Despite many challenges, including weakness in the farm economy, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad believes the state is in good shape. That was his message today to members of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon in Bettendorf.
Branstad says Iowa was recently named the third best-managed state in the country and he credits the tough decisions he and the legislature have made since he took office in 2011, and his focus, since then, on economic development. For example, unemployment in the state was more than six percent when he became Governor, but it's now 4.7 percent.
Branstad also defended the controversial decision to turn over Medicaid to private management, saying it will help participants get more modern medical care and save money for the state.
The Governor also hopes the Iowa legislature will soon agree on state aid for schools. The house has approved a 2 percent increase, the senate supports 4 percent, and he believes 2 and 1/2 percent is what the state can best afford.
