I am a firm believer that you can make a mistake but that shouldn't define you. Everybody deserves a second chance.Collection: Chance
Work-based learning is a game changer. It's like test driving a career, and I have seen it in action with our registered apprenticeship programs for high school students.Collection: Learning
As a mom, grandma and governor of Iowa, I believe we have an opportunity and a responsibility to combat the teen vaping epidemic.Collection: Teen
It takes courage to come forward, and I don't want any victim of sexual harassment to think twice about doing so.Collection: Courage
There are few things as powerful as the joy of someone who got a second chance and found their purpose.Collection: Chance
The power of prayer and faith in God is something that has guided so many of us in good times and bad.
I'm not about change for the sake of change, but we should always be evaluating any initiative we're working on to see if we can do it better.
So often public service comes with sacrifice. A sacrifice that our men and women in uniform make each day.
Iowa truly is a place where if you work hard, dream big, anything is possible.
People can't work and have the quality of life they deserve if they aren't healthy.
Children certainly can't learn if they're dealing with trauma or mental illness.
Our military, police, and first responders risk their lives to protect ours, and so today - and every day - we should thank those who serve and honor those we've lost.
For all of our history, it has been an article of faith that we in America bestow unto our children and grandchildren a nation that is stronger than the one we were given.
In a small town, everyone works together and does life together, and because of that everyone takes care of each other. That's Iowa. Whether it's Des Moines or Sioux Center, Decorah or Davenport, Iowans exhibit those small-town values. They work hard, but not so much for themselves. They're ambitious, but not at the expense of others.
How do you say 'thank you' to a community who gave you a second chance? A lot of people don't get a second chance.
My message is that it's never too late. If it's something you want to do or if it's important to you, go for it.
If there is one thing that COVID-19 has shown us, it's the little things that we likely took for granted that made our lives seem normal.
In an increasingly volatile and uncertain world, the men and women of the Iowa National Guard play a vital role in overseas contingency operations, domestic response missions and aggressive training exercises to remain a ready and reliable force.
Reach out to the military-connected youth in your classrooms, your neighborhoods and your families and offer your gratitude for the service they undoubtedly provide in supporting, uplifting and encouraging the men and women of the United States armed forces.
Increased demands on the members of the Iowa National Guard often means increased time away from home and increased responsibility for those left behind.
I believe that victims of sexual harassment must be allowed to tell their story on their time, in their own way.
To those state and local government employees who care deeply about this issue, let me be crystal clear: Under my watch, your IPERS is safe. It will not change; it will be protected; and you will have the retirement you were promised. Period.
Because of fiscal responsibility, we will keep taxes low and maintain important priorities like IPERS.
We will maintain and honor the commitments made to people in the IPERS system.
I spent 19 years as a local government official; I spent two years in the Iowa Senate; my daughter is a public school teacher. We're all counting on IPERS. The public servants are counting on the system they were promised when entering public service.
The executive female talent gap is real, and that's why it's critical to champion women throughout their careers.
Having more women in leadership helps our economy grow strong and our communities become even more vibrant.
In Iowa, we're fortunate to have a public-private initiative called the EPIC Corporate Challenge. EPIC stands for 'Economic Potential for Iowa Companies and Communities.'
If President Obama is re-elected, he will continue to spend more money than we take in and to expand a debt that's already on the verge of being unsalvageable. That's a future that should frighten every American, no matter what their generation.
Both parties recognize the fundamental danger the country's debt poses to our nation's future, but President Obama's policies have not reflected that reality. By the end of his first term, his administration will have nearly doubled our public debt.
The fact is we can't prevent people from getting the COVID-19 virus.
We have all been impacted by COVID-19. Some of us have lost a loved one and others know those who are sick.
I understand the world of addiction. I get it. I know how fleeting recovery can be.
We know the job market is changing by the minute.
It's vital our students think differently and explore their options when it comes to post-secondary education, so they can be adaptable in the disruptive economy of the future.
Each day, we're sharpening Iowa's competitive edge in education and expanding our workplace partnerships with job-ready, STEM savvy, lifelong learners.
Never in my wildest dreams did I believe a young girl growing up in St. Charles, Ia., would one day receive a call from Terry Branstad asking her to be his lieutenant governor.
As lieutenant governor, I've traveled the world representing Iowa, working to expand our markets, while bringing investment and jobs to our state. I've worked on policy that attracts, retains and expands high-tech firms and fosters growth across Iowa.
I'm never satisfied with status quo, and a desire to make a difference is what drives me.
Part of being a successful leader is listening and looking for opportunities to bring people together.
We ought to be able to talk about ideas, we ought to be able to debate ideas because that's how you get to consensus and that's how you move this country forward and that's how you move this state forward. We do a better job of it in Iowa. We do.
There is no civil discourse left and it is really sad.
Would I like to see more women in the courts? Yep.
Well, I'm pro-life, and I've been pretty clear about that. So I think we should do everything we can to protect the unborn.
I'm a pretty good listener.
Every day is an opportunity for me to learn - that's how I've approached life.
I just hope by how I live my life every day that people can see there is another side to addiction. You can live with it and have a successful life.
Technology is impacting everything we do on a daily basis.
I'm the No. 1 cheerleader for the state of Iowa.
I'm not one to be satisfied.