During his “condition of the state” address Jan. 15, Gov. Chet Culver (D) emphasized the need for lawmakers to limit new spending this year, while he proposed new initiatives in health care, education and the environment.
On the health-care front, Culver said he supported a smoking ban and more physical activity in schools. Culver also called for an expansion of state-run health insurance to an additional 7,500 people.
“Why shouldn’t every Iowan get the same type of insurance coverage that elected officials get? Well, that’s my goal,” he said.
To pay for more environmental protection activities, Culver urged the Democratic-controlled General Assembly to double the state’s nickel-a-bottle deposit for bottles and cans. One cent of the deposit would go to programs protecting the environment, he said.
Culver plugged renewable fuels and an effort to reduce odors around livestock farms.
On education, the governor proposed expanding early childhood education to make it available to all Iowans by 2010.
Culver said he wants to raise new revenue to build roads, bridges and other infrastructure, but he ruled out a gas tax hike. He also announced his support for building a new prison in Fort Madison, to replace the existing penitentiary there.
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