democrats about their lives, careers, families and why they decided to run for office. tonight our interviews include eugene vindman who was born in ukraine and played a role in the story of his brother who came to national attention for his testimony before congress on trump's relationship with ukraine. >> i was assigned to the white house staff, the chief official. i worked across the hall from my twin brother and he had the portfolio of the russia ukraine moldova, he listened to the phone call, heard the president's attempt at extortion

and reported it to me. >> watch new members of congress at 9:30 p.m. eastern on c-span. >> iowa republican governor addressed medicaid in her condition of the state address from des moines. she has been governor since 2017 after being lieutenant governor and she is the first woman to be elected in the state's history. this is about 50 minutes. [applause] >> thank you. thank you. thank you.

madam president, mr. speaker, lieutenant governor, first gentleman, legislate leaders and members, justices and judges, my fellow iowans. it's my honor and privilege to once again report on the condition of our great state from this chamber in our beautiful state capital. we referred to this building as the people's house and for good reason. this is the place where their government deals with their business. everything that happens here begins and ends with them. and it's because of them, their energy and creativity, their resilience and goodness that i can say once again the condition of our state is strong.

cost of living and third for opportunity. we are also number four for healthcare and educational choice, and we have ranked the six best state overall, but always number one in my mind. there really is so much to be proud of. we've reduced taxes saving

iowans more than $24 billion over ten years. no more tax from retirement income. no inheritance tax starting this month iowans get to keep even more of the money they earn with a 3.8% flat tax, a far cry from 8.98% of six years ago. we've transformed with our state in acts of the citizens, businesses and entrepreneurs, shrinking and aligning government so that our tax cuts are sustainable. we have consolidated agencies,

eliminated 1200 burdensome regulations, we made legacy systems, centralized programs and leverage technology. we took fragmented i.t. systems spread across 20, 20 different agencies and consolidated them into one department. for the first time ever we have a single viewpoint into every i.t. operation within the executive branch. so last year when the cybersecurity company crowdstrike brought i.t. systems across the world, i was consolidated system was back online shortly after lunch while other states and businesses were in the dark for days and even weeks. in just 18 months our alignment and efficiency efforts have saved taxpayers $217 million already surpassing our initial

projection for the first four years. so it's not surprising that i like to say we were doing doge before doge was a thing. and for to build on our success i'm launching our own state doge, to fight even greater savings and efficiencies in both state and local government. because to pass meaningful properly taxable melson need to be lean at the local level. i've asked emily schmidt general counsel to lead this effort. the trajectory of our state is not just impressive but

inspiring. in just a few short years we've turned our state into a national model for bold get it done government, and we're not stopping. emily, thank you for sharing this. even the file is on the right path, 2024 had its fair share of challenges. there are still iowans struggling today. that's why we are back to keep working, to give every eye when the opportunity to succeed. to earn a paycheck, care for the family and himself. to ensure that every eye when maintains the right endowed by

our creator, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. of course, is only small piece of that. every teacher, neighbor, coworker, friend and every eye when is called upon to encourage one another and build one another up. i witness so much about this past year and it was never more inspiring than when i went needed it most. we faced devastating tornadoes and a stork flooding that left families, farms, businesses, schools and communities wheeling. to put into perspective, iowa was granting three presidential disaster declarations in just two months. i'll never forget the devastation and the heartbreak but also witnessed iowans lifting each other up, volunteers clearing debris, residents comforting neighbors

and first responders and local officials working around the clock, many who either own homes or businesses destroyed yet they continue to put others first. in spencer, in spencer brothers aaron andrew left their home, drove 30 miles and launch the boat into the street. they rescued dozens of people. many of whom had been stranded in their cars are on the roof of their homes. in rock valley, police chief monty warburton had his team alongside an array of firefighters and other first responders waded through chest deep water and a dangerous current to carry children on their shoulders to safety. so many volunteers showed up from surrounding communities with their equipment that the resident effectually refer to them as the farmer army. it's hard to imagine anything

more iowans. and i can tell you, that army shows up every time disaster strikes. we saw in greenfield after an e f4 tornado damaged numerous homes and claimed four precious lives. just two months later enough debris had been cleared that the city was able to host almost 20,000 rag bright cyclist who donated more than $50,000 to help with recovery. even younger iowans got involved ten-year-old quinn swart took it on her cell to create bracelets and keychains raising $8000 for flood victims. as she put it, i heard what some of my friends were going through and i wanted to find a way to make them smile. when, we're all smiling now. we're joined tonight by some of the volunteers, state employees,

emergency managers, first responders and local leaders who stepped up in the face of adversity. you represent so many others across the state who demonstrated the strength, compassion, and determination that defines iowa. please join me in thanking these iowans further heroism and dedication. thank you. [applause]

i want to pause for a moment tonight to recognize two remarkable iowans we lost last year who serve our state with distinction. former secretary becerra culture bill northey dedicated his life to farm families, rural communities, and the state he loved. he was a beloved husband, father and grandpa. his lost the price is not only a servant leader like few others, but also a dear friend to so many. he is greatly missed. so, , too, is former congressman jim leach, who for three decades modeled how to combine elected office with civility, kindness, and grace. it's a a timeless lesson and e grateful to have benefited from his example. please join me in a moment of silence to remember these humble

individuals. [silence] if you are like me, every legislative session begins with a strong sense of anticipation. after all, our positions of public trust mean we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of iowans. and that starts with making sure every child has access to a quality education. today, i have families have more options than ever before to choose a learning environment that best fits their child's needs. for 92% of families that means enrolling their children in the public school where they live. that's no surprise. we have great public schools and teachers, and we want keep it that way. that's why we've invested more than $3.8 billion in our public

schools last year, about 43% of our state budget. it's also why we have made historic investment in our teachers, including the largest pay raise in our state's history. for families who want another option we've made that possible for every eye when, regardless of income. this year nearly 28,000 students are using education savings accounts, making it the third-largest program in the country. for so many of these families this has brought genuine educational freedom. in addition to this, over 43,000 public school students, 90%, took advantage of open enrollment to attend a public school outside of their home district. because what works for some families doesn't always fit within the lines that are drawn

by government. and in the last two years we've gone from three to 17 high-quality public charter schools providing a variety of innovative, cost free options that are focused on stem, work-based learning, underserved children, and more. these schools and the stories coming out of them are inspiring. one student who enrolled in the construction program at great oaks charter school in des moines said, quote, is it just helping me finish school. it's helping me build my future. next school year just a few blocks from the capitol, des moines prep will emphasize hands-on learning and student empowerment for high schoolers. it's a great opportunity for kids to connect the world's of school and work in a dynamic commercial hub. then there's the story of the carry in harris, student who felt frustrated until enrolled in the power and excellence, a a

public charter school map in its first year in cedar rapids. because of the help he's getting at his new school he said i have the opportunity to rebuild confidence in education. sarah swayze is a school found and she is a longtime civic leader and advocate, and empowering excellence is already expanding next year. it goes to show what's possible when a culture of innovation and work-based learning is allowed to take root and grow. lives changed. futures brightened. hope regained. both sarah and dekarion are here with us tonight. please join me in recognizing them for what they've accomplished. [applause]

prioritizing students means setting the kind of high and rigorous expectations that bring out their very best. take literacy. last year we passed important legislation that requires schools to create personalized plans for students who are not reading proficiently at grade level. we also provide educators with no-cost training that's grounded in the science of reading. and we sent every first grader in the state of back of literacy enhancing books, known as decodables, to what parents reinforce reading skills at home. now it's time to do the same with another foundational skill, math. along with early childhood literacy, nothing is more predictive of future success

both in the classroom and the workforce and the confidence that comes with math efficiency. ..

>> according to a survey by pugh research, more than 7 in 10 high the results are as predictable as they are unacceptable. lost sleep, lower productivity and more distractions and increased anxiety. many districts have begun to address the problem. some like hoover high in des moines have ruled out the use of cell phones during instructional time. others like the ottumwa community school district, require that kids put their phones away for the entire school day. a good case can be made for either policy or something in

between. and i truly applaud the administrators, teachers and parents coming together to find the right balance for their communities. what's no longer acceptable is doing nothing. and that's why i'm proposed that schools keep instructional time free from distraction at a minimum. of course there's common exceptions like during an emergency. but the evidence is in and it's time to act. make sure the classroom is a place for learning, growth and more for best possible chance of success. [ applause ]

>> they shared with me they don't want another family to go through what they've been through. so they're strong advocates for hands free driving. for the sake of all our loved ones on the road, let's finally pass legislation that requires

drivers to keep their eyes on the roads and away from their phones. a long standing priority of my administration. over the last four years, we've increased child care capacity by almost 27,000 slots, and to make the most of the new capacity, a stable work force is critical. it's a pallet for free child care to child care workers and increased at turnover rate. now we know it works and let's

make this program permanent. going to facilitate the creation of nine regional community solution funds and raising child care wages without raising cost on families. four years ago hamilton county four child care centers sitting at or below 65% capacity with providers starting at $8.50 an hour. today, after starting a community solutions fund, staff have received a 36% raise and three of the four centers are at 100% capacity with total enrollment increasing by more

than 100 children county wide. and there's no reason this success can't be replicated across the state. to help do so, i'm pleased to announce we're launching a statewide solutions fund to which individuals or businesses can donate to enhance child care work force wages and help take the regional funds to the next level. we're joined tonight by some of the officials who helped get hamilton county's regional fund off the ground. let's give them a hand for showing what's possible when community leaders come together to solve community problems. [ applause ]

have access to child care and

it's about offering our children the educational foundation they need while giving parents peace of mound their children is cared for throughout the workday. a continuum of care program with grants for preschool programs and child care providers that come together to integrate their services. local child care center or child care staff at local school.

between state and local communities to help our kids thrive. i appreciate their un-waiverring commitment to our children and i know they'll do a good job. here's an example of what as early as 6:30 in the morning and the child care director believes "the best solution for working families lies in a partnership between the public and private early childhood education

communities. partnerships like ours, she said, have the potential of both school districts and child care programs around the state". this allows for greater accessibility for preschools and the transportation burden on working families and it does all this while protecting an already unstable child care industry. the director and pre-cal program ceo are with us here tonight and welcome these individuals for their dedication. [ applause ]

including greater reality of specialists and 10 million and opening at 2:0 and anyone that commits to practice in rural

iowa for five years even if they're trained elsewhere. not enough residency slots and giving them a chance and projected 115 new residency slots each year at 14 teaching hospitals. with the three to four year residency location and that'll mean around 160 new ones being

trained for our state. [ applause ] jowski we need more nurses, lpas and cnn and i'm announcing $3 million in grants for employers to train and educate individuals in the areas. the program provides more flexibility for employers and will help fill in demand health careers and need to review medicaid rate model and going to account for the means of providers hhs seeking federal approval to provide more

medicaid rates, flexibility with the goal of invent vising community and the partnership and can better supportfetor fioed nurse mid wives and dou la services as covered benefit and

these professionals also have important role to play in supporting our mothers and children. [ applause ]

>> i'm happy to share the chancer remains in remission and he continues to do well. [ applause ] >> you're the rock of our family a wonderful first gentleman, and the girls and i thank god every single day for you.

[ applause ] >> every case of cans service connected a tragedy and these tragedies disproportionately affect iowans and ranked second for new cancer cases for two years running and we're one of just two state withs rising rates. this month the surgeon general

warn that had alcohol is an avid carcinogen and there's a lot we don't know and we need to get to the bot top. tonight i'm announce ago new partnership and hh iowa and new team of epidemiologists to research the behavioral, genetic, and environmental factors that might be playing a role.

[ applause ]u >> going for the fame and biggest cities in the small town.

[ applause ]

>> we have more than we need and nearly $2 billion trust fund is the ninth highest in the country.

iowa taxes up to 38% in wages and illinois only taxes 13,000. south dakota at 15,000 and wisconsin is at 14,000. only minnesota taxes businesses more. we need to stop punishing our employers by requiring them to pay more tax than necessary. they should keep and reinvest to workers, businesses and money. we need to reduce the un-insurance payments that employers make by half.

let's not wait to get this done. [ applause ] >> iowa always benefited to looking forward to future needs and staying ahead of the curve and energy is a clear example. over the last two decades, we've made changes that turned iowa into an energy leader and the results speak for themselves and leader in renewable energy and bio-fuel and rank in the top ten for grid reliability and we've done all this to maintain electricity, prices in the country.

country. >> lights on regardless of hot, cold and more. invest in iowa and you won't regret it and you'll have the energy infrastructure and low cost of doing business to compete with any company in the world. [ applause ]

>> invest in iowa in every corner of the state and some communities face structural barriers and maybe there's not a lot of treatment plants that can handle a large manufacturing facility or maybe there's natural gas infrastructure to handle a new factory and i want to give all communities, especially rural areas the chance to compete on a national stage. the federal government provides iowa a certain amount and working to ensure going forward that communities can be low cost financing and it's a energy and water infrastructure products and in addition, i'm proposing to modernize our state's energy, instrategies truckture revolving wellness program and i've talked to local leaders that have lost out on private investment because of infrastructure concerns and the session to solve this barrier to grow and drive prosperity in every part of the state.

[ applause ]

my point isn't to rag on illinois. maybe a little.

and the freedom to lay your child with the values that your parents instilled in you and a state with endless opportunity and timeless charm. thank you, god bless you and god bless the great state of iowa. god bless you. [ applause ]