What is Branstad trying to pull with his economic progress proposal?

[Frustratedlady]

From an interview with Sen. Tom Courtney in the Hawk Eye:

The proposal would eliminate the Iowa Department of Economic Development,as well, and replace it with a state-funded economic progress authority and an economic progress nonprofit corporation funded by tax-deductible donations and bequests.

The governor strips the board of any power and then creates a quasi-public-private board made up of businesses, Courtney said. "We think it's a crazy idea that we'll fight every step of the way."

Courtney said not only does the board lose its power--under Branstad's proposal, the corporation would make an annual report to the board which in turn would give an annual report to lawmakers--but all of those tax-deductible donations are hidden from the public.

"They're supposed to report back once a year. There's no teeth in that," Courtney said. "There's no oversight on this thing."

The explanation of the bill Branstad proposed notes the economic progress corporation is not a state agency, so it "shall not be required to comply with any requirements that apply to state agencies."

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Sounds like he's imposing the Repugs' private donations/no accountability practices to the State of Iowa.

[47of74]

1. Yeah, it's going to be a long four years here

[progressoid]

5. Ugh, ain't that the truth.

[rurallib]

2. Tom Courtney is probably the straightest shooter around

He really tells it like it is. When he says it smells, it smells.

[Frustratedlady]

3. I agree. I just don't see the reason for all the secrecy.

Brandstad comes from a different deck of cards. I didn't understand him the first time(s) around and sure don't look forward to this term.

[HuskiesHowls]

4. "..(Branstad) noted that the state lags behind in its online efforts..."

"... and this would be a major tool used to attract employers and to encourage expansion by existing businesses.

“Once we implement these major restructuring components, job creators will recognize that Iowa once again is, ‘Open for Business.’”
http://caffeinatedthoughts.com/2010/08/branstad-replace-dysfunctional-iowa-department-of-economic-development-with-publicprivate-partnership/

Hmmm.....Microsoft and Google coming to Iowa, and spending big bucks to do it, is NOT developing new business in Iowa?? Gee, I thought it would be good that they decided to open offices here!

24 June 2010:
"The Iowa Economic Development Board approved an award to Microsoft that will prove tax benefits from the High Quality Jobs program for the creation of 25 jobs, with an average wage plus benefits of $31.04 per hour."
http://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2010/06/24/speedy-timetable-for-microsoft-iowa-project/

26 June 2007:
"Google's $600 million Iowa data center project is under construction on a 55-acre site at the Council Bluffs Industrial Foundation's new business park and is expected to open spring 2009."
http://searchdatacenter.techtarget.com/news/1262297/Googles-Iowa-data-center-smart-move-experts-say

4 Aug 2008:
"(Mike Tramontina, director of Iowa's Department of Economic Development).... Tramontina points to a handful of factors that make Iowa an attractive place for data centers: it's "safe and quiet," centrally located, and has an educated workforce, he says. There's also "relatively inexpensive" electricity, a surprisingly high percentage of which (8%) is wind generated."
http://www.informationweek.com/cloud-computing/blog/archives/2008/08/google_and_micr_1.html

Gee, I wonder what Branstad would think if these companies did NOT have offices in Iowa....then we'd probably have to try to take care of a farm crisis, or try to sell Iowa State University outright, or something of that nature.


Don't get me started on healthcare, or schools, or taxes, or cutting state payroll while having Brenna Findley as "legal counsel" in the governor's office (as if we don't already HAVE an attorney general!!), or.....