Branstad To Resign As Iowa Governor Wednesday Morning
(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry Branstad will resign as governor of Iowa on Wednesday, May 24, at 10 a.m. and immediately be sworn in as U.S. ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. The U.S. Senate confirmed Branstad Monday by a vote
of 82-13.
Governor Branstad commented, “Never in my wildest dreams did I think that a boy from a small farm in Leland would one day have the opportunity to represent the United States and Iowa on the world stage, working closely with one of the world’s most influential countries and one of America’s largest trading partners,” Branstad said. “While I’m temporarily leaving the state I love and have governed for over 22 years, I
know I’m leaving Iowa in great hands with Kim Reynolds.”
Branstad’s resignation will take place on Wednesday, May 24, at 10 a.m. in the governor’s formal office at the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines. He will then be sworn in as U.S. ambassador to the People’s Republic of China by Judge Steven Colloton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit.
Following the swearing in of Ambassador Branstad, Gov. Kim Reynolds will take the oath of office in the Iowa State Capitol Rotunda in Des Moines and be sworn in by Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady. Reynolds will then deliver her first address as governor of Iowa.
Branstad’s Departure Means End To An Era In Iowa Politics
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa Republican Gov. Terry Branstad’s upcoming departure to Beijing marks the end of a career in state politics that spans several decades.
The 70-year-old is the longest serving governor in the U.S. at more than 22 years. The U.S. Senate voted to confirm Branstad Monday as the next ambassador to China.
As Branstad gets ready to leave Iowa, he’s highlighted the state’s low unemployment rate and renewable energy investments in wind farms and ethanol.
But critics point to legislation he approved this year that weakened public unions, restricted minimum hourly wage increases and added a voter identification requirement at the polls. Branstad in recent years also privatized Iowa’s Medicaid health care program for the poor and disabled without
legislative approval.
Once Branstad resigns as governor, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will replace him.
Branstad’s Chief-of-Staff To Enter Private Business
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – As Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad resigns to become ambassador to China, his chief of staff is leaving his job and will seek work in the private sector.
Michael Bousselot (BOO’-sa-low), who has been Branstad’s top aide since July 2015, announced Tuesday he’d pursue opportunities outside of state government.
His announcement came one day before Branstad is scheduled to resign to become the next U.S. ambassador to China. Bousselot traveled with his boss to New York City before then President-elect Donald Trump announced Branstad as his nomination for the diplomatic post. Bousselot also traveled with Branstad to
Washington during the Senate confirmation process.
Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, who will be sworn in as governor Wednesday, is expected to announce her own chief of staff.
8 Year Old Boy Runs To Fire Station To Report House Fire
NEWTON, Iowa (AP) – A fire official says an 8-year-old boy ran much of the way to a central Iowa town’s fire station so he could report his house was in flames.
Steve Daniels told the Newton Daily News (https://bit.ly/2q7YkdV ) that his son, Quintin, had just arrived home from school Friday afternoon when he saw smoke and flames. His parents were gone and none of his neighbors was home, so the boy took off running toward the station, which sits about seven blocks away.
Newton Fire Marshal Mike Knoll said Tuesday that someone picked up Quintin as he ran and drove him the rest of the way. Knoll says the boy was crying and gasping for air as he reported the blaze. Quintin’s dad says he’s proud of his son’s quick action.
State’s Corn Farmers Nearly Finished With Planting
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa farmers have planted 92 percent of the state’s corn crop, which is three days behind last year’s rate mostly due to wet fields from recent storms but their progress is two days ahead of the five-year average.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in its weekly crop update released Monday says 59 percent of the Iowa crop has emerged. The quality of the crop is high with 75 percent rated good or excellent.
Soybean planting in Iowa is 62 percent completed.
In Nebraska, 87 percent of the corn crop is planted, behind the five-year average of 91 percent and 52 percent of the soybean crop is planted, behind the 61 percent average.
