One of Culver 's first initiatives was to sign legislation easing limits on types of stem cell research in Iowa . " The new legislation allows medical researchers to create embryonic stem cells through cloning . While allowing for further research , it prohibits reproductive cloning of humans . " according to National Public Radio . Culver said lifting the ban will " give hope to those suffering from diseases such as cancer , diabetes , Parkinson 's and Alzheimer 's . " Culver proposed spending $ 12.5 million to establish a stem cell research center at the University of Iowa . NPR called it a " Key Moment in the Stem Cell Debate . " A September 2008 poll of Iowans found 60 % supported Culver 's handling of the major floods that struck Iowa and much of the Midwest . A year later , Culver and other state elected officials expressed " outrage " at the slow pace of disbursement of federal funding to affected areas
major floods
Iowa flood of 2008
Chet Culver