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Gov. Reynolds mentions Marshalltown tornado in Condition of State address

Right: Gov. Kim Reynolds visits with Rep. Mark Smith, of Marshalltown, during her tour of the tornado damage in Marshalltown on Friday. Reynolds issued a state disaster declaration for Marshall County which will help provide resources as the community recovers.

DES MOINES — Gov. Kim Reynolds mentioned the response to the Marshalltown tornado and other recent state disasters as a reason she’s proud to be Iowa’s governor in her Condition of the State Address Tuesday.

“On the same day a tornado struck Vermeer, separate tornadoes ripped through Bondurant and Marshalltown, destroying homes and businesses in their path,” Reynolds said. “In the days and weeks after, hundreds of volunteers showed up to help clear debris and rebuild. Last year, we saw the same thing play out again and again across Iowa. In times of need, Iowans came together. Neighbor-helping-neighbor. And often, stranger helping stranger.

“Whether it was cleaning up after a flood or a tornado, looking for a missing loved one, or bringing in a harvest after a tragedy, Iowans showed up. It’s who we are, and it’s why I am so proud to be your governor.”

The address was Reynolds’ first after being elected to serve as Iowa’s first female governor in November.

Key issues highlighted

Reynolds touched on her priorities in the address:

– She called on the legislature to appropriate $20 million to fund the Future Ready Iowa plan put in place last session.

– She mentioned the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative and the establishment of a Center for Rural Revitalization within the Iowa Economic Development Authority. This included discussion of broadband. “To ensure that every part of Iowa has the same opportunity, I am requesting $20 million, split over two years, for broadband infrastructure. This funding will accelerate expansion and leverage an additional $120 million in private investment for high-speed internet.”

– Her budget proposal includes a 2.3-percent increase in per student funding for K-12 education and an increase in STEM funding.

– She discussed continued funding for bipartisan mental health legislation in the last session.

– She highlighted initiatives for working with correction facilities and other programming to offer felons second chances.

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