Vilsack pitches state to students

Governor Vilsack got to make his pitch for staying in Iowa first handWednesday to a group of 100 high school and college students. Vilsack spokeat the “youth forum” at the Governor’s Conference on Volunteer Service.Vilsack told the group that Iowa is one place that anyone can achieve theirdreams — citing as an example his own rise from orphan to Governor. Vilsacksays it won’t be easy to convince the young people to stay. Vilsack saysother countries and states are competing for Iowa’s best and brightest. Hesays the state has to do more than just ask kids to stay, it has to go afterthem.Vilsack says the state must become a national leader in six key areas tomake Iowa more attractive: improved schools, better health care, a cleanerenvironment, safer communities, expanding businesses and accountablegovernment.Governor Vilsack say he thinks most students have some idea of how good theyhave it in Iowa. But, he says they may not fully realize it until they havetheir own families.