Last week was a whirlwind for Iowa lawmakers as newly elected individuals got their first taste of legislative life and it was capped off by having the first-ever female elected governor being sworn-in.

In her Condition of the State Address, one of Governor Kim Reynolds’ priorities is developing rural communities with her Empower Rural Iowa Initiative. She proposed setting aside additional funds for broadband access to rural communities, along with funds for increases to workforce housing tax credits so that rural communities can build affordable housing. District 47 Representative Phil Thompson shares his reaction to the governor’s speech about her ideas on improving rural communities.

“And that was really, really exciting for me to hear. I know the House Republicans are certainly on board with it and making sure that we’re bringing infrastructure back to rural communities. It was really, really good to hear her make that a top priority.”

Reynolds exemplified that even more with her comments about Jefferson taking a leadership role in how other rural communities can lay the groundwork for future success.

“That really embodies I think the essence of the Empower Rural Iowa Initiative. They’re putting housing in place, they have the connectivity, that’s why The Forge is locating there. That’s an example I believe of what we can see happening in communities all across this state. And I just wanted to highlight that and kind of give a visual of what the potential is.”

Every Monday during the legislative session, you will hear updates from Thompson as well as Senator Jerry Behn on the Community State Bank in Paton Let’s Talk Greene County program as we bring you updates on this and other topics from the statehouse.