FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2007

CONTACT:
Dan Leistikow

Des Moines, Iowa – In an address to the Iowa State Association of Counties, Senator John Edwards today called for a “New Partnership” with local communities.  Edwards’ agenda represents a dramatic departure from two decades of failure by the federal government to live up to its obligations to counties and other local governments – as well as property taxpayers.

“From transportation to education funding, from health care to rural development, Washington has consistently failed local communities and taxpayers over the last two decades,” Edwards said.  “I don’t believe for a minute that Washington has all the answers, but Washington shouldn’t be making things harder on local communities either.  As President, I’ll make sure the federal government is a good partner and meets its obligations.”

At the Iowa State Association of Counties event, Edwards earned the endorsement of 52 county elected officials.

“John Edwards has spent his life standing up for America’s values – hard work, opportunity, equality,” said Johnson County Supervisor Terrence Neuzil. “With John Edwards in the White House, county officials will finally have a President who supports local communities, both rural and urban. John Edwards will make sure our local communities have the resources they need to support our citizens.”

Edwards Pledges New Partnership with Local Communities and Property Taxpayers:

Washington’s failure over the last two decades to live up to its responsibilities in education, rural development, health care and other areas has put an unfair burden on local governments as well as property taxpayers, and has contributed to the struggles faced by rural communities in Iowa and across the nation.  Today, Edwards pledged to create a new partnership with local communities and property taxpayers by:

• Passing Universal Health Care and Relieving the Burden on County Health Departments:  Counties in Iowa and across the nation face skyrocketing health care costs, including rising costs for employee health care as well as uncompensated care in county hospitals and public clinics as a result of the 47 million Americans without health insurance.  Edwards’ plan to require insurance for all Americans will eliminate uncompensated care.  His plan will also save money for local governments – including school districts – by bringing down costs and improving quality through steps like better preventive and chronic care, electronic medical records, and encouraging proven treatments.

• Full Funding for Special Education:  For decades, Washington has failed to meet its promise to pay 40 percent of the cost of special education.  It fails to provide even half that amount, placing an enormous burden on school districts and property taxpayers to make up the difference.  As president, Edwards will introduce a budget that puts the federal government on track to meet its full and fair share of special education funding.

• Revitalizing Rural Economies and Expanding the Tax Base:  Washington’s neglect of rural America has contributed to the steady decline in rural jobs and population.  As people leave and businesses fail, rural communities face a shrinking tax base that makes it harder to maintain good schools and important local services.  As the only candidate from rural America, Edwards has pledged a major reinvestment in rural economies – including funding for main street businesses, support for broadband expansion, investments in renewable energy, and expanded educational opportunities.

• Helping Local Governments Save Money on Procurement.  The federal government is the largest consumer in the world and has enormous bargaining power to negotiate lower prices on everything from office supplies to vehicles.  As president, John Edwards will issue an executive order directing the General Services Administration to expand the ability of state and local governments to take advantage of discounts available under federal purchasing contracts, providing volume pricing and reducing unnecessary duplication of effort.

• Transportation Funding.  Local governments play an important role in maintaining roads and bridges and other infrastructure.  Edwards will ensure that federal highway funding legislation adequately meets the needs of local communities and ensures our local roadways are safe.  He will reform congressional earmarks to redirect tens of billions of dollars to higher priority projects and make tax dollars go further by cracking down on waste and overspending.

Mary Andrew, Decatur County Treasurer
Doug Bishop, Jasper County Treasurer
Judy Church, Clarke County Auditor
Denise Emal, Marion County Treasurer
Stephen Holmes, Story County Attorney
Bill Kerns, Clarke County Sheriff
Jerry O'Dell, Wayne County Supervisor
Jim Robbins, Boone County Attorney
Sue Ruble, Wayne County Auditor
Dennis W. Anderson, Polk County Sheriff
Ron Wheeler, Clarke County Attorney
Diane Curry, Buchanan County Recorder
Keith Dirks, Jones County Supervisor
Sandra Fowler, Tama County Treasurer
Lamoyne Gaard, Poweshiek County Supervisor
Russ Kettmann, Jackson County Sheriff
Thomas Kriz, Johnson County Treasurer
Joel Miller, Linn County Auditor
Merlin Moore, Jones County Supervisor
Lonny Pulkrabek, Johnson County Sheriff
Douglas Shutts, Poweshiek County Supervisors Chairman of the Board
Terrence Neuzil, Johnson County Supervisor
Eleanor Snook, Poweshiek County Supervisor
Gayle Tellin, Fayette County Supervisor
David Thompson, Benton County Attorney
Donald Zeller, Linn County Sheriff
Carol Copeland, Des Moines County Auditor
Esther Dean, Muscatine County Supervisor
Steve Evans, Davis County Supervisor
Louise Frymoyer, Davis County Recorder
Ron George, Keokuk County Sheriff
Monte Harsch, Davis County Sheriff
Joyce Hass, Wapello County Recorder
Dean Kaster, Appanoose County Supervisor
Kas Kelly, Muscatine County Supervisor
Greg Kenning, Wapello County Supervisor
Donald Kirkendall, Wapello County Sheriff
Paul Koffman, Monroe County Supervisor
Dennis Ryan, Monroe County Supervisor
Dennis Starling, Clinton County Supervisor
Judy Cosgrove, Webster County Recorder
Barbara Freet, Black Hawk County Treasurer
Frank Rottinghaus, Floyd County Treasurer
Pat Wegman, Chickasaw County Attorney
William Behnken, Cass County Supervisor
Marty Danzer, Carroll County Supervisor
Cecilia Fineran, Crawford County Auditor
Terry Graybill, Cherokee County Supervisor
Tena Hinkel, Monona County Recorder
Steve MacDonald, Fremont County Sheriff
Shari O’Bannon, Buena Vista County Recorder
Peggy Smalley, Audubon County Treasurer