“We welcome the opportunity to discuss the future of Iowa with our primary opponents,” said campaign manager Jeff Boeyink. “The governor looks forward to sharing his message of job creation, family income growth and restoring fiscal responsibility to the state’s budget.” 

The Governor Branstad 2010 campaign has accepted an invitation to an April 7 debate to be held at KTIV studios in Sioux City. KTIV is partnering with sister stations, KWWL in Waterloo, and KTTC in Rochester, MN. 

The second debate will be held in Cedar Rapids on May 1, and is sponsored by the Iowa Broadcast News Association. 

The Governor Branstad 2010 campaign will also accept an invitation to participate in the traditional Des Moines Register debate in Des Moines, which is held each primary campaign. 

“This will give Iowans all over the state a chance to view the Republican gubernatorial candidates, and where each stands on the issues,” said Boeyink. “We are excited to participate in these debates.”

For more information on the Governor Branstad 2010 campaign, please visit www.GovernorBranstad2010.com

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Branstad, a Republican who’s seeking a fifth term as governor, says it’s time for the state to have budget plans that stretch over two years, not just one, and he says the governor and legislators should agree on a five-year financial plan for state government…full story HERE.

Branstad, who is seeking the Republican nod for Iowa’s top job, visited Southeast Webster-Grand Junior and Senior High School in Burnside Monday, part of a regional campaign swing that also included stops in Jefferson and Rockwell City…full story HERE.

While there, the governor outlined his four goals: 200,000 new jobs, a 15 percent reduction in government, a 25 percent increase in family incomes all across Iowa, and to again make Iowa’s schools the best in the country.

The governor also unveiled a new policy proposal that would establish biennial budgets, and enact five-year budgeting.  Please find the proposal here: http://www.governorbranstad2010.com/policy-rollout

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 8, 2010
Contact: Tim Albrecht (515) 491-2722

(BURNSIDE, Iowa) – Gov. Terry Branstad today rolled out new policy that would end bad budget practices, replace yearly budgets with a biennial budget process, and develop and implement a five-year financial plan for state government.

The proposal can be seen by clicking here.

“It is time to stop playing shell games with taxpayer dollars, stop erratic budget fixes and start talking honestly about the state’s finances,” said Gov. Branstad. “This proposal will end bad budget practices and again bring fiscal responsibility to the state.”

When Gov. Branstad left office in 1999, the state of Iowa had a record $900 million surplus. Most recently, the budget faced a projected shortfall of nearly $1 billion. Gov. Chet Culver then enacted a 10 percent across-the-board cut in state government, causing property tax increases and uncertainty among Iowa’s state departments.

“This method of budgeting will remove the incremental cost increases due to annual budgets, and will provide stability to entities dependent on state resources,” said Branstad. “Implementing a five-year financial plan will meet critical needs while avoiding budget cliffs for years into the future.

“Current practices focus on a year-to-year approach with little regard for impact upon future budgets, new burdens for taxpayers, or ability to meet critical needs.”

Gov. Branstad today outlined his proposal in a speech to students and faculty at Southeast Webster-Grand High School.

For more information on the Governor Branstad 2010 campaign, please visit www.GovernorBranstad2010.com

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“We are going to attempt the unthinkable,” said State Senator Merlin Bartz, (R) Grafton. “No party has ever come from the 32-18 minority, to a 26-24 majority in one election cycle.”…full story HERE.

The pitch is working. Early polls show Branstad with a lead as large as 20 points over Gov. Chet Culver (D), who is battling a poor economy and frustration fueled by Capitol Hill vitriol that incumbent politicians are not delivering…full story HERE.

“It’s more than about just himself, it’s about leading the party back,” Albrecht said…full story HERE!