Coralville Courier

Vander Plaats Campaign: Vander Plaats Tours Clive Ignition Interlock Maker

Vander Plaats Tours Clive Ignition Interlock Maker; Calls for tough DWI standards 

CLIVE, IA. -- While touring a company that makes devices that prevent intoxicated people from starting their vehicles, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats said today he would seek to provide the necessary leadership to overhaul the state’s drunken driving statutes if elected.

“Iowa, like a number of states, is behind the curve in protecting innocent people from drunken drivers who have no regard for other people’s lives or public safety in general. For too long, we’ve failed to use technology as effectively as we could and just plain common sense to save lives and spare people from debilitating injuries in collisions that we could prevent,” Vander Plaats said. “We have to make sure our laws have teeth in them and that those laws are enforced. As governor, part of my public safety effort would be to work with lawmakers to overhaul our current statutes.”

Kevin Doyle, president of Consumer Safety Technology, said ignition interlocks prevent people who have alcohol in their system from driving a vehicle. Before attempting to start the vehicle, the driver breathes into the device, which determines blood alcohol concentration. The vehicle does not start if there is measurable alcohol in the blood.

Vander Plaats noted that New York enacted legislation in November that requires all convicted drunken drivers to use an ignition interlock device and also made it a felony for someone convicted of drunken driving with a child in the vehicle.

“Laura Dean-Mooney, National President of Mothers Against Drunk Driving said that driving drunk with a child in the car is a form of child abuse pure and simple. I agree completely that we cannot allow that to happen and so I’d want to review that law, too, to see if we should enact it here,” Vander Plaats said.

According to research cited by MADD, first-time offenders arrested for drunk driving have driven drunk more than 87 times before their arrest. Up to 75 percent of those whose licenses are suspended for DUI continue to drive. Interlocks have been proven to reduce repeat drunk driving offenses on average by 64 percent.

“When I was leading Opportunities Unlimited, a Sioux City nonprofit that served people with brain and spinal injuries, I saw firsthand the heartache, pain and devastation that drunken drivers leave in their wake. Drunken driving destroys families and futures and extracts a huge financial toll. Ignition interlocks are an important tool in keeping drunken drivers off our roads,” Vander Plaats said. “I want to make sure they’re being used whenever and wherever it’s appropriate so that we save lives and prevent needless suffering.”

Iowa Senator Paul McKinley: Big challenges for Iowa

It is often in the midst of our biggest challenges when we find our biggest opportunities. As the new legislative session commences next month, Iowa faces an enormous challenge: a deficit of nearly one billion dollars as a result of too much spending. Given this enormous deficit challenge, Senate Republicans believe we have a fantastic opportunity to enact real efficiencies and bring about long-term restructuring to state government, save the taxpayers money and reduce the overall size and scope of state government.
 
Earlier this week, Governor Culver signed an Executive Order ordering some minor management changes to some of the bureaucracies in state government. Yet, the governor’s plans, prepared by a $300,000 out-of-state consultant, were accompanied by tens of millions of dollars in new ways for the state to find more revenue.
 
Iowa’s fiscal problems do not exist because we have a revenue problem – they exist because we have a severe spending problem. Governor Culver and legislative Democrats have sky rocketed state spending by nearly twenty-five percent during the past three years. The focus of the Culver administration has been spending taxpayer money and it should come as no surprise that many of the recommendations Governor Culver identified are not actual savings but ways for the state to find increased revenue.
 
While Senate Republicans did not vote in support of the biggest budget, the most spending or the most borrowing in the state’s history, we believe Iowans expect all parties to offer real and tangible solutions to get Iowa’s fiscal footing back on solid ground. Just as Republicans offered over $300 million dollars in common sense cost savings during the last session, we will continue to work to offer even more immediate savings even if our previous suggestions were ignored by the Democrats.
 
But unlike many of Governor Culver’s suggestions which are short term and rely heavily on more revenue rather than real systemic government reorganization, Senate Republicans have offered both immediate solutions and a long-term vision for a leaner and more efficient state government. If implemented, the Senate Republican plan would keep government living within its means, protect taxpayers from the kinds of future spending sprees that we have witnessed during the last three years and ensure a more efficient delivery of necessary public services.
 
First, Senate Republicans propose and support an amendment to the Iowa Constitution to limit state spending to no more than 99 percent of state revenue. The current budget limitation law does not work and, just last year, Democrats authorized nearly 70 loopholes in the current law to allow their unsustainable spending increases. Only an amendment to the Iowa Constitution can stop lawmakers from creating record setting budget deficits and searching out loopholes to spend more of your hard earned money. Limiting spending to 99 percent of revenue ensures a balanced budget and the annual deposit of money into a rainy day fund. Amending the Iowa Constitution takes a few years so in the meantime, Iowa Republicans pledge not to give approval to any budgets that exceed the 99 percent limit.
 
Secondly, Senate Republicans propose requiring a two-thirds supermajority vote of both houses of the Legislature to authorize new state borrowing. Never again should one party have the sole authority to create these long-term debt burdens. At the local level, a 60 percent vote of the people is required to adopt new public debt to ensure there is widespread community support for the projects to be funded. At the state level, a two-thirds supermajority vote of the Legislature will help guarantee the same kind of broad support for similar taxpayer funded efforts.
 
Next, Senate Republicans propose a systematic process wherein every program funded by state government will be sunset (de-authorized) by a date certain unless the governor and Legislature reauthorize that program or policy. This important process will force a thorough top-to-bottom review of every existing program funded by your tax dollars to determine whether the program is an effective and efficient use of tax dollars. Many of the programs implemented in recent years were accompanied substantial expectations and huge promises and they simply have not delivered. Those programs that have not delivered are wasting taxpayer dollars and must be cut out.
 
Senate Republicans understand that we must get Iowa’s fiscal condition back on solid ground and stop the overspending. We must grow our economy and get more Iowans into sustainable jobs. To accomplish that important goal, Senate Republicans know that a stable fiscal condition with reasonable tax levels and regulatory provisions are what our small businesses, employers and entrepreneurs are looking for when they decide to start here, move here, invest here or expand here.
 
Let me be crystal clear, Iowa has an incredibly bright future and ample opportunity to come out of this economic malaise with a government that is leaner and more efficient and with an economy that is growing, prosperous and creating jobs. We are indeed facing a serious challenges but every challenge provides an opportunity. Lets not miss this opportunity to change our government, grow our economy and give our citizens the economic opportunities and jobs that they deserve.
 
As always, I welcome hearing from you and can be reached by phone at 515-281-3560 or by e-mail at paul.mckinley@legis.state.ia.us
 
Paul McKinley
Senate Republican Leader

Branstad: Culver’s “Road Raid” is no savings

URBANDALE, IA. -- This week, Gov. Chet Culver released a budget proposal designed to allegedly “save” more than one billion dollars in the next five years.

However, at least one especially troubling aspect of Culver’s plan sticks out.

At issue: Culver touts $50 million in “savings” that would raid Iowa’s Road Use Tax Fund to pay for the Iowa State Patrol.

Gov. Terry Branstad released the following statement with regard to Culver’s “Road Raid”:

“This is no savings. This is a diversion from the Road Use Tax Fund, and a detour from pay-as-you-go budgeting.

“This is a bad budget practice that was used in the past, and as governor I put an end to it. This is a step backward, and the governor should not play budgetary shell games with our roads and Iowa State Patrol.

“Chet Culver should make an immediate u-turn on this decision, and not set us up for more budget failures in the future.”

Gov. Branstad also notes that Culver’s I-Jobs program uses one-time funds for roads to be repaid with interest. Branstad believes that pay-as-you go budgeting should be used for all infrastructure needs rather than bonding away future tax dollars.

McKinley: New REC Projections Another Reminder

Growing Iowa’s economy through private sector job creation is the way forward

DES MOINES, IA. -- Senate Republican Leader Paul McKinley (R-Chariton) issued the following statement today regarding the Revenue Estimating Conference’s new projections:

“The new projections today once again serve to underscore how short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible it was for Governor Culver to sign and legislative Democrats to pass the largest amount of spending in the state’s history when Republicans were consistently warning them to control their overspending addiction. Just today, another $50 million dollar hole was discovered as a result of Governor Culver’s extravagant spending.

A flourishing Iowa economy that provides jobs is the best way to move Iowa forward and put Iowa’s fiscal footing back on solid ground after too much spending. Iowa needs a commitment from its leadership to enable long term private sector job creation and Senate Republicans will continue to advocate for policies that will accomplish that goal.”

American Future Fund: Iowans can't afford any more boondoggles

Culver praises Obama’s health care reform plan while his Democrat colleagues oppose it

DES MOINES, IA. -- The newly appointed Chairman of the Democratic Governor’s Association, Jack Markell (D – DE) expressed his “concerns” yesterday over the proposed government-run health care legislation being debated in the U.S. Senate.

Even New Mexico Governor and former DGA Chair Governor Bill Richardson agrees. “We can’t afford that, and that’s not acceptable.” (AP 7/19/2009)

Pennsylvania Governor and former DGA Chair Ed Rendell shared the same sentiments, “I don’t think it’s an accounting trick, I think it’s an unfunded mandate … We just don’t have the wherewithal to absorb that without some new revenue source …” (CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” 9/3/09)

Unfortunately for Iowans, Governor Culver disagrees with his colleagues, and is pushing for government-run health care that will further bankrupt the State of Iowa.

Just last week, Culver stated he is “confident we will get real health care reform signed into law in the weeks ahead.” (http://www.chetculver.com/news/governor-culver-s-jj-dinner-speech) Culver made this statement on the heels of a Des Moines Register Poll showing 47% of Iowans oppose health care reform.

“Not only do Iowans oppose government-run health care, but Iowa’s fiscal house is a mess. Culver has spent the state into a $1 billion deficit and further crippled the state with over $1 billion in debt to finance pork projects around the state,” said AFF President Sandy Greiner.

She continued, “I encourage Governor Culver to join his fellow Democrat governor’s in opposing this massive government-run health care program. Iowans can’t afford any more boondoggle spending programs that plunge us further into the red.”

Vander Plaats Campaign: Vander Plaats statement on Fong campaign's suspension

SIOUX CITY, IA. -- Republican candidate for governor Bob Vander Plaats issued the following statement this morning in response to Cedar Rapids businessman Christian Fong’s decision to suspend his candidacy for the 2010 GOP gubernatorial nomination: 

“I’ve grown to appreciate Christian’s grace, wit and intelligence during the months we were on the campaign trail together. He represents everything that’s good about the state. He’s a tremendous talent who believes in being part of the solution – and that makes him a great role model for young Iowans.

I hope they will follow his example as someone who has worked hard to achieve his dreams and is very committed to his faith, his family, his community and his state.

“Christian has said he will continue to speak out about the priorities that moved him to enter the race.

Even if that was not the case, one thing is certain – Iowans can rest assured that his candidacy this year was only a beginning. It’s certainly not the end of Christian Fong as a voice of leadership for our state’s future.”

House Republicans: Response to the governor's office

DES MOINES, IA. -- Republicans have laid out a detailed agenda for the 2010 legislative session. Republicans have had over $300 million in state savings on the table since last spring and today Leader Paulsen offered more ideas to save taxpayers money. In fact, with only a little over a month left before the 2010 session starts, Republicans have offered the only agenda and the only ideas on how to reduce state spending. It is unfortunate that Governor Culver has been reduced to throwing partisan punches instead of offering ideas.

Below you will find the House Republicans’ cost-saving measures and solutions which we offered as amendments during the 2009 legislative session as well as our plans for the 2010 session.

Iowa Republicans (Senate, House and State GOP) have released 5 out of 6 of their “Iowa Solutions” which is the Republican plan for the 2010 legislative session. Those initiatives include: family budget, education, health care, open government and liberty. The jobs initiative will be rolled out in December. To read those complete plans, please visit our website at http://iowahouserepublicans.com/

Additionally, Leader Paulsen outlined new budget efficiencies today during a meeting with the Des Moines Register editorial board which include:

--Merge the Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy with the Department of Public Safety: This came from the department's own recommendation from 2009 and is estimated to save $187,417 a year. They have their own offices rented, 8 full-time employees, and a budget of $313,000. This is clearly something that DPS is equipped to handle.

--Merge the IowaLawEnforcementAcademy with the Department of Public Safety:

Same thing as above, comes from the department's own recommendations and would consolidate offices. Estimated to save $145,770.

--Power fund: eliminate the power fund – approximately $25 million annually.

--Eliminate “government liaisons” or taxpayer funded lobbyists.

--Freeze the spending of ½ of 1 percent that must be spent on art for state buildings.

--Eliminate the state-published newsletters and magazines.

--Eliminate advertising expenses

These ideas will also be offered by House Republicans during the 2010 legislative session.

Additional Background:

Press Release Issued Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Republicans Present Budget-Saving Measures to Democrats

DES MOINES, IA. -- Today House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) released a comprehensive list of more than $215 million in budget-saving measures he will be presenting to Democrat legislative leaders.

“On the first day of the legislative session, I indicated that House Republicans would be diving into state budgets to find serious savings for the taxpayers of Iowa,” said Paulsen. “Today we are here to offer a list that goes to reducing the size and scope of state government, that brings more accountability to budgeting and reduces unnecessary spending.”

The following is the list House Republicans presented to Democrats:

Eliminate ‘phantom employees,’ unfilled and funded full time employee positions. (Savings: $25,000,000)

A pay reduction for all state employees and officials. (Savings: 72,500,000)

-sliding scale of 2% cut for $40,000 to 10% cut for over $100,000

Charge state employees a monthly fee for health insurance premiums. (Savings: $17,800,000)

Sell the vehicle fleet, outsource vehicle leasing. (Savings: $34,000,000)

-One-time infusion due to sale, ongoing savings of $18 million less the money for leasing

Reduce office supplies, service contracts, and equipment purchases. (Savings: $10,000,000)

Combine all state information technology systems. (Savings: $20,000,000)

-Including combining the 6 different email systems

Sell or lease the Iowa Communications Network. (Savings: $15,000,000)

Reduce funding for library acquisitions at Regents by 50%. (Savings: $13,500,000)

No DNR land acquisition for FY 2010. (Savings: $5,000,000)

Freeze out-of-state travel. (Savings: $1,500,000)

-allow a waiver process via Executive Council for critical functions

Eliminate ‘extras’ on existing state vehicle purchases. (Savings: $87,000)

-bug shields, stereos, GPS systems and other add-ons

Archiving Iowa governor’s records. (Savings: $39,000)

-reduce by 50%

Eliminate Washington, DC internship. (Savings: $90,000)

-seek private funding

Eliminate charter flights by members of DOT commission. (Savings: $17,000)

Suspend per diem for ex-officio members on boards & commissions. (*direct savings unknown at this time)

Require all employees to turn in receipts for meal expenses. (*direct savings unknown at this time)

### 

Press Release Issued Tuesday, April 14, 2009

House Republicans Continue With Budget Savings

DES MOINES, IA -- House Republicans offered another $52.9 million in cost-saving measures to the education budget bill brought up in the House today.

“From day one, House Republicans promised to dive into budgets and find savings. Today we delivered on that promise for Iowans,” said House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha). “Instead of funding more bureaucracy, Republicans believe we need to fund students and classrooms.”

To date, House Republicans have offered more than $200 million in cost-saving measures to budget bills. Of these, House Democrats have accepted less than $2 million.

Below is a list of amendments, a brief description and the amount of savings that were offered by House Republicans to Senate File 470, the education budget bill.

H-1553 by Raecker – Regents Library Acquisitions Page 12, line 17: For one year the Regents universities are required to spend 50% less on library acquisitions. Savings: $12 million

H-1546 by VanEngelenhoven - Executive Council approves out-of-state travel. Savings: $1 million

H-1547 by May - 20% reduction in printing, binding; 50% reduction in advertising. Savings: $3.5 million

H-1552 by Dolecheck - Eliminates all funded, unfilled FTE positions that have been open for 6 months. Savings: $700,000

H-1554 by Raecker - 50% reduction for all office supplies, service contracts, equipment purchases. Savings: $23 million

H-1555 by Tymeson - Prohibits expenditures for cell phones and PDAs for state employees. Savings: $500,000

H-1556 by Rants - Fleet purchases deferred. Savings: $11 million

H-1557 by Koester - State employees must provide meal receipts instead of claiming maximum. Agency may require electronic submission of receipts. Savings: $500,000

H-1566 by Tymeson – Identical to Wendt amendment which strikes repeal of MHEC. Savings: $450,000

H-1572 by Kaufmann and Struyk –Limit on Regents Sabbaticals. Savings: $250,000

 

Creighton University: Leading economic indicator sinks below growth neutral for November; double dip recession a possibility for region

November survey results at a glance:

* Business conditions index drops to its lowest level since May.

* Inflation gauge indicates increasing price pressures in the pipeline.

* Only 12 percent of firms reported an increase in employment, while 19.5 percent indicated their firms reduced jobs.

* Over 41 percent of supply managers expect layoffs in the months ahead, and only 48 percent anticipate a pay increase in 2010.

* Minnesota and Oklahoma were the only states with an increase in leading indicator.

OMAHA, NE. -- The November Business Conditions Index for the Mid-America region, a leading economic indicator from a survey of supply managers in a nine-state area, slumped to its lowest level since May of this year. The index stood at 47.5, which was down from October’s 51.8 and September’s much healthier 56.2. An index of 50.0 is considered growth neutral.

“This month’s plunge below growth neutral raises the possibility of a double-dip recession for the region. The significant decline in farm income for 2009 continues to weigh on firms with strong ties to agriculture. For example, agriculture-equipment manufacturers have been hard hit by farmers’ reluctance to purchase new equipment. This downturn has been particularly significant for rural areas of the region,” Creighton University Economics Professor Ernie Goss said today.

After rising to growth neutral for October, the employment index sank to 46.1. “Over the past year, the region’s employment level is down by 400,000, or roughly 3 percent of its jobs. Based on recent survey results, I expect the region to continue to lose jobs with unemployment rates rising slightly. This month, supply managers were asked about possible layoffs at their companies; over 41 percent anticipate that layoffs lie ahead. As a result of the weak labor market, only 48 percent of the supply managers expect to receive pay increases in 2010,” said Goss, director of Creighton’s Economic Forecasting Group and the Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics.

Rebounding prices have accompanied job losses for the region. The prices-paid index, which tracks the cost of raw materials and supplies, moved above growth neutral for a sixth straight month to 68.0, down slightly from 68.9 in October. “The weak U.S. dollar is pushing up commodity prices across the board. Our wholesale inflation gauge is pointing to elevated inflation at the consumer level as early as the middle of 2010 in my judgment,” said Goss.

At the Fed’s November meeting, its rate setting board announced that it expects the nation’s inflation rate, excluding food and energy, to decline over the course of the next two years. “Supply managers in our survey think that this outlook is too optimistic. I agree with the supply managers and expect inflationary pressures to rise above the Fed’s acceptable range of 1.75 percent to 2.0 percent by the middle of 2010,” said Goss.

Looking ahead six months, economic optimism, captured by the November confidence index, dipped to a still strong 61.1 from 65.4 in October. “Improvements in the housing market, along with very low interest rates, have lifted the economic outlook of supply managers in the Mid-America region,” said Goss.

Consistent with a weak economy, trade numbers were once again anemic. New export orders inched higher to 50.0 from 49.3 in October, while imports sank to 47.8 from October’s 50.7. “The weaker U.S. dollar that is making imported goods more expensive is contributing to the decline in goods purchased from abroad and rising inflation pressures,” said Goss.

Supply managers in the nine-state region continue to reduce inventories. The November inventory index slipped to 43.6 from October’s 44.4. “This is the 14th straight month that the inventory index has been below growth neutral. Even as business confidence has grown, we have yet to record any restocking of inventories for raw materials and supplies. Any significant re-stocking will be a very positive factor for the regional economy,” said Goss.

Other components of the November Business Conditions Index were new orders at 47.3 down from 53.6 in October; production or sales at 46.7, down from 53.5; and delivery lead time at 53.9, down from 57.9.

The Creighton Economic Forecasting Group has conducted the monthly survey of supply managers in nine states since 1994 to produce leading economic indicators of the Mid-America economy. States included in the survey are Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

The Creighton Economic Forecasting Group uses the same methodology as a national survey by the Institute for Supply Management, formerly the Purchasing Management Association, which has formally surveyed its membership since 1931 to gauge business conditions. The overall index, referred to as the Business Conditions Index, ranges between 0 and 100. An index greater than 50 indicates an expansionary economy over the course of the next three to six months.

Arkansas: The Arkansas leading economic indicator declined to its lowest level since April 2009. The Business Conditions Index for November, based on a survey of supply managers, plunged to a very weak 33.1 from October’s 42.6. Components of the overall index for November were new orders at 18.7, production or sales at 17.1, delivery lead time at 53.5, inventories at 39.7, and employment at 35.9. “Arkansas has lost almost 19,000 or 10.2 percent of its manufacturing jobs over the past year. I expect the losses to continue, albeit at a much slower pace, as a cheaper U.S. dollar makes Arkansas-manufactured goods more competitively priced abroad,” said Goss.

Iowa: For a third straight month, Iowa’s Business Conditions Index bounced above growth neutral. The index, a leading economic indicator from a survey of supply managers in the state, slipped to 53.4 from 55.5 in October. Components of the overall index for November were new orders at 58.6, production or sales at 61.7, delivery lead time at 58.9, employment at 46.2, and inventories at 41.4. “Over the past year, Iowa has lost almost 23,000 or 10.1 percent of its manufacturing jobs. However, I expect recent and significant declines in the value of the dollar to stimulate the state’s farm sector and halt manufacturing job losses in the months ahead,” said Goss.

Kansas: The leading economic indicator for Kansas sank from October’s reading. The November Business Conditions Index, based on a survey of Kansas supply managers, stood at 42.1, down from October’s 50.0. Components of the November overall index were new orders at 44.7, production or sales at 42.5, delivery lead time at 41.1, employment at 47.4, and inventories at 40.9. “The global recession and rising productivity have reduced manufacturing employment by more than 25,000 or 13.5 percent over the past year. I expect the pace of these job losses to slow in the months ahead as a cheaper dollar stimulates the sale of Kansas manufactured goods and agricultural commodities abroad,” said Goss.

Minnesota: Minnesota's leading economic indicator, along with Oklahoma’s, were the only ones among the nine states to expand from October. The Business Conditions Index, based on a survey of supply managers, climbed to 57.1 from October’s 55.9. This was the fourth straight month that Minnesota's index has risen above growth neutral, signaling an end to the economic pullback in the state. Components of the overall index for November were new orders at 64.3, production, or sales, at 62.3, delivery lead time at 57.9, inventories at 55.6, and employment at 46.1. “Minnesota’s economy with less reliance on the farm sector, tends to behave more like the national economy. As such, the global recession and rising productivity have reduced manufacturing employment by more than 41,000 or 12.3 percent over the past year. I expect these job losses to halt as the strong growth in new orders translates into a somewhat stronger labor market. Additionally, since the beginning of the year, the U.S. dollar has depreciated by more than 13 percent against the Canadian dollar. I expect the decline to continue and stimulate the sale of Minnesota products to its major trading partner in the months ahead,” said Goss.

Missouri: For the fifth consecutive month, Missouri’s Business Conditions Index remained above growth neutral. Even so, the index slipped to 50.6 from 53.4 in October. Components of the overall index from the November survey were new orders at 51.1, production at 53.7, delivery lead time at 54.3, inventories at 44.9, and employment at 49.1. “The global recession and rising productivity have reduced manufacturing employment by more than 24,000 or 8.5 percent over the past year. I expect these job losses to halt as recent strong growth in new orders translates into a stabilizing and even improving job market,” said Goss.

Nebraska: For a third consecutive month, Nebraska’s Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator, remained above growth neutral. The November reading, based on a survey of supply managers, slipped to 50.6 from October’s 51.6. Components of the overall index for November were new orders at 50.5, production or sales at 52.1, delivery lead time at 54.8, inventories at 41.8, and employment at 53.8. “The global recession and rising productivity have reduced manufacturing employment in the state by more than 10,000 or 10.2 percent over the past year. I expect these job losses to halt as the global economic rebound and a weaker U.S. dollar stimulates sales abroad,” said Goss.

North Dakota: For the first time since June, North Dakota’s leading economic indicator slipped below growth neutral. The November reading, based on a survey of supply managers, dipped to 48.4 from October’s 53.9. Components of the overall index for November were new orders at 36.4, production or sales at 46.8, delivery lead time at 55.9, employment at 50.0, and inventories at 58.3. “Even though North Dakota’s economy has been shielded from the national and regional recession, the state has lost almost 3,000 manufacturing jobs or 11.0 percent over the last year. A weaker U.S. dollar against Canadian currency will be an important stimulant in the months ahead,” said Goss.

Oklahoma: For a third straight month, Oklahoma’s leading economic indicator from a monthly survey of supply managers dropped below growth neutral. The Business Conditions Index, expanded to a tepid 49.4 from October’s 46.9. Components of November’s overall reading were new orders at 45.6, production or sales at 47.8, delivery lead time at 55.5, inventories at 48.8, and employment at 49.3. “The global recession and rising productivity have reduced manufacturing employment in the state by almost 17,000 or 11.3 percent over the past year. I expect these job losses to halt as the global economic rebound and a weaker U.S. dollar encourages sales abroad,” said Goss.

South Dakota: For the fourth time in the past five months, South Dakota’s leading economic indicator climbed above growth neutral. The index, based on a survey of supply managers, dipped to 50.2 from 55.5 in October. Components of the overall index for November were new orders at 67.7, production or sales at 57.8, delivery lead time at 47.9, inventories at 32.8, and employment at 45.1. “The global recession and rising productivity have reduced manufacturing employment in the state by more than 5,000 or 12.0 percent over the past year. I expect these job losses to halt as the global economy rebounds and a weaker U.S. dollar stimulates sales abroad,” said Goss.

For historical data and forecasts visit our website at:

http://www2.creighton.edu/business/economicoutlook/ http://www.ernestgoss.com http://www.twitter.com/erniegoss

Branstad Campaign: Governor Terry Branstad statement on Christian Fong’s suspension of gubernatorial campaign

URBANDALE, IA. -- Gov. Terry Branstad today released the following statement upon learning of Christian Fong’s suspension of his campaign for governor.

“I want to thank Christian for bringing his youth, energy and unique perspective to the Iowa governor’s race. Christian Fong epitomizes the Iowa dream, and I look forward to working with him on the critical need for Republicans to be a relevant voice for young people. We must provide a thriving business climate in Iowa that entices young professionals to remain in Iowa and raise their families here. Christian Fong is an exciting, energetic Republican and we’re fortunate to have him in our party.”

Fong Campaign: Fong suspends gubernatorial campaign

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA. -- Christian Fong, Republican gubernatorial candidate announced that effective today he will suspend his campaign for Governor. 

“Today, I announce the suspension of my campaign.  From this time forward, we will not be actively campaigning for the Republican nomination for Governor.   While today marks a change of direction for our campaign and for myself personally, today is not an end to my passion to see the Iowa Dream restored,” said Fong.

“Over the coming months, I intend to be actively involved in the process even if it’s not as a formal candidate for Governor.   Iowa is faced with historic challenges and opportunities.  The decision voters make in 2010 will greatly shape the future of our state.   I personally want to ensure we continue to have a lively discussion about reforming our income tax code, reversing population and job losses in Iowa and addressing the “Brain Drain.”   Electing a Republican nominee who is committed to addressing these issues with substantive plans will lead to success, both next November against Governor Culver, and through the next four years.” 

“To my supporters and those that have generously supported my campaign financially, I give my sincere thanks.  Your support and passion for our state deepened my conviction that this campaign reflected not only our core Iowa values, but our bright future as well.   Our vision was clear, but the financial hurdles too great.  Yet it is the responsibility of each generation to build on the blessings of liberty in Iowa, and so I will continue to stand with you for the future of our great state,” concluded Fong.

Christian Fong graduated from Underwood High School in Southwest Iowa at the age of 16 and then attended Creighton University, graduating at age 19.  After college, he and his wife, Jenelle, located in Cedar Rapids and Christian started work at AEGON.   Fong put his career on hold to attend Dartmouth, earning his MBA.  He and his family returned to Cedar Rapids, where they reside today and attend River of Life Ministries church.   When the floods of 2008 hit Cedar Rapids, Fong founded and still serves today as the CEO of Corridor Recovery, a non-profit flood relief organization that coordinated recovery efforts.   The Fongs have three children.