dollars per household and 26000 low income Iowans now have their homes weatherized. In state government we began a comprehensive review of rising health care costs and launched the Iowa beginning farmer program. The state ordered the return of 60 million dollars in rate refunds to thousands of Iowa utility consumers.

And we cut Medicaid payment airs by 40 percent. We also encourage volunteerism and highlighted the concerns and achievements of handicapped Iowans. We did all of this in state government despite our limits. We used Iowa ingenuity and moved ahead. You legislators deserve credit for all of your good work last year especially on reapportionment which many other states have not yet resolved. I believe we can build on this record the program that I had delivered to you today charts a course with legislative and budget recommendations. I mean Susie asked about what we have designed. And I'm convinced our program will improve. I was quality of life by creating jobs for Iowa workers by providing for Iowans who need our help. Opening new fronts in the war on

crime protecting our precious soil and water and streamlining state government to save tax dollars. We also thank you will be impressed with our ideas on education energy transportation local governments and other critical issues. Let me begin with details on job incentives. We have worked overtime to promote Iowa to keep our state competitive and to export Iowa products overseas all to create AI with jobs. We have had some successes but we are concerned when any island is without a job. My goal again in 1902 is to improve our business climate to further stimulate jobs for Iowans and for young Iowans who will soon look for their first career job. My strategy includes seven points. First I recommend further reducing the burden of property taxes. All new and

replacement machinery equipment and computers should be immediately assessed at only 30 percent of their costs with the state reimbursing localities. The other 70 percent so they will not lose revenue. This is a significant incentive for businesses to locate here in Iowa for existing IWA industries. This is a big incentive for them to reinvest retool and to open up jobs. Second we should fully adopt the new accelerated depreciation schedule. This is another sizable incentive for business and for agriculture too. These actions along with I was single factor income tax formula the continued phase out of personal property taxes and our other advantages will send a clear signal that we mean business when it comes to bringing business and jobs inside our borders

and we are telling Iowa companies we want to keep the good jobs they provide. My seven point plan for more jobs also includes third putting a one stop permitting Center and the development commission to cut red tape for expanding a Small Business Development Authority and beginning a venture capital clearinghouse fifth funding industrial startup trading at Iowa's excellent area schools six expanding housing authority lending to build a thousand more homes for lower income islands and seven mobilizing a governor's Youth Corps to give young Iowans the chance to work. I can also tell you that a governor's high technology task force will meet this week to examine Iowa's potential for this dynamic growth industry. And we intend to enhance our promotion of viable for travel and tourism to bring dollars and jobs here. I have said it before and it bears repeating. Most Iowans

want to work and when they do they work well. I will must stay on the cutting edge and remain competitive. To open up new job opportunities. If we go to work this station for our islands more and more of them will go to work in the future. In a recession some people are not worried about economic revival. They are worried about economic survival. With unemployment rates climbing daily with cuts in federal aid our Department of Social Services is hard pressed to meet the needs of Iowans who are all so hard pressed. To me deficits caused by federal cuts and increase in case loads. I asked for twenty two point two million dollars through fiscal year 1983 in Title 19 medical services. You should also adopt Medicaid program changes to contain costs while

preserving services for the needy and for elderly Iowans. Further while the federal government has passed the buck to us we should not pass the buck to local governments. We will cover the shortfall in Title 20 services. Eleven point seven million dollars for daycare residential care and sheltered work for our disadvantaged and disabled to help Iowa families where both parents are out of work. I request an additional 1.7 million dollars for an expanded shelter assistance program and I continue my support for medical assistance to the children of those families. These requests account for two thirds of all supplemental askings. These are added dollars to take care of people hardest hit in hard times. This plan provides essential services to Iowans who deserve our compassion our concern and our care. A

strong attack on crime headlines my third set of recommendations. I look continues to be a relatively safe place in which to live. We rank 46 in the United States in violent crime. Nevertheless any robbery any mugging any crime is too much. As far as this governor is concerned that is why I convened a governor's conference on crime prevention last October. Over 700 islands from all walks of life and from all 99 counties share their views and learn practical ways to help law enforcement at the local level. They told us they would go home and do their part. Now we have a chance to do our part to not only wage a war on crime but to start winning the war on crime. This morning. I asked for a comprehensive set of laws to thwart a root cause of crime drug trafficking. We need to confiscate

drug profits outlaw lookalike drugs and double and triple fines on drug dealers. A criminal justice improvement fund will boaster undercover narcotic narcotics operations and assist local police and sheriffs. This fund will assist private citizens with crime prevention and provide compensation for victims of crime. I again urge its approval. We have to act to stop unconscionable crimes and especially against elderly islands. Changes need to be made in Iowa's sentencing laws. Convictions for second degree murder attempted murder and auto theft should carry longer sentences. Every inmate should serve a predictable minimum term. The new Iowa classified sentencing system I introduced today will keep violent. A bit you want criminals behind bars where they belong. This system

will also classify low risk offenders who do not believe or do not benefit from long sentences. We have made significant changes that I was scratching our facilities this past year but there are increased demands to take care of the rising prison population and through improved training for correctional officers. My program provides for both. They also aim the spotlight of public attention directly on one crime the crime of drunk driving. Iowa has been commended for acting to curb drunk driving. But there is something else we can do. Today I submit a five point program to curtail driving while intoxicated. This includes the immediate confiscation and revocation of driver's licenses. I am also directing state troopers to step up patrols during late evening hours. We have done a remarkable job of reducing traffic deaths in our state but I am still

outraged when I read of accidents that involve alcohol. It's very simple. Getting more drugs off the road will save lives. The Anti-Crime package you received today has been well researched. It is deliberate and it is detailed and I encourage you to study the written addendum to my remarks. For too long Society has feared the criminal. It's about time the criminal fears society. Your work. This station will touch the lives of violence for years to come. That is also true for Iowa's natural resources so conserving them is the goal of my fourth series of major legislative proposals. I was soil is famous but it also is fragile. We now have a foothold in the effort to conserve Iowa's topsoil. In fact we have made great strides. The number of No-Tail acres doubled

last year helping to stem erosion. I will begin America's first cost share program this year. We ought to begin a conservation loan program to stretch our dollars and save our soil 1082 is also the year for land use legislation to preserve our farmland and the resources that are the essence of this state. The sound bill is ready for your consideration. Future generations of Iowans will thank you for your support of this worthy and workable approach. This year Iowa should consolidate its water policy functions including folding the natural resources consul into the Department of Environmental Quality. Also on my priority lists are ground water quality water storage rights and water allocation. Iowa has been so

beautifully blessed with an abundance of resources. We have the right to enjoy and utilize those resources but not to exploit and undermine them. If we don't save what is ours who will. And if we don't act now then when everyone in this room wants government to be more efficient and more effective so do all taxpayers. We have worked for years to streamline state government and we have come a long way. The hiring freeze cut the state's payroll by twelve hundred positions and in less than two years a majority of the money saving suggestions made by the 1979 governor's economy committee and then put in place this year. We can move ahead and accomplish even more. I again urge consolidating many functions into a single department of personnel to moralize moves would be reorganizing Iowa's historical department

and combining professional licensing operations. And I will soon sign an executive order to help control the proliferation of government forms of paperwork. These are all common sense ideas and they merit. Your thoughtful support. This year 1982. Your work this station will not be limited to creating more Iowa jobs helping the needy. Combating crime protecting our resources and economizing government. You will have other priorities and so do I one that warrant special mention is education. I was elementary and secondary schools area schools colleges and universities draw accolades as well they should. They have received strong support from this administration and I put their dollars to good use. I was a student teacher ratio continues to improve and Scholastic Aptitude Test scores ranked our students number one in the nation. We ought to

take another step forward to assure that young Iowans excel in the 80s. In addition to the 25 million dollar increase already scheduled for next year I request adding $6 per pupil to the school foundation funding level for over 500000 Iowa kids. This will break school year 1982 83 funding to six hundred forty eight million dollars by far the highest ever to support higher education I asked for supplemental appropriations for the University of Iowa College of Medicine. And for more faculty to cover increased enrollment said I was state and you and I. These dollars will be added to the recently increased tuition income which will stay with the Board of Regents and I recommend bonding for a much needed facility at the University of Iowa Law School. I also endorse more tuition grant funding and the concept of a higher education loan

authority to help young Iowans attend the college of their choice. I program for 1982 includes meaningful assistance to local governments such as consolidating county funds for more flexibility allowing voters to adopt local option taxes forming an advisory commission on intergovernmental relations to work with I was cities and counties other priorities include offering a property tax exemption for homes using energy saving passive solar systems assuring ongoing operation of the department of substance abuse and the Energy Policy Council planning for centralized funding of Iowa's judicial system. Speeding up opening of the new hospital wing at the Iowa veterans home in Marshalltown and adjusting the gasohol tax exemption to continue support for the Iowa

corn growers but also putting needed dollars into road repairs. Your actions last year on road maintenance and road bonding will help us in the near future. Shortly I will appoint a spatial blue ribbon panel to review I was transportation system looking to our needs into the 21st century. This recommendation came from the governor's conference on economic opportunities held in Iowa City last November. And we Iowans will benefit from this panel's findings. So this is my agenda. This is my last legislative program for 1982. I can tell you again.

That. As I have worked on this program I really have become extremely enthusiastic about it and I hope you too will see it as I have seen it. We really can do so much more than just get by one day at a time. Tomorrows are made today. My program looks to brighter tomorrows. I have set forth this game plan realizing that the president and Congress are still rewriting some of the rules and just as a snow fence cannot stop and I will blizzard. We cannot be expected to pick up all of the losses from federal cuts. It is important that we maintain at least a small Treasury balance for cash flow and contingencies. So I call for collecting an estimated five and a half million dollars from oil producers by not allowing the deduction of federal taxes on windfall profits.

And we should collect the sales tax on Interstate telephone calls as we do on local calls and on cable TV as we do on other forms of entertainment. I propose reducing that he ducked ability of federal taxes on state corporate taxes in order to offer the job incentives. I introduced earlier. Even with this change I won't will still be one of only six states that offers this kind of tax break. Our controller Ron Mosher who incidentally is so good and so professional forecasts revenue growth the 5.6 percent for this fiscal year he projects a twenty six million dollar balance as a June 30th Nineteen eighty two and a 30 million dollar balance one year later. At the end of this biennial of course these balances are low but they are balances is in the black today and we

will be in a black tomorrow. Compare our budget with those states in the red and our balance as small as it is looks like a pot of gold. Here in Iowa once again good planning has paid off. We made cuts and held the line on spending. We have said no a lot more than we have said yes. Not every state has shown this kind of discipline and now they are making meat axe cuts raising taxes or doing both. It sounds a lot easier to go along with the simple easy notion of adding a penny or two sales tax. I've heard that rationale for years. Well I'll give you my reaction to that remedy. I don't buy it when families and farmers and business people are wrestling with inflation recession and high interest rates and when some people are not even working state government should not go to those very people and ask to raise a major tax that has

been my philosophy. That is my philosophy today and I believe our Iowans share as a result in the last 10 years taxes have risen less in Iowa. Than in forty two other states in 1982 with nature income tax cuts at the federal level. We should not shortchange Iowans by raising major taxes at the state level. I was budget will balance without increasing sales tax rates and without increasing income tax rates. Now in closing I'm reminded of a comment made by John nays but Mr. Naismith is a trends analyst. He tells people what to look for in the future. In his remarks. Johnny's butt said we must make uncertainty our friend. It is among other things the only certainty we have

and I'm sure Johnnies believes that. But. What about here in Iowa with the lingering chill of recession in the frigid cold of winter. Can we find any certainty here. I think we can or certainly we can. There is still a special kind of spirit that goes with being an island a spirit that glows in the cities and towns and on the farms of the state. It is this spirit we are once carried to Pasadena California and show the entire country New Year's Day. But I will Hawkeyes played in the Rose Bowl. We may not turn every challenge into a conquest but we try. We try again and again that resilience is an Iowa certainty. That too makes our home a very special place. And here in Iowa people don't just tend to themselves

they tend to each other. My message today is really about trying and tending to others. All of you and all Iowans who are not here in this chamber people all across the state. My program is not a personal program. It's not a partisan program but it's a people's program to use a popular expression this program is now in your court. But I will not retreat to the sidelines. I will not simply ask you to do well so that our Iowans may do well. I will work with you. So my staff are capable agency heads and all of the dedicated men and women who serve in state government. Good hardworking Iowans have placed their trust in us. I respectfully suggest we owe them nothing less than our best efforts. Let us join

together with real resolve with a degree of optimism and yes with a healthy perspective on what makes Iowa great. If we do one thousand need to truly can be an exciting and enterprising year for our state and for our people. Let us begin. Thank you. As the governor said the ball is now in the legislator scored a key proposal that he made recognizes business complain. Unemployment concerns in Iowa. He wants the 70 percent tax reduction on investments made for new businesses and business expansion the goal being to create new jobs and to modernize Iowa industries to make up for the lost revenue of the company's subsequent profits will be taxed more heavily. He also wants to start phasing out the current seven cent per gallon tax waiver given to gasohol that extend a penny tax advantage for gasohol into 1985 in agriculture. The governor wants the legislature to approve a loan program to help farmers finance their

salt conservation practices. Now these proposals and all the others have been fed into the legislative mill. We'll see what emerges in a few months. Thank you for joining us for coverage of the 13th condition of the state address to the Iowa legislature by Governor Robert D rate board did not. Like condition of the state was an IPB on public affairs presentation. It was made possible in part by a grant from friends of PBS. For. Major funding for this program was provided by friends of Iowa Public Television. The condition of the state an address delivered earlier today by outgoing

Governor Robert D right at the state capital in Des Moines. Here is Dean Bard. Good evening. This morning Robert Ray said good bye to the government he shaped over the past 14 years to the programs he started which will help solve the problems he leaves behind. He leaves he says with no regrets and he told Iowans in his final condition of the state message they shouldn't have any either. What he has done or about who they are as I was getting ready to come up here I was handed a. Letter. From a youngster. That I would share with you particularly those of you who are newly elected. Letters to Governor Robert de Rey. I'm curious about what you're going to do after you leave office. Are you going to stay in politics. Or are you going to live a normal life. Mr. Mr. Governor Mr.

Speaker Mr. Chief Justice justices and judges. Represented. And prepared this message. Abraham Lincoln had everybody. Expected everybody legislators the press and the people. That is. Not the approach here. Thirty five point program

together. In the years ahead. Governorship. And I quote. I am part. Of all. That I met. Certainly those words ring true for me. I am a part. Of all that I met. During five terms as governor of this wonderful state. I are fortunate to have been asked to share the highlights of so many peoples lives. Boys and Girls and boys and girls basketball tournaments all

kinds of ethnic festivals and celebrations honors programs to Iowans sharing these experiences truly has been the highlight of our lives. Talk about thrill among the Hawkeye fans watching people has to be a real highlight too. Never again will they remember the good times. Remember how they acted during times I think back to the dozens of other disasters and even the

temporary help. Rebuild stronger than ever before. I am proud to have such a resource. Time and time again to understand Chinese. Joys the danger and opportunity of the past 14 years we Americans have opportunity in early life actual destruction of property

seized the opportunity for their continued constitutional rights. Consider the Watergate crisis in the mid 70s. There was a danger in that too. The public's unparalleled loss of respect for a president of the United States threatened government at all levels with mistrust and cynicism. Yet in Iowa we seized the opportunity to demonstrate how government can be open and honest and credible people kept their faith in us. We were able to knit a consensus on most issues and act on behalf of the people.

Remember the energy crisis in the late 70s. There was great danger the shortage of fuel nearly stopped our cars in the streets and our tractors in the fields people worried whether they would be able to heat their homes yet in Iowa we seized the opportunity to set up an Iowa oil pool to clean and use our own coal to utilize solar technology to market gasohol and to be a leader in energy conservation. Most recently the crisis of the early 1980s has been economic back to back recession is causing millions of people to be thrown out of work across this land. Here the danger reaches the very core of society the individual and the family unit. Too many good people want to work and cannot. Too many good people want to feed

and clothe themselves and their families and cannot. Too many good people want to build a better life for their children and cannot and in a sluggish economy. Cities counties and states also suffer because of slumping revenues. We are no exception. Yet Iowa has seized the opportunity to make prudent changes while other states have made drastic cuts in services or raise major taxes or both. We have done neither and despite the financial beating which has sent state after state reeling into the red. We have provided a way to run state government without a sales or other major tax increase. With your continued support we will not have a deficit. When I was Treasury.

As difficult as they were we have made the adjustments that cause the least amount of pain. But with the lingering recession and additional cuts in federal spending likely we must remain tight fisted and tight fist. Today is better than an empty hand tomorrow. For 14 years then we have minimized the dangers and maximize the opportunities. Every year has been different. The compelling issues in one period gone virtually unmentioned. A few years later it was a former president of France who once said and I quote To

govern is to choose our purpose than it has been to choose to choose wisely. We have anticipated issues early identified courses of action stuck by our guns and rallied Iowans to march with us in the direction of progress. We have not ducked controversy. Our choices have been based on common sense and I think most people believe they have been good ones. Together we have improved. I was business climate to attract industry and jobs. This is my first election. Companies have located 11 hundred plants here and expanded twenty four hundred more this past year. Despite the sour economy the recession and that too many lost jobs. More new jobs were created in Iowa than in

1981. The higher one now program we began last fall is helped over two thousand unemployed Iowans find work and credit is due. Television stations serving three regions which cooperated with Job Service of Iowa to hold a successful job at the times. Together we have greatly enhanced education to better prepare young Iowans So if we began the school Foundation plan a decade ago state aid for public schools has totaled almost five billion dollars. And Iowa is a national leader in support for special education. The number of Iowans who have completed four years of college jumped one hundred eighty five percent in the decade of the 70s. In my first inaugural I called for two weeks and grants for Iowa's private college students. We began that program right away with an appropriation of one and a half million dollars. This

year we're providing more than 10 times that much support. Fifteen million dollars. And we have seen phenomenal growth that our vocational technical schools. Together we have protected people from rising property taxes with new and expanded tax credits. In fact property taxes as a percent of all taxation fell by 25 percent between 1968 and 1980. We abolished the sales tax on food and drugs to help the needy and older Iowans on fixed incomes. We have preserved a key incentive. I was single factor corporate tax while adding urban revitalization and still other job incentives that were passed last year. Isle of farmland is now assessed on its productivity and inheritance tax laws were changed to benefit

survivors. Together we have more fully recognize the value of Agriculture. We have begun to stem the tide of soil erosion with a cause share conservation program that was a first in this nation just last week. Bob Clark a very bright young farmer from Linn County was in my office as we announced he would receive I was first soil conservation loan together. We have also made an presidenta strides with our environment adopting the bottling Kandil has given us a cleaner and more attractive violence. Our state parks Nala comedy 15 million visitors every year and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation we began four years ago. It's already saved thousands of acres of precious prairie's marshes and woodlands. Together we have conserved taxpayers money by consolidating several state

agencies notably the Department of Transportation. The novel Road branch line program has upgraded twelve hundred miles of track in the past 14 years we have paved 4000 miles of roads and resurface forty four hundred miles more. We have replaced eight hundred and thirty eight bridges. We have constructed nine new bridges across the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. According to my last report most m are still standing. Together. We have made a safe city even safer. I was a law enforcement academy is a model for the nation and the state crime lab is aiding local law enforcement. We have reformed I was court system. Modernize the criminal and juvenile codes and crack down on drunk driving. Effective programs to combat drug abuse and

alcoholism are in place and they are working. The good news in 1982. The bottom line was this. The crime rate and the number of traffic deaths in Iowa well went down. Together we can be proud of other accomplishments. The Iowa housing finance authority helping Iowans buy homes a family practice program training medical doctors and a citizen's aide working to cut through red tape nutritional programs are feeding thousands of older Iowans every day. Mental health and foster care services have been vastly improved. More women and minorities are in the state government workforce. A record ninety nine percent of Iowa's school children

have been immunized. We are providing additional dollars for arts and culture and revenue sharing with cities and counties. We have promoted by and I will meet outside of our state and community betterment here in our state. Both are very successful. All of this and more constitutes the condition of the state. A balanced condition as vital as a balanced budget and its effect on the quality of our lives. Despite occasional setbacks and we have had them we have done a lot of good for Iowans and those Iowans in turn do a lot of good for people around the world thanks to our farmers and to those who process I was commodities and others. There is perhaps no other place on this earth where so few

do so much for so many. In light of this we must always take seriously our role in the world community. So I encourage every Iowan who watches and listens to or reads this message to ponder some very serious matters. Hunger and world trade nuclear arms and world peace. As we meet right now 500 million people around the world are malnutrition or malnourished half a billion hungry people twice as many as all of the people in the United States of America. Yet in this country there cry of hunger is rarely heard with such obvious need. Why I ask most Iowa farmers confront so many trade barriers the question is even more timely with the news last week that America set a record trade deficit last year. The

answer does not lie in erecting trade barriers of our own as some suggest. The answer lies in stronger negotiation. I was taught cattle and pork officials join me in a visit to Japan last fall to discuss this issue at length. We delivered a firm message that cargo ships bringing Japanese Toyotas docks and Hondas and Sony TVs across the Pacific should be met by ships carrying more Iowa corn beans pork and beef to that country going the other way still. Agriculture exports have multiplied tenfold during the time I've been governor. By promoting Iowa productivity and quality as suggested by Devon David Bell and the other day there is reason to believe this kind of growth can continue. Our food manufactured equipment have the potential to do so much good in the isolated villages of

Nigeria to the overcrowded cities in the Far East. Another Iowa Foreign Office this one in Asia and new export trading companies can realize much of that potential. And if we save our fragile soil this state could be a steady source of exports well into the 21st century. But also there must be a 21st century. This morning as we discussed jobs and hunger trade everyone a matter of urgent priority. Ponder for a moment the vulnerable vulnerability of every Iowan every American every man woman and child on this planet. Due to the peril of nuclear arms the arms race can never be won if the superpowers keep pouring more billions of dollars into defense producing weapons of destruction instead of

instruments of peace as the Bible commands us. This truly is the time to beat swords into plowshares before it is too late now. It'll. The answer lies with open communications and mutual understanding. After I leave the governorship building I tend to spend some time this year working for the friendship force and hopefully in developing our new sister state relationship with a province of the People's Republic of China. But regardless of what

my pursuits might be my interests and my concern will always remain deeply rooted in our state. That is why my administration has made considerable effort to prepare for this session to define issues and put forward ideas which I commend to you today. If your interest is jobs and there can be no issue more important than 1983 read the recommendations of our high technology task force moves swiftly to act on these and other job incentives. If your interest is education consider the findings of the governor's Science Advisory Council regarding science and mathematics instruction prepared to receive the report. The foreign language task force chaired by President Jim Freeman of the University of Iowa.

And recall how plans for a new law school at Iowa got shelved in the final hours of last year's session. I urge you to consider the regions funding proposal. If your interest is Iowa's infrastructure study the 60 proposals released just last month from the blue ribbon transportation task force. If your interest is in the safety of people look long and hard at the idea is coming from our drunk driving and childcare task forces and reconsider my plan from last year for a classified sentencing system. If your interest is quality health care the governor's health care cost containment commission as outlined comprehensive suggestions that deserve your review. And if your interest is water resources follow closely the work of our Missouri River coordinator. I would also urge you to keep open minds and to take a fresh

look at two worthwhile ideas. One is a Washington D.C. office for the state of Iowa. Some day a majority of lawmakers will see the benefit of a small office that could actually cut our costs in dealing with the federal government while also protecting I was interest second. I still believe people should be allowed to use the local option concept to raise revenue if that be their desire. Looking to the past and the future I ask you to support efforts to add to the generous gift you have wisely earmarked for a new historical building. I so I also ask you to look ahead much as we did several years ago with Iowa 2000 without slighting current problems which you must deal with do not become so preoccupied or so distorted by them that you avoid long range planning.

I ask you to offer hope to young people who will live in I was future and reassurance to older Iowans to whom we owe so very much. And with your voices and your votes I ask you to show a special compassion for the poor and the handicapped. Those people who cannot fend for themselves. This would be a challenging year for all of you. But the demands on the budget pressure on the unemployment trust fund and many other matters you will debate in the months ahead to you who are legislative veterans. You know what challenges are all about and you have my appreciation for helping meet them while I've been here and to you who are here for the first time. You have my congratulations and my best wishes for

your entering a very exciting period in your lives to law all of you. I join our Iowans in expressing more interest in the final product of this session than in the politics which will shape it. One year from now January 1994 farce the 100th anniversary of the first legislative session held under this Golden Dawn. What better way to mark this intended bill than with a General Assembly enveloped in a spirit of bipartisan cooperation. I know that sounds optimistic but is there a better approach. I think don't you begin your efforts with the knowledge that Governor elect Terry Branstad is willing to listen and wants to work with you. Our new governor is experience and he's prepared for this office. There hasn't been a smoother or better translation in the United States. And Terry I stand ready to

help it any way that you ask. When I assume this office in 1969 I said what a lot of things and I nod like would like to put each successive I want governor has made his contribution to the realization of mankind's quest toward a more perfect society where illness cruelty and bitterness and war will be no more. It is a quest which has no wind which makes us a little better tomorrow than we are today. I have sought to make my contribution as best I can. I have had some great help and my loyal hardworking staff

to the department heads and all of the men and women in the executive branch to the people who have given their time to serve on state boards and commissions. To you legislators and yes to the press you have my many thanks to the voters who put their trust and faith in me for five terms and to all Iowans I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have served and led Iowa during these exciting times. Well the governorship I began 14 years ago ends in a few days. Mankind's quest for a more perfect society continues. I intend to remain a part of it. But for now on behalf of the late Randy the way I became let me just simply say thank you again

and goodbye. But the first extraordinary resolution honoring him for his service to the state reset it at the end of the speech by the joint session. Robert Ray said goodbye to his successor Terry Branstad will take office this Friday. And you can see that entire inaugural event right here on the Iowa Public Television at 9:00 p.m. Friday. Until then I'm Dean Ford. Good evening. Major funding for this telecast of the condition of the state was provided

by friends of Iowa Public Television.