Prepared Remarks of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) at a Greater Des Moines Partnership Luncheon

Statement

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SPEAKER PELOSI: Thank you, Congressman [Leonard] Boswell, for that kind introduction and for your leadership.

Congressman Boswell is the powerful Chairman of the Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management. He understands the issues facing family farmers because Congressman Boswell has a family farm himself. He is also on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he is a champion of growth for Des Moines

I would also like to thank Steve Lacy for his leadership of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. In the last year, I have been to Des Moines twice, and I've seen firsthand the excellent development that is happening downtown. I know that is because of the leadership of many of you.

Last year, in September, I went to Des Moines to see firsthand the devastating flooding. I visited North High School and saw the devastation of the Birdland Levee.

Last weekend, I was back in Des Moines; I was glad to hear that students are back to school at North. I know that Congressman Boswell is working hard to get Des Moines the funding it needs to protect the city from flooding in the future.

While I was in Iowa, we talked about the potential impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In Iowa alone, it could mean $2.5 billion.

In health care, that means almost $620 million in increased Medicaid assistance, in nutrition assistance, childcare, and help for our veterans. In the workforce, it means more than $400 million to help Iowans get back to work or to train for a new career. In energy, we are investing more than $50 million in energy efficiency and in the production of new renewable energy in Iowa, And there will be more than $80 million for low-income Iowans to help them weatherize their homes, and help to save money on those electric bills.

In April, Forbes Magazine ranked Des Moines third among America's most livable cities and fourth among the best place for business and careers.

I have seen firsthand the quality of Des Moines' schools, the entrepreneurial spirit of your businesses, and the generosity and pride of your citizens.

Thank you, Greater Des Moines Partnership, for all that you do to ensure that Des Moines, Iowa and America are in the lead.

END.

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