Governor Culver Delivers ‘Condition of the State’ Address Tomorrow

State of Iowa Seal

DES MOINES – Governor Chet Culver will deliver his Condition of the State address Tuesday, in which he will focus on promises made – and kept – during his administration. In so doing, Culver said, Iowa is positioned for sustainable growth and success. Following are excerpts from his speech, which will be delivered at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow at the House chamber at the State Capitol.

“The condition of our state is strong; we’ve made the tough decisions; and we’ve kept our promises to the people of Iowa.”

Included in the promises are helping Iowa’s children both through health reform and making universal preschool available, creating a broad renewable energy industry, and bringing top businesses to Iowa that created over 20,000 good-paying jobs. Workforce development, he said, was particularly important during the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

“These efforts have allowed Iowa to lead the country out of the recession. Thirteen of our 19 largest companies just reported double-digit stock gains in 2010, and we are the only state in the nation to post 14 consecutive months of sustained economic growth. These positive signs, coupled with our $950 million surplus, clearly show the strength of Iowa’s economy.”

These accomplishments weren’t without sacrifice and hard work for all Iowans, Culver said.

“We’ve accomplished a great deal together and moved our state forward these last four years, despite governing through some very challenging times for this state.”

Iowa Public Television will carry the Governor’s address live tomorrow.

Note to media: The Governor and Governor-elect do not wish to provide undue distraction from the duties assigned to each as part of an orderly transition. Therefore, Governor-elect Branstad will not be in attendance at the Governor’s Condition of the State address Tuesday, and Governor Culver will not participate in inaugural activities on Friday.