Kaleidoscope Preschool

We just left Red Oak, but I really wished I could have stayed a bit longer.

Our last stop was at the Kaleidoscope Preschool to highlight further investment in our state's voluntary preschool program.

When we took office, the Governor and I made a commitment to give all of our children access to quality, affordable preschool. And so, over the last three years, this program was created, and has helped educate more than 12,000 kids in 175 schools. We want to finish the job we started, and expand this program so that all Iowa children have access. To do so, we need $15 million, and the Governor and I are asking the legislature to include those funds in our final budget.

It's hard for me to believe, but some people are out there saying that we should cut or even eliminate the preschool program. That just shows a real lack of commitment to our kids and a lack of understanding of child development.

As a state, we have always put our children first, and that is exactly what we are doing with our 4 year old voluntary preschool program.

And if you don't believe me, go to Red Oak and see the kids at Kaleidoscope. While I was there, I read to the kids and helped them put puzzles together. It was so much fun! And what I saw in those kids was a real spark for learning. We must keep this program going, and help all of our kids reach their fullest potential.

Well, another day is done, and now its back to Des Moines. John and I are going to the Iowa Energy game tonight at Wells Fargo, so maybe I will see a few of you there.

And if not, stay dry, warm, and most importantly, safe this weekend.

Until next time,

Patty

Lloyd Pharmaceuticals

After grabbing our regular lunch on the road - an Italian BMT Subway - we made our way to Lloyd Pharmaceuticals for a nice meeting with the employees and community members.

I was greeted by my good friend Greg Connell, who is the former mayor here in Shenandoah.

Greg and I became friends when we were both running for Governor in 2005. We all know how that race ended, but Greg and I have remained friends, and he is a great leader and advocate for southwest Iowa.

Our stop here was at Lloyd Pharmaceuticals, which makes animal health products. It started as a small company, and has grown into a global leader in veterinary science. Here, in rural Iowa, this company has built a presence in the community, and plays an important role in our state.

But just like Lisle in Clarinda, Lloyd has had a difficult time finding a skilled workforce. It underscores the importance of investing in our job training efforts. These programs are helping to ensure the vitality of our rural communities, just like Shenandoah, and helping Iowa companies grow.

So, I was glad to be here today, and to listen to them and the people of Shenandoah on their ideas for Iowa's future.

We are moving again - now to our last event in Red Oak.

Until next time,

Patty

Lisle Corporation

Lisle Corporation is a great Iowa company. For generations, here in Southern Iowa, Lisle Corporation has been a mainstay of the economy. The Lisle family has not only been an important part of the Clarinda community - they have also served their state. In fact, the President of the company - John Lisle - currently serves on the state Economic Development board.

Lisle Corporation started manufacturing ag products, and has grown through the years. Now they make products for the automotive and health care industries.

As the company has grown, so too has the demand for skilled, qualified workers. Utilizing state workforce training programs, they have partnered with Iowa Western Community College to ensure their workers have the skills they need.

I got to see some of these workers in action when I took a tour of their facility after my speech.

It is great when you can see for yourself the impact these programs are having on companies across the state, and that is why the Governor and I are going to work with the legislature to see these programs are funded.

The car is heading further west. After a little lunch, we will come to our stop in Shenandoah.

See you down the road,

Patty

Southwestern Community College

We began our trip with a stop to Southwestern Community College in Creston. This is a place I know well. In fact, when I was a mediator during the Farm Crisis, I met with farmers in the very room I was in this morning.

This school is one of our state's many great community colleges, and just as it did during the 80s, it is helping us grow our economy and meet the needs of our workers by providing workforce training and education programs.

With the economy still hurting, the Governor and I believe that these training and re-training programs are vital to our future. That's why we are asking the legislature to fully fund the programs and give our workers the tools they need to compete and succeed in our economy.

We had a great visit with some of the students and faculty. I was happy to share with them our proposals, and hear their ideas on moving Iowa forward.

The car is back on the road now heading towards our next stop in Clarinda.

See you down the road,

Patty

Dubuque and Clinton

After our stop in Waterloo, we headed on over to Dubuque to speak at their annual Economic Forecast luncheon. This is the Chamber of Commerce's annual gathering. It drew a record crowd this year, showing just how strong the economy is in Northeast Iowa.

It was great to join them in celebrating Dubuque's success.

With nearly 20 years in an elected office, I have been to Dubuque many times. And I can tell you that we I first there it was in rough shape. Time had taken its toll. Many of the manufacturing jobs had left the community and some people thought that Dubuque was a city that was lost.

Well, they were wrong. Starting a decade ago, the state began partnering with local officials, and by working together Dubuque has undergone a rebirth. Vision Iowa pumped millions into the community and did exactly what it was supposed to do - it made this community the center of commerce again in the tri-state region.

And last year we worked together again - this time to bring IBM to the community, and its 1300 jobs. Its amazing to see all that has happened here and I'm glad that the Culver/Judge Administration was able to play a role in its growth.

After making a longer than expected stop to get my cell phone fixed we headed on down to Clinton (And by the way, the young lady that helped me in the US Cellular store went way above and beyond. Thanks!)

We had a great stop in Clinton at DJ's Rib Shack. More than 25 people turned out at this restaurant, which got off the ground thanks to state investment through the Targeted Small Business program. TSB had been dormant for years when the Governor and I took office. However, we revitalized the program, and now it is helping minorities, women, and people with disabilities turn their ideas into reality.

It was a great way to end the day and I just may take some of their ribs in the car with me - although I'm not sure they will last until I get home.

Well, our whirlwind tour is done for this week. I hope to be out on the road next week so stay turned for more adventures across the state.

Until next time,

Patty

Roux Orleans

We are back on the road after our first event of the day in Waterloo.

We began our tour today with a stop to a new restaurant here - the Roux Orleans - which is located in the historic Black Building.

Now - this was not my first time at this particular place. In 2004, the Black Hawk County Democratic Headquarters was located where the restaurant now stands, so I visited several times promoting various candidates that year.

Just last night the staff and I had a great dinner here. The food was spicy and it was great to find a little slice of New Orleans in Northeast Iowa.

We included a stop at Roux Orleans because this restaurant benefitted from the Jumpstart Iowa Small Business programs after the floods of last year. Thanks to thousands of dollars in state aid, this restaurant was able to get off the ground and on its feet.

It demonstrates once more that when state government helps small businesses - disaster or not - we can create new jobs and keep our economy moving forward.

We are now on our way to our next stop - Dubuque.

Until next time,

Patty

Iowa Veteran's Home

Our day is done. We just wrapped up our day of stops with a visit to the Iowa Veterans Home.

As the daughter of a WWII vet and the wife of a VietNam vet, I am committed to showing our veterans the respect and gratitude they deserve.

That is why I was happy to come to the Veterans home and talk about the impact that state investment is having on this historic facility.

Thanks to $22 million in funds from I-Jobs we are literally helping to rebuild this facility. And the great new is that work on the veterans home has already begun.

Our investment through I-Jobs demonstrates Iowa's committment to our veterans and I was glad to see just how these dollars will be put to use.

Well, the sun has set and the car is moving Northeast to Waterloo.

After getting some sleep we will hit the road again tomorrow for another day of travels. Hope to see some of you out there.

Until next time,

Patty

ISU Research Park

We just left Ames, and what a great visit we had there.

On our tour across the state, the Governor and I are talking about how to move our state forward. And I can tell you that work is already underway at Iowa State University.

At the Iowa State University Research Park, this world-class university is working with new start-up companies that are helping to revolutionize science and business - not only in Iowa, but around the country.

My visit included a presentation by four of the companies located at the park.

I heard from NewLink, who is helping to discover new drugs that are helping people live longer, healthier lives.

BodyViz told me about their work on 3-D MRIs, which can help doctors more easily detect illnesses and medical conditions, all at an affordable rate. You may have seen them last night on 'The Biggest Loser.'

Harrisvaccines is helping to keep our food supply safe and healthy by producing vaccines for livestock, such as the Novel H1N1 vaccine for swine.

And GlobalVetLink is make agriculture more efficient by creating a web-based animal health verification system that is reducing paperwork and keeping our livestock - and our economy - moving.

You may be asking what do these companies all have in common. Well, none of these companies would be seeing the success that they have if it wasn't for the support provided by Iowa State, as well as investment from the Iowa Department of Economic Development. These companies just prove that we can grow our economy if we all work together, and give small businesses the tools and resources they need.

I am glad that they are here, and confident that they will see nothing but success in the future.

We are a bit behind schedule for our next event in Marshalltown, but we will get there nonetheless.

Until next time,

Patty

TFI Lighting

After a few weeks off for the holidays, things are back in full swing at the capitol. The Legislature returned on Monday for their shortened 80 day legislative session.

And yesterday, Governor Culver presented his Condition of the State Address to a joint session of the legislature. I don't know if you had a chance to watch it, but if not, I can tell you he did a great job. He delivered a clear, passionate vision for Iowa's future. If you want to check it out, visit the IPTV web site for the video.

Now, with all the excitment of the speech behind us, the Governor and I are out traveling the state spreading the message of our vision for Iowa.

Today, I am in central Iowa and we just finished our first event in Willey, Iowa. We visited an amazing company called TFI Lighting. Here, in rural Carroll County, this small company is making innovative, energy efficient lighting products. We took a tour of their facility, and it was just fascinating to see the work they are doing.

And just like so many Iowa companies, this one is family owned. The company is owned and ran by Dave Wurzer, and he works along side his wife and two sons. I am proud that the Culver/Judge Administration partnered with them in their success. Through the Iowa Values Fund, we were able to provide $150,000, which is helping to support their innovative work.

They are a great company, and a great family, and they really are proving that even in these difficult times, good things are happening.

Now we are off to Ames.

Patty

Hawkeyes Win!

Hawks win the Orange Bowl!!

The Governor and I were on the field the moment the game ended. What excitement!

The team made us all proud and the Hawkeye Nation is incredible. With the Cyclone victory last week and the Hawkeye win tonight, I am so proud to be an Iowan!

Starting home in the morning. I hear we are going to get more snow. Don't you think we have had enough?

Until next time,

Patty

Orange Bowl Update

Boy is it cold out here. I have five layers of shirts and sweatshirts because I didn't bring a coat to Florida, of course. The Pillsbury doughboy look isn't very flattering, but it does work.

Well, we were off to a great start with two back to back touchdowns and a field goal. Now in the 3rd quarter the score remains 14 to 7 Iowa. We have the ball though and its looking very good!

Patty

Greetings from Chilly Miami

Hello from Lankshark Stadium in Miami.

Its really cold here this evening as we wait for the start of the Orange Bowl. Now I know that "cold" is relative since the 50 degree temperature here is 50 degrees warmer than at home in Iowa.

John and I traveled here Sunday with the Iowa Alumni Association - a great and fun loving bunch of people. We have enjoyed some receptions and a huge Hawkeye Huddle yesterday.

They tell me fifteen thousand fans were in the Miami Convention Center to get this party started. So even though the beach hasn't been enjoyable we are sure having a good time.

There are Hawkeyes everywhere, wearing the colors proudly. I think we out number the Georgia Tech fans about twenty to one. I can't wait for the game to start.

I have on all the clothes I can possibly wear - of course we didn't bring winter coats or gloves. Will just have to cheer all the louder to keep warm and ensure that victory.

I will send futher updates as I can. GO HAWKS!