Iowa Governor
Description
The Governor of the State of Iowa is an elected constitutional officer, the head of the executive branch and the highest state office in Iowa. The governor is popularly elected every four years by a plurality and has no term limit. Prior to a constitutional amendment passed in 1972, the governor's term had been two years. As chief administrator of Iowa's government, the governor is responsible for the effective and efficient workings of the various state departments and agencies. The governor appoints department and agency heads and other state officials not elected by the people. The governor's appointments are generally subject to approval by the Senate. The governor takes final action on all bills passed by the Iowa General Assembly. The governor may approve bills by signing them or disapprove bills by vetoing them. Each year, the governor reports on the financial condition of the state and makes recommendations on the state's budget. The governor has the power to call a special session of the General Assembly. Other duties and privileges of the office include: Requiring written information from other officers of the executive branch on any aspect of their duties; Making appointments to fill all vacancies when the law does not otherwise prescribe the method for doing so; Convening, by proclamation, extraordinary sessions of the General Assembly; Periodically giving the 'State of the State' address; Adjourning the General Assembly when they cannot agree to do so themselves; Granting pardons, reprieves, and commutations, excluding convictions for treason and impeachment; Officially using the Seal of the Great State of Iowa; Signing all official commissions and grant given by the state, which are officially made in the name of the people of Iowa. The salary for this position is $130,000/year.