Hope you had a good Christmas - despite the less than perfect weather. We decided by December 23 to postpone our family dinner and gift exchange until Sunday, December 27. With people traveling to our home in West Des Moines from the southern part of the state, it just wasn't worth the risk.
So, on Sunday the entire family- including our children and their families, my parents, and my brother and his family -- joined John and me for a great holiday celebration. I know that all over the state Iowa families were enjoying time with their families too. And that is what the holidays are about, isn't it?
Another thing that I have figured out is that all grandchildren are extremely bright and good-looking. Can you tell that they have grandma and grandpa exactly where they want us to be?
With the Christmas good times behind us, it is time to think about the bowl games. Our house is a house divided since John and I and our three children all have attended either Iowa State University or the University of Iowa. To keep the peace, we cheer for all Iowa teams equally! But this year for the first time I am going to see the school that I attended -- the Iowa Hawkeyes -- play in a bowl game at the Orange Bowl in Miami. Can't wait to get in the sun for a few days and cheer the Hawks to victory! Will send a blog or two along while traveling.
But until time to get on that plane we are busy here at the Capital with budget talks and legislative plans.
Hope you all have a happy new year and wish you the best of luck in 2010!
Until next time,
Patty
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Happy Holidays!
The Holidays are almost here and as usual it seems there aren't enough hours in the day.
The Governor and I are busy meeting with legislative leadership and Iowans from across the state who have issues and ideas that need to be addressed during the upcoming legislative session. In addition, we are working hard to enact savings and efficiencies that were outlined in the Governor's Executive Order #20.
The days here at the Capitol are full, and evenings are full of holiday activities. Last night we had the opportunity to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra at Wells Fargo Arena. What a great show!
The shopping is done, but I still have to get the presents wrapped and a lot of baking to do!
Let's all keep our fingers crossed that we don't get too much bad weather over the next few days too. But if that does happen please take all the weather peoples' advice and try to stay off the roads.
We hope you have a safe holiday and a Happy New Year!
Patty
The Governor and I are busy meeting with legislative leadership and Iowans from across the state who have issues and ideas that need to be addressed during the upcoming legislative session. In addition, we are working hard to enact savings and efficiencies that were outlined in the Governor's Executive Order #20.
The days here at the Capitol are full, and evenings are full of holiday activities. Last night we had the opportunity to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra at Wells Fargo Arena. What a great show!
The shopping is done, but I still have to get the presents wrapped and a lot of baking to do!
Let's all keep our fingers crossed that we don't get too much bad weather over the next few days too. But if that does happen please take all the weather peoples' advice and try to stay off the roads.
We hope you have a safe holiday and a Happy New Year!
Patty
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Letts Gets a New Community Center
We ended the day with a great event in the rural town of Letts.
In my 20 years of public service, I have been to nearly every town and city in the state. However, I don't think I have been to Letts before, so it was a treat to go someplace new.
We held our event at the Letts City Hall and Community Center. As I drove up to the 105 year old building, I could tell that it no longer meets the needs of its citizens.
For years, this community has been working to build a new library and community center. However, they have not been able to get all the funding they needed, until I-JOBS. They will utilize $400,000 to build a new top-of-the-line building.
Now, I know how important buildings like this are to a community like Letts. Being from Albia, and representing dozens of small rural communities like this in the legislature, I know from first hand experience that projects like this are a big deal and help bring a community together. And that couldn't be more true in Letts. This is a small community with a lot of heart, and I am glad that the I-JOBS program will be able to help make the goal of a new community center a reality.
After coffee, cookies and good conversation, it is time to head home.
This is probably our last trip until after the new year. I'm glad it was a such a good one.
I want to thank everyone for following along, and keep checking back to find out what I am up to. I will continue to blog every few days about the holidays, plans for the legislative session, and maybe even a bowl game that is coming up soon!
Until next time,
Patty
In my 20 years of public service, I have been to nearly every town and city in the state. However, I don't think I have been to Letts before, so it was a treat to go someplace new.
We held our event at the Letts City Hall and Community Center. As I drove up to the 105 year old building, I could tell that it no longer meets the needs of its citizens.
For years, this community has been working to build a new library and community center. However, they have not been able to get all the funding they needed, until I-JOBS. They will utilize $400,000 to build a new top-of-the-line building.
Now, I know how important buildings like this are to a community like Letts. Being from Albia, and representing dozens of small rural communities like this in the legislature, I know from first hand experience that projects like this are a big deal and help bring a community together. And that couldn't be more true in Letts. This is a small community with a lot of heart, and I am glad that the I-JOBS program will be able to help make the goal of a new community center a reality.
After coffee, cookies and good conversation, it is time to head home.
This is probably our last trip until after the new year. I'm glad it was a such a good one.
I want to thank everyone for following along, and keep checking back to find out what I am up to. I will continue to blog every few days about the holidays, plans for the legislative session, and maybe even a bowl game that is coming up soon!
Until next time,
Patty
Improving Safety, Creating Jobs in Mt. Pleasant
We are just leaving Mt. Pleasant. We started our visit with a delicious lunch at Jerry's Restaurant, and then spent a little time at Lori's Loft looking for some last minute Christmas gifts.
With our stomach's full, we headed on to our I-Jobs event at the old grocery store. Now, I know that seems like an odd place to do a press conference, but this building, which had been vacant for a long time, is being transformed into Mt. Pleasant's new police department thanks to $600,000 in I-JOBS funds.
Now, many people in the minority party in the legislature continue to criticize the Governor and me for creating I-JOBS, saying that this program will not create good jobs. Well, they need to come to Mt. Pleasant and tell that to the 40 people who now have jobs this Christmas building the new police station. This project proves that I-JOBS is putting people to work and turning this economy around. And the best part is that it is improving our quality-of-life. These naysayers can, and no doubt will, keep on criticizing I-JOBS. But they should know that they are not only criticizing me and the Governor. They are also criticizing the communities that are creating jobs and helping us build Iowa's future.
I'm glad we made a stop in Mt. Pleasant. It was great to see the real and immediate impact this money is having on our state.
And I do have some roots in Mt. Pleasant, too. My dad attended Iowa Wesleyan College as a young sailor home from WWII. While he was studying, I began my school years just up the street from the campus. We lived here two years before moving to Albia. I took a drive around but the campus has grown and changed so much that not much is recognizable.
Well, we have one more event today up in Letts before heading home.
Until next time,
Patty
Des Moines County Road Being Rebuilt with I-JOBS
Our second stop today brought us to Burlington and the Des Moines County Courthouse.
Its great to be back here, especially to learn more about the work that I-JOBS is doing in this community.
This county was hit hard by the floods last year. And while much work has been done, there are still some projects that have not yet been completed. One of those is Tama Road on the north side of town. This road has been washed out several times - not only during the floods themselves, but often after a hard rain.
However, thanks to a $175,000 I-JOBS grant, we will be able to make improvements to this road and prevent it from flooding in the future. And in the process, we will create some good jobs and invest money in this community.
This is the type of project that I-JOBS was designed for. We are investing in our economy while making our state a safer place.
Well, we are off to grab some lunch before heading to our next stop in Mt. Pleasant.
Until next time,
Patty
Its great to be back here, especially to learn more about the work that I-JOBS is doing in this community.
This county was hit hard by the floods last year. And while much work has been done, there are still some projects that have not yet been completed. One of those is Tama Road on the north side of town. This road has been washed out several times - not only during the floods themselves, but often after a hard rain.
However, thanks to a $175,000 I-JOBS grant, we will be able to make improvements to this road and prevent it from flooding in the future. And in the process, we will create some good jobs and invest money in this community.
This is the type of project that I-JOBS was designed for. We are investing in our economy while making our state a safer place.
Well, we are off to grab some lunch before heading to our next stop in Mt. Pleasant.
Until next time,
Patty
Investment in Fort Madison
Last week snow curtailed our travels to Southeast Iowa. But we didn't want to pass up an opportunity to visit this part of the state, so we cleared the schedule and hit the road late yesterday afternoon.
We stayed overnight at one of my favorite places - the Kingsley Inn in Fort Madison. This is one of Iowa's great bed and breakfasts, and I never miss an opportunity to stay when in this corner of the state. The owners - Tim and Tami Waggoner - are just great hosts. They bought the hotel a couple of years ago, and are working hard to grow their business and their new hometown.
After a good nights sleep, and a delicious breakfast, we headed to our event just down the street at the old Fort Madison Depot.
This community is one of the few in our state that is serviced by Amtrak. But, right now, passengers get off at a platform in the industrial part of town. This is not a very good way to be introduced to this great Iowa community. However, this is all going to change thanks to I-JOBS.
Located right on the riverfront is the historic Santa Fe depot. However, this building has not housed passengers for several decades. And the building has been hit hard by flooding - especially during the floods of 2008.
With the IJOBS funds, the City will raise this building up to protect it from future flooding and restore the depot. When its all said and done, Amtrak will make this their station. With the Mississippi on one side, and picturesque Fort Madison on the other, this will be a great gateway for visitors to this community who will spend money in local shops, hotels, and restaurants. This project will help bring new life to Fort Madison - which has been hit hard economically in recent years - and I'm glad I had a chance to see for myself the work this town is doing.
Well, we are heading down the road to our next event in Burlington.
See you down the road,
Patty
We stayed overnight at one of my favorite places - the Kingsley Inn in Fort Madison. This is one of Iowa's great bed and breakfasts, and I never miss an opportunity to stay when in this corner of the state. The owners - Tim and Tami Waggoner - are just great hosts. They bought the hotel a couple of years ago, and are working hard to grow their business and their new hometown.
After a good nights sleep, and a delicious breakfast, we headed to our event just down the street at the old Fort Madison Depot.
This community is one of the few in our state that is serviced by Amtrak. But, right now, passengers get off at a platform in the industrial part of town. This is not a very good way to be introduced to this great Iowa community. However, this is all going to change thanks to I-JOBS.
Located right on the riverfront is the historic Santa Fe depot. However, this building has not housed passengers for several decades. And the building has been hit hard by flooding - especially during the floods of 2008.
With the IJOBS funds, the City will raise this building up to protect it from future flooding and restore the depot. When its all said and done, Amtrak will make this their station. With the Mississippi on one side, and picturesque Fort Madison on the other, this will be a great gateway for visitors to this community who will spend money in local shops, hotels, and restaurants. This project will help bring new life to Fort Madison - which has been hit hard economically in recent years - and I'm glad I had a chance to see for myself the work this town is doing.
Well, we are heading down the road to our next event in Burlington.
See you down the road,
Patty
Friday, December 11, 2009
Getting Back to Normal
Things are finally returning to normal after this week's historic blizzard. Wasn't that snow fall just unbelievable? I have a little pug puppy that will be a year old in January so this is his first winter going "outside". It would have been really funny watching his reaction to all the snow if I hadn't had to be out in the cold with him. He couldn't find his sidewalk, favorite bushes or tree trunks - what's a guy supposed to do?
Like many other Iowans, I was stuck home on Wednesday. And while I was there, I was able to get some work done. In particular, I used the time to get more familiar with the recommendations outlined in teh report on government efficiencies that was released earlier this week.
For a little background, a few months ago, we hired a consultant to give us the outside perspective of state government. They looked at what we do in state government, and made recommendations on ways to streamline services and save taxpayers money. Their report was released on Tuesday, and it outlined more than $340 million in savings that could be achieved in the next year, and nearly $1.7 billion in savings over the next five.
Now that we have their report, Governor Culver is looking at some of the recommendations that can be done by executive order, and he will be implementing those ideas in the next week or so. Those savings alone are expected to save taxpayers more than $128 million. In addition, we will both be working with the legislature on some of the ideas that require changes to the law.
While this recession has been tough for all of us, it gives state government an opportunity to be innovative while saving money. Many of these ideas are common-sense, practical approaches to making your state work better for you.
If you haven’t had a chance to look at the report, check it out at our website – governor.iowa.gov. Take some time to get familiar with these ideas, and let us know what you think. We can’t do this without you, and the support of all Iowans.
Today is the annual employee holiday open house and lunch here at the Capitol. It gives the Governor and me the opportunity to say thank you to the wonderful state workers for all they do all year long and to wish them and their families "Happy Holidays". Tonight John and I will attend an Iowa Energy game which is always lots of fun, so all and all a great day ahead.
Tomorrow I HAVE to Christmas shop!! Stay warm out there.
Until next time,
Patty
Like many other Iowans, I was stuck home on Wednesday. And while I was there, I was able to get some work done. In particular, I used the time to get more familiar with the recommendations outlined in teh report on government efficiencies that was released earlier this week.
For a little background, a few months ago, we hired a consultant to give us the outside perspective of state government. They looked at what we do in state government, and made recommendations on ways to streamline services and save taxpayers money. Their report was released on Tuesday, and it outlined more than $340 million in savings that could be achieved in the next year, and nearly $1.7 billion in savings over the next five.
Now that we have their report, Governor Culver is looking at some of the recommendations that can be done by executive order, and he will be implementing those ideas in the next week or so. Those savings alone are expected to save taxpayers more than $128 million. In addition, we will both be working with the legislature on some of the ideas that require changes to the law.
While this recession has been tough for all of us, it gives state government an opportunity to be innovative while saving money. Many of these ideas are common-sense, practical approaches to making your state work better for you.
If you haven’t had a chance to look at the report, check it out at our website – governor.iowa.gov. Take some time to get familiar with these ideas, and let us know what you think. We can’t do this without you, and the support of all Iowans.
Today is the annual employee holiday open house and lunch here at the Capitol. It gives the Governor and me the opportunity to say thank you to the wonderful state workers for all they do all year long and to wish them and their families "Happy Holidays". Tonight John and I will attend an Iowa Energy game which is always lots of fun, so all and all a great day ahead.
Tomorrow I HAVE to Christmas shop!! Stay warm out there.
Until next time,
Patty
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Snowy Day
Wow- What a snowy morning here at the Capital ! I really hated to postpone the I-JOBS events we had scheduled in southeastern Iowa today, but by late yesterday afternoon the Highway Patrol was advising no travel today. So it was back home and a reschedule for next week.
I am in my office instead and trying to get through some paper work that has been piling up for the past few days. Not a very glamorous part of my job as Lt. Governor, but important none the less. But it’s not all paperwork this morning. As the Governor's Homeland Security Advisor, I am watching this storm very carefully. I am in constant contact with the folks at the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management as well as the Department of Transportation. We want to keep everyone safe so stay off the roads if at all possible and stay tuned for weather announcements.
The Governor was out and about this morning before the weather got too bad with a couple of appearances here in the metro area. He presented some new steps our administration will take to streamline state government and save taxpayer dollars, and if you want to learn more, visit our website at www.governor.iowa.gov. He also announced that as a result of a class-action lawsuit settlement Iowa schools will be receiving $58 million for the purchase of new technology. Good news for our kids!!
There are so many holiday events scheduled for all of us in the next couple of days including the annual state employees holiday lunch and open house on Friday. Hope the weather clears up so we can enjoy the season.
And speaking of the season – I certainly hope you are done with your holiday shopping. I know I am not. I am way behind on shopping, as usual, but my husband and I have three grandkids so I need to make a visit to a toy store soon.
Well, stay safe over the next few days.
Until next time,
Patty
I am in my office instead and trying to get through some paper work that has been piling up for the past few days. Not a very glamorous part of my job as Lt. Governor, but important none the less. But it’s not all paperwork this morning. As the Governor's Homeland Security Advisor, I am watching this storm very carefully. I am in constant contact with the folks at the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management as well as the Department of Transportation. We want to keep everyone safe so stay off the roads if at all possible and stay tuned for weather announcements.
The Governor was out and about this morning before the weather got too bad with a couple of appearances here in the metro area. He presented some new steps our administration will take to streamline state government and save taxpayer dollars, and if you want to learn more, visit our website at www.governor.iowa.gov. He also announced that as a result of a class-action lawsuit settlement Iowa schools will be receiving $58 million for the purchase of new technology. Good news for our kids!!
There are so many holiday events scheduled for all of us in the next couple of days including the annual state employees holiday lunch and open house on Friday. Hope the weather clears up so we can enjoy the season.
And speaking of the season – I certainly hope you are done with your holiday shopping. I know I am not. I am way behind on shopping, as usual, but my husband and I have three grandkids so I need to make a visit to a toy store soon.
Well, stay safe over the next few days.
Until next time,
Patty
Monday, December 7, 2009
Lt. Governor Judge Postpones Tuesday's Travel, Rescheduled for Dec. 16th
DES MOINES – Lt. Governor Patty Judge’s planned visits in southeast Iowa tomorrow have been canceled due to the threat of severe winter weather.
The Lt. Governor will now visit I-JOBS projects in Fort Madison, Burlington, Mount Pleasant and Letts on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Below is Lt. Governor’s schedule for Dec. 16.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Fort Madison. The City of Fort Madison will receive $1,131,344 to renovate the Santa Fe Train Depot, which was damaged in the floods of 2008, as a historical museum and Amtrak passenger rail depot.
WHERE: Santa Fe Train Depot
814 10th Street
Fort Madison, IA
WHEN: 9:00 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Burlington. Des Moines County will receive $175,000 to reconstruct a road in West Burlington damaged by floods and install flood prevention measures.
WHERE: Des Moines County Courthouse
513 North Main
Burlington, IA
WHEN: 10:30 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Mount Pleasant. The City of Mount Pleasant will receive $600,000 to renovate an existing building for a new police facility.
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Police Station
204 E. Washington
Mount Pleasant, IA
WHEN: 1:30 p.m. (Note time change)
WHAT: Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Letts. The City of Letts will receive $400,000 for a new facility to house the library, community center and city hall.
WHERE: Letts Community Room
125 S Cherry Street
Letts, IA
WHEN: 3:30 p.m. (Note time change)
###
The Lt. Governor will now visit I-JOBS projects in Fort Madison, Burlington, Mount Pleasant and Letts on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Below is Lt. Governor’s schedule for Dec. 16.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Fort Madison. The City of Fort Madison will receive $1,131,344 to renovate the Santa Fe Train Depot, which was damaged in the floods of 2008, as a historical museum and Amtrak passenger rail depot.
WHERE: Santa Fe Train Depot
814 10th Street
Fort Madison, IA
WHEN: 9:00 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Burlington. Des Moines County will receive $175,000 to reconstruct a road in West Burlington damaged by floods and install flood prevention measures.
WHERE: Des Moines County Courthouse
513 North Main
Burlington, IA
WHEN: 10:30 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Mount Pleasant. The City of Mount Pleasant will receive $600,000 to renovate an existing building for a new police facility.
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Police Station
204 E. Washington
Mount Pleasant, IA
WHEN: 1:30 p.m. (Note time change)
WHAT: Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Letts. The City of Letts will receive $400,000 for a new facility to house the library, community center and city hall.
WHERE: Letts Community Room
125 S Cherry Street
Letts, IA
WHEN: 3:30 p.m. (Note time change)
###
Wapello County to Benefit from I-JOBS
We ended the day with a visit to Ottumwa, and I must say it was great to be back home.
As many of you know, I grew up in Albia, and raised my family on a farm between Albia and Ottumwa. We had a little extra time in our travels from Creston, so we drove by the farm. I was glad to see it was still there, and I'm sorry that I don't get back down there as much as I would like.
We headed on into Ottumwa, and had a very nice event with representatives from the City and Wapello County.We held our event in their historic City Hall, which is going to get a face lift thanks to a $229,000 grant from I-JOBS. The public entrance to the building is crumbling due to years of wear, and these funds will help repair this grand old building and preserve it for future generations.
But that's not the only I-JOBS funds coming to the area. Wapello County also received funding to the tune of $5.35 million to replace the old and obsolete bridge in Chillicothe, northwest of Ottumwa, and pave the road that connects the two communities.This is real money coming to this area, and these two projects are expected to create or retain more than 70 jobs in the area.
In the coming months, I-JOBS is going to have a real impact on this community.
Once we got back in the car, we got the latest on the weather, and we decided to head for home. It looks like we are going to get quite a bit of snow in the next couple of days and don't want to end up sitting in a ditch along the road. So, we will hit the road again next week, and visit the southeast Iowa communities then. I hope everyone stays safe in this winter weather. It looks like a good night for a fire in the fireplace and maybe a little television watching.
Until next time,
Patty
As many of you know, I grew up in Albia, and raised my family on a farm between Albia and Ottumwa. We had a little extra time in our travels from Creston, so we drove by the farm. I was glad to see it was still there, and I'm sorry that I don't get back down there as much as I would like.
We headed on into Ottumwa, and had a very nice event with representatives from the City and Wapello County.We held our event in their historic City Hall, which is going to get a face lift thanks to a $229,000 grant from I-JOBS. The public entrance to the building is crumbling due to years of wear, and these funds will help repair this grand old building and preserve it for future generations.
But that's not the only I-JOBS funds coming to the area. Wapello County also received funding to the tune of $5.35 million to replace the old and obsolete bridge in Chillicothe, northwest of Ottumwa, and pave the road that connects the two communities.This is real money coming to this area, and these two projects are expected to create or retain more than 70 jobs in the area.
In the coming months, I-JOBS is going to have a real impact on this community.
Once we got back in the car, we got the latest on the weather, and we decided to head for home. It looks like we are going to get quite a bit of snow in the next couple of days and don't want to end up sitting in a ditch along the road. So, we will hit the road again next week, and visit the southeast Iowa communities then. I hope everyone stays safe in this winter weather. It looks like a good night for a fire in the fireplace and maybe a little television watching.
Until next time,
Patty
I-JOBS Helps Protect Creston Homes
Our second stop today took us to Creston. It was good to be back, and see the people of southwest Iowa. Creston is a great community that is working hard to improve the lives of its citizens.
One project that has been on the drawing boards for year is an overhaul of its sewer systems. Currently, when there is a heavy rain - like they had last year - the sanitary and storm sewers back up. And if anyone else has had the sewer back up in your house, you know how unpleasant that can be.
So, to help protect these homes, and help this city grow, Creston was awarded more than $686,000. These funds will help make this project a reality, and I was happy to be there to celebrate this community's progress. It will also create 20 jobs next spring, putting money into Creston's economy.
After the event, we had a lunch at the Elms Club, which is owned by my good friend and Union County Supervisor Mike King. If you are ever down in Creston and are looking for a delicious breaded tenderloin - stop in. It is great.
Well, we are back on the road and that lunch was so filling, I'm feeling a bit drowsy. However, there is no time for rest since I will be listening in to the meeting with the Governor's Council of Economic Advisors. Our next event is close to home for me- in Ottumwa.
See you down the road,
Patty
One project that has been on the drawing boards for year is an overhaul of its sewer systems. Currently, when there is a heavy rain - like they had last year - the sanitary and storm sewers back up. And if anyone else has had the sewer back up in your house, you know how unpleasant that can be.
So, to help protect these homes, and help this city grow, Creston was awarded more than $686,000. These funds will help make this project a reality, and I was happy to be there to celebrate this community's progress. It will also create 20 jobs next spring, putting money into Creston's economy.
After the event, we had a lunch at the Elms Club, which is owned by my good friend and Union County Supervisor Mike King. If you are ever down in Creston and are looking for a delicious breaded tenderloin - stop in. It is great.
Well, we are back on the road and that lunch was so filling, I'm feeling a bit drowsy. However, there is no time for rest since I will be listening in to the meeting with the Governor's Council of Economic Advisors. Our next event is close to home for me- in Ottumwa.
See you down the road,
Patty
Indianola Receives Critical I-JOBS Funding
Our southern Iowa tour began with a stop in Indianola. We visited the National Balloon Museum, which I visited earlier this summer as part of my Travel Iowa '09 Tour. When I was there last time, I was so busy looking at the balloons that I didn't notice this popular attraction is situated right on the bank of a creek.
In recent years, this creek has flooded, and while the building remained dry, the bank of the creek has been eroding. As a result, both the parking lot and the building are in danger should the bank erode any further.
So, to help protect this Iowa treasure, I-JOBS will provide $188,300 for a project that will secure the north bank. And in the process, we will create some jobs that will help support the local economy.
This is exactly the type of project I-JOBS was designed for. These funds will help meet this community's infrastructure needs while creating good jobs for Iowans.
At the event was my good friend Sen. Staci Appel, who was instrumental in getting I-JOBS through the legislature. It was great to see her, and thank her for helping us make these projects like this one happen.
Well, we are on the snow-covered roads of Southern Iowa now. The weather forecasts say we are supposed to get more. So, with one eye to the sky, we keep on moving to our next event in Creston. We have plenty of hot coffee and some good cookies in the car, so we are in good shape for a wintery day.
See you down the road,
Patty
In recent years, this creek has flooded, and while the building remained dry, the bank of the creek has been eroding. As a result, both the parking lot and the building are in danger should the bank erode any further.
So, to help protect this Iowa treasure, I-JOBS will provide $188,300 for a project that will secure the north bank. And in the process, we will create some jobs that will help support the local economy.
This is exactly the type of project I-JOBS was designed for. These funds will help meet this community's infrastructure needs while creating good jobs for Iowans.
At the event was my good friend Sen. Staci Appel, who was instrumental in getting I-JOBS through the legislature. It was great to see her, and thank her for helping us make these projects like this one happen.
Well, we are on the snow-covered roads of Southern Iowa now. The weather forecasts say we are supposed to get more. So, with one eye to the sky, we keep on moving to our next event in Creston. We have plenty of hot coffee and some good cookies in the car, so we are in good shape for a wintery day.
See you down the road,
Patty
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Welcome to my Blog
Hello again, and welcome to my blog.
I want to use this opporunity to report on some of those challenges facing our state and to share with you the steps the Culver/Judge Administration is taking to move Iowa forward. I also want to use this column to share with you some of the exciting places I am visiting here in our beautiful state and some of the people I meet along the way.
I hope to also get to know all of you better, and hear from you about your thoughts and ideas.
So, let’s get started with some travels that I did earlier this week.
This past legislative session, Governor Culver and I worked with the Legislature to create I-JOBS, our $830 million infrastructure investment initiative. Over the summer, the I-JOBS board awarded $118.5 million in funds to projects across the state, and now those funds are being put to work putting Iowans back to work.
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to visit some of these projects in Central Iowa. I saw Brooklyn’s plans for a new public safety building, Toledo’s public works building, Marshalltown’s efforts to reuse their historic Carnegie library, and Eldora’s reconstruction project on Hiway 175, which will prevent flooding in the community.
It really is amazing to see all of these projects taking off. Each and every one of these means new jobs for these communities – right at a time when Iowans need them the most.
And best of all, we are using gaming revenues, which means we are doing all of this without raising taxes one cent.
But what is really inspiring is to see the communities so excited about these projects. Each and every person I met that day is proud of their project, and the impact it will have on their community. I was glad to be able to see them for myself, and meet the Iowans who are helping to build Iowa’s future.
Well, next week I hit the road again. On Monday and Tuesday, we head down to southern Iowa to see more of these I-JOBS funds in action.
See you down the road,
Patty
I want to use this opporunity to report on some of those challenges facing our state and to share with you the steps the Culver/Judge Administration is taking to move Iowa forward. I also want to use this column to share with you some of the exciting places I am visiting here in our beautiful state and some of the people I meet along the way.
I hope to also get to know all of you better, and hear from you about your thoughts and ideas.
So, let’s get started with some travels that I did earlier this week.
This past legislative session, Governor Culver and I worked with the Legislature to create I-JOBS, our $830 million infrastructure investment initiative. Over the summer, the I-JOBS board awarded $118.5 million in funds to projects across the state, and now those funds are being put to work putting Iowans back to work.
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to visit some of these projects in Central Iowa. I saw Brooklyn’s plans for a new public safety building, Toledo’s public works building, Marshalltown’s efforts to reuse their historic Carnegie library, and Eldora’s reconstruction project on Hiway 175, which will prevent flooding in the community.
It really is amazing to see all of these projects taking off. Each and every one of these means new jobs for these communities – right at a time when Iowans need them the most.
And best of all, we are using gaming revenues, which means we are doing all of this without raising taxes one cent.
But what is really inspiring is to see the communities so excited about these projects. Each and every person I met that day is proud of their project, and the impact it will have on their community. I was glad to be able to see them for myself, and meet the Iowans who are helping to build Iowa’s future.
Well, next week I hit the road again. On Monday and Tuesday, we head down to southern Iowa to see more of these I-JOBS funds in action.
See you down the road,
Patty
Thursday, December 3, 2009
LT. GOVERNOR JUDGE TO PROMOTE JOBS IN SOUTHERN IOWA
LT. GOVERNOR JUDGE TO PROMOTE JOBS IN SOUTHERN IOWA
DES MOINES – Lt. Governor Patty Judge will travel through southern Iowa on Dec. 7 and 8 to visit projects that will benefit from the I-JOBS initiative. I-JOBS is the Culver/Judge Administration’s $830 million initiative to rebuild infrastructure, create jobs, and stimulate the economy.
The Lt. Governor will visit projects in Indianola, Creston and Ottumwa on Dec. 7, and Fort Madison, West Burlington, Mount Pleasant and Letts on Dec. 8.
Below are details on the Lt. Governor’s tour.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Indianola. The City of Indianola will receive $188,300 from I-JOBS to repair the National Balloon Museum’s north embankment that eroded during heavy rains in 2008, affecting the museum structure and parking lot.
WHERE: National Balloon Museum
1601 N Jefferson Way
Indianola, IA
WHEN: 9:00 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Creston. The City of Creston will receive $686,250 from I-JOBS for sewer and stormwater control upgrades to prevent the flooding of homes.
WHERE: City Council Chamber
116 West Adams
Creston, IA
WHEN: 11:15 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Ottumwa. The City of Ottumwa will receive $229,500 to reconstruct the historic City Hall entrance, and $5,350,000 for sewer improvements to prevent flooding.
WHERE: Ottumwa City Hall
105 E. Third Street
Ottumwa, IA
WHEN: 3:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2009
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Fort Madison. The City of Fort Madison will receive $1,131,344 to renovate the Santa Fe Train Depot, which was damaged in the floods of 2008, as a historical museum and Amtrak passenger rail depot.
WHERE: Santa Fe Train Depot
814 10th Street
Fort Madison, IA
WHEN: 9:00 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to West Burlington. Des Moines County will receive $175,000 to reconstruct a road damaged by floods and install flood prevention measures.
WHERE: Des Moines County Courthouse
513 North Main
Burlington, IA
WHEN: 10:30 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Mount Pleasant. The City of Mount Pleasant will receive $600,000 to renovate an existing building for a new police facility.
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Police Station
204 E. Washington
Mount Pleasant, IA
WHEN: 1:00 p.m.
WHAT: Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Letts. The City of Letts will receive $400,000 for a new facility to house the library, community center and city hall.
WHERE: Letts Community Room
125 S Cherry Street
Letts, IA
WHEN: 3:00 p.m.
###
DES MOINES – Lt. Governor Patty Judge will travel through southern Iowa on Dec. 7 and 8 to visit projects that will benefit from the I-JOBS initiative. I-JOBS is the Culver/Judge Administration’s $830 million initiative to rebuild infrastructure, create jobs, and stimulate the economy.
The Lt. Governor will visit projects in Indianola, Creston and Ottumwa on Dec. 7, and Fort Madison, West Burlington, Mount Pleasant and Letts on Dec. 8.
Below are details on the Lt. Governor’s tour.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Indianola. The City of Indianola will receive $188,300 from I-JOBS to repair the National Balloon Museum’s north embankment that eroded during heavy rains in 2008, affecting the museum structure and parking lot.
WHERE: National Balloon Museum
1601 N Jefferson Way
Indianola, IA
WHEN: 9:00 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Creston. The City of Creston will receive $686,250 from I-JOBS for sewer and stormwater control upgrades to prevent the flooding of homes.
WHERE: City Council Chamber
116 West Adams
Creston, IA
WHEN: 11:15 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Ottumwa. The City of Ottumwa will receive $229,500 to reconstruct the historic City Hall entrance, and $5,350,000 for sewer improvements to prevent flooding.
WHERE: Ottumwa City Hall
105 E. Third Street
Ottumwa, IA
WHEN: 3:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2009
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Fort Madison. The City of Fort Madison will receive $1,131,344 to renovate the Santa Fe Train Depot, which was damaged in the floods of 2008, as a historical museum and Amtrak passenger rail depot.
WHERE: Santa Fe Train Depot
814 10th Street
Fort Madison, IA
WHEN: 9:00 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to West Burlington. Des Moines County will receive $175,000 to reconstruct a road damaged by floods and install flood prevention measures.
WHERE: Des Moines County Courthouse
513 North Main
Burlington, IA
WHEN: 10:30 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Mount Pleasant. The City of Mount Pleasant will receive $600,000 to renovate an existing building for a new police facility.
WHERE: Mount Pleasant Police Station
204 E. Washington
Mount Pleasant, IA
WHEN: 1:00 p.m.
WHAT: Governor Judge will promote the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Initiative with a visit to Letts. The City of Letts will receive $400,000 for a new facility to house the library, community center and city hall.
WHERE: Letts Community Room
125 S Cherry Street
Letts, IA
WHEN: 3:00 p.m.
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