Terry Branstad 

Party Affiliation: Republican

Candidate for: Governor of Iowa

Age: 67

Hometown: Leland, Iowa

Political History:

–Iowa House of Representatives: 1973-1979

–Lieutenant Governor of Iowa: 1979-1983

–Governor of Iowa: 1983-1999, 2011-present

Job History: Founded Branstad and Associates, LLC 

The issues:

Education:

In 2013, Branstad signed a nine percent increase in community college funding and increased funding to the regent universities in order to pass both tuition freezes for in-state students. Branstad also believes that curriculum for primary schools should be set by school districts with only high standards set by the state. He created the Teacher Leadership Program that would provide incentives for experienced teachers to take on leadership and mentor other teachers. An education reform bill would also provide a $20,000 stipend to those in the top 25 percent of their class and who go into difficult subjects and stay in Iowa for 5 years.

Jobs/The Economy:

Branstad believes that the key to creating a better economy for Iowa is to encourage the growth of private sector jobs. He also wants to encourage the expansion of Iowa businesses currently in place. He believes a competitive tax structure will create the job opportunities Iowans need. Branstad also introduced Home Base Iowa, an act that promotes Iowa as an attractive state for veterans to live and work in.  

Environment/Climate Change:

Branstad said he wants to work with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to continue the nutrient reduction strategy. Through a “common-sense regulatory approach” Branstad will continue to keep Iowa’s air clean but not put “burdensome regulations”on businesses. In fiscal year 2014, Branstad also signed $20 million to protect streams and rivers in Iowa. 

MORE INFO:

Campaign site: http://branstadreynolds.com/

Twitter: Personal: @TerryBranstad, Campaign: @IowasTeam