(SIOUX CITY, IA) Siouxland News anchor Erika Thomas sat down with Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds on Thursday for an in-depth discussion on a number of issues impacting northwest Iowa.
They talked about the drought of 2012, how Iowa agriculture will have to adjust as the weather changes and how farmers can adapt to a changing climate. Governor Branstad took a position on gun control and emphasized the need for better mental health services. He also discussed the impact of the Governor's Bullying Summit, how Sioux City has been instrumental in working toward change and making kids feel safer at school. Wind and solar energy, along with other renewable energy sources, will definitely be a focus for the state in 2013 and moving forward, along with attracting more businesses to the state by reducing commercial property taxes.
The governor also went into more detail about his education reform plan, including a tuition reimbursement program for teachers who stay in Iowa. Finally, the administration touched on whether they plan to run again for the state's highest office in 2014.
Reported by Erika Thomas. You can contact her at ethomas@siouxlandnews.com
Friend her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ErikaThomasTV and follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ErikaThomasTV.
