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OTTUMWA -- Iowa governor Terry Branstad continues to push his agenda for a new budget.

Today the governor stopped in Ottumwa to talk about everything from creating new jobs to president Obama's health care bill.

Branstad says if Iowa wants to compete with other states, something has to be done about the commercial property tax.

“Right now we have the highest commercial property tax in the country,” said Branstad.  “That’s a real impediment when you’re trying to attract business.”

The biggest issue is the battle over the new state budget.  The deadline is June 30.  One audience member asked if a budget will be passed in time and how it will affect school districts.

“We want to make sure that it also takes care of the second year of the budget.  That will also give stability to schools and they will know what their allowable growth and not be left this late in the year wondering what it’s going to be.”