(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced Iowa's participation in CNBC's "Top States Twitter Battle," and encouraged all Iowans on Twitter to use #TopStatesIA to assist in promoting Iowa's stature as a great place to do business.

In addition to engaging on Twitter, CNBC offered each governor the opportunity to record an "elevator pitch" video and submit it as part of the campaign. Produced in the Iowa governor's office, the brief video explains why Iowa is a top state for business. The video is found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnmfO92glyo&feature=relmfu

The Twitter battle and video are a part of the CNBC "Top States for Doing Business" annual rankings show. This is a high-profile, yearly ranking of all 50 states on 43 measures of competitiveness developed with input from business groups including the National Association of Manufacturers and the Council on Competitiveness.

"We are excited to launch this promotional campaign, because Iowa has dedicated, hard-working people and some of the best employers in the country," said Gov. Branstad. "We intend to highlight Iowa's benefits through this video, and through our Twitter account."

The Twitter battle does not affect the "Top States" ranking. Host Scott Cohn ranks the states based on reporting on a variety of quantitative and qualitative data and metrics.

Branstad added he hopes Iowa comes in strong in the CNBC "Top States" rankings, but there is always more work to do in terms of luring new business and industry to Iowa.

"I am not completely satisfied with our business climate because property taxes remain too high in Iowa," said Gov. Branstad. "We have made progress on limiting burdensome regulations and creating our new Iowa Economic Development Authority, but our work on job creation and improving Iowa's business rankings should continue to be a priority for all of us. Additionally, our efforts to improve our education system are vitally important in moving Iowa forward."

Reynolds noted their travels, and the importance of being on the ground and in communities when taking into account Iowa's job creation efforts.

"The governor and I are excited when we get the opportunity to visit various businesses throughout Iowa, and again this week, we have another ribbon cutting," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "We hear the concerns of job creators in Iowa, and we work to address them after each and every visit. This is an exciting time for Iowa, and we want to continue building on our successes, while working every day to create a hospitable jobs environment.

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds today announced that they both will pay 20% of their healthcare costs beginning August 1, 2012.

"Hard-working Iowa taxpayers are accustomed to paying for some or all of their own healthcare costs, and for far too long, their tax dollars have also paid for the total cost of state employees' healthcare," said Branstad. "I truly believe the only way we will begin improving our health as a state and controlling the rising costs of healthcare is by empowering Iowans to take ownership of their own health."

Gov. Branstad signed Executive Order 78 today to allow state employees to voluntarily pay for 20% of their own healthcare. Branstad individually asked all state-wide elected officials and department heads to volunteer as well.

The governor worked with the health plan administrator and Department of Administrative Services to make this healthcare option available to all state employees.

"Our decision to begin paying 20%, and to allow employees to an opportunity to also contribute, will accomplish both goals of making employees healthier and allow for government to spend less," said Reynolds.

A single person, whom chooses to pay for 20% of their own healthcare on the least expensive plan will save taxpayers at least $1,000.