Putting Iowa Businesses First
We all do better when Iowa businesses do better. So if it makes sense, we should put Iowa companies first when spending your state and local tax dollars on the goods and services government needs to...
View ArticleEliminating Fraud Reduces Health Care Costs
Much of this legislative session has focused on expanding access to affordable health care to more Iowans through Medicaid. As we work toward that goal, we’re also working to lower costs. Most Medicaid...
View ArticleBattling the Growth of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most under-recognized public health crises of the 21st century. More than 69,000 Iowans have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia and the fifth...
View ArticleSuicide Prevention Training for Teachers
Suicide touches everyone—all ages and backgrounds, all racial and ethnic groups, in all parts of the country. The emotional toll on those left behind can be devastating. But there is help and hope when...
View ArticleSmall Class Size Helps Students Learn to Read
In the Senate, we’ve voted to keep class sizes small for K-3rd grade and ensure kids learn to read. SF 319 will continue Iowa’s successful class size reduction and early intervention program with a $30...
View ArticleEnsuring All Iowa Students Are Prepared To Succeed
Immigrants and refugees from impoverished or war-torn countries have come to us, seeking the American Dream. That means the face of Iowa’s population—especially its students—is changing. The number of...
View ArticleState Education Benefits Continue For Iowa Guard
The Iowa National Guard Educational Assistance Grant provides annual grants to Iowa Guard members who attend Iowa colleges and universities. Thanks to the bipartisan support of the state Legislature,...
View ArticleTake advantage of free tax prep program
The deadline for filing your income taxes is quickly approaching. Low- and moderate-income Iowans can use the Iowa Free File program to prepare and file their federal and state income tax returns...
View ArticleDo you know a local hero?
Through April 15, the Iowa Department of Public Safety is accepting nominations for the Governor’s Lifesaving Awards. These special recognition awards are granted to ordinary citizens who took...
View ArticleNew hunting atlas available online
Hunters have a new tool they can use even before opening day. The Iowa Hunting Atlas is an interactive map that shows 600,000 acres of public hunting land that is owned by the state, county or federal...
View ArticleEDUCATION – Week of March 25, 2013
SF 423 – Senate education reform HF 351 – Preschool compulsory attendance HF 472 – Supplementary weighting for shared operational functions FLOOR ACTION: SF 423 is the Senate education reform...
View ArticleHUMAN RESOURCES – Week of March 25, 2013
SF 296 – Medicaid Expansion SF 393 – Critical Congenital Heart Disease Screening FLOOR ACTION: SF 296, as amended on the floor, expands Medicaid eligibility to adults aged 19 to 64 with incomes...
View ArticleJUDICIARY – Week of March 25, 2013
SF 358 – Concerning Title to Real Estate SF 406 – Involuntary Commitments SF 416 – County Projects HF 112 – Forfeiture of Bail HF 210 – State Public Defender Practices and Procedures HF 223 – Licenses...
View ArticleNATURAL RESOURCES – March 25, 2013
SF 272 – Conservation and recreation matter under DNR SF 306 – Diversion of food waste from landfills HF 311 – DNR water quality programs HF 394 – Trappers lifetime license FLOOR ACTION: SF 272 is a...
View ArticleSTATE GOVERNMENT – March 25, 2013
SF 329 – Campaign Finance: Independent Expenditures SF 354 – Public Cafeteria Dietary Guidelines SF 427 – Plumbing Licensure HF 131 – Charitable Payroll Deductions for Comm. College Employees HF...
View ArticleTRANSPORTATION – March 25, 2013
SF 115 –Graduated Driver’s Licensing HF 14 – Retractable truck axles FLOOR ACTION: SF 115 changes provisions of the graduated driver licensing program and to special minor’s licenses issued for...
View ArticleVETERANS AFFAIRS – Week of March 25, 2013
HF 544 – Iowa Veterans Home omnibus FLOOR ACTION: HF 544 incorporates various recommendations by the Iowa Veterans Home (IVH), the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs and the Iowa Commission of...
View ArticleSenate Approves Expanding Affordable Health Care
The Senate approved expanded access to affordable health care on March 25 with the passage Senate File 296. It was an exciting day in the Chamber with Iowans from across the state on hand to encourage...
View ArticleImproving Every Local School
As we work to improve local schools this year, our goals are to boost student achievement, increase teacher quality and develop innovative initiatives that help our kids learn. That’s why we were proud...
View ArticleWater, Soil Are Priority of Natural Resources Budget
Iowa’s nutrient rich soils have made the state a leader in agricultural production. Problems are created, however, when erosion puts those nutrients into our lakes, rivers and streams. High levels of...
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