Natural Resources – week of March 10, 2014
HF 2346 – Defines steel slag to allow for use as a byproduct HF 2397 – Provides liability protection to certain volunteers on state land COMMITTEE ACTION: HF 2346 exempts steel slag from the...
View ArticleState Government – week of March 10, 2014
HF 381 – Horseracing HF 2274 – Internet Site for State Agency Fees FLOOR ACTION: HF 381 passed the House (98-0) and Senate (50-0) in different forms during the 2013 session. A Conference Committee...
View ArticleTransportation – week of March 10, 2014
SF 2250 – Updates definitions for vehicle recyclers SF 2282 – Special license plate for Sullivan brothers’ award of valor SF 2289 – Making texting while driving a primary offense SF 2299 – Ignition...
View ArticleVeterans Affairs – week of March 10, 2014
SF 2321 – Response and reporting requirements for sexual abuse allegations FLOOR ACTION: SF 2321 relates to jurisdiction over certain offenses committed by members of the state military forces, and...
View ArticleWays & Means – week of March 10, 2014
SF 2198 – Paddlefish fishing licenses and tags SF 2308 – Computing tax on liquid or compressed natural gas SF 2337 – Increase and expansion of the child and dependent care tax credit HF 2435 – Internal...
View ArticleHouse tanks fuel pump updates to help Iowans with disabilities
Iowans rely on their vehicles to get to work, pick up groceries, drive their kids to school and more. This includes those living with disabilities, who want to live independently and with dignity. That...
View ArticleHouse ditches Senate effort to crack down on texting & driving
Recent polls show 83 percent of Iowans want tougher laws for texting while driving. The Iowa Senate responded with a bipartisan vote to strengthen penalties and enforcement. Texting is the most...
View ArticleSubmit nominations for Healthy Iowa Awards
Through April 4, nominations are being accepted for the Healthy Iowa Awards. This is a chance to recognize the achievements of cities, schools, businesses, individuals, colleges and universities in...
View ArticleIncrease your disaster preparedness
Communities are better prepared to withstand an emergency and recover more quickly when everyone is involved. Nearly 70 percent of Americans have not participated in a preparedness drill or exercise,...
View ArticlePlan your Iowa sightseeing
As the temperatures warm up, it’s time to think about what you might like to do and see around Iowa. The most popular Iowa destinations are historical attractions, museums, scenic byways, outdoor...
View ArticleEnsuring kids are safe from bullying
Bullying can devastate children, families and communities, with the effects potentially lasting into adulthood. That’s why the Senate voted this week to strengthen our state’s anti-bullying laws. In...
View ArticleCreating jobs that improve our communities
The Senate Ways & Means Committee recently approved two bills that will help expand Iowa’s middle class by creating good jobs in fields that improve our state’s economy and quality of life. The...
View ArticleWomen’s Hall of Fame seeks nominations
Many outstanding women have helped shape Iowa and continue to help improve the quality of life in our state. To recognize and honor them and to provide examples for tomorrow’s female leaders, the Iowa...
View ArticleCelebrating 25 years of REAP
The foundation of Iowa’s economy and way of life is rooted in our abundant resources, both natural and cultural. Our rich soils, plentiful water and other assets make Iowa a great place for agriculture...
View ArticleHelp for Iowans in time of crisis
Those struggling with mental illness can face challenges in finding a safe, skilled place for treatment in times of crisis. The good news in Iowa is that a pilot study has shown promising results that...
View ArticleProtecting kids from identity theft
All Iowans should be protected from identity theft, including children and dependent adults. The Iowa Senate approved House File 2368 to help prevent identity theft of kids and other vulnerable Iowans,...
View ArticleDrone restrictions will protect privacy
Unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, are aircraft that can be flown remotely. They can go places that planes and helicopters can’t and are able to gather valuable information without...
View ArticleMaking Iowa the best place for veterans
In the coming years, our nation will see a lot of retiring military personnel. These Americans have skills that make them invaluable to Iowa businesses. Attracting them to our state will bring skilled...
View ArticleAppropriations – week of March 24, 2014
SF 2342 – Admin & Regulation FY15 Budget COMMITTEE ACTION: SF 2342, as amended by the Senate Appropriations Committee, appropriates a total of $51.7 million from the General Fund for FY15 to...
View ArticleEducation – week of March 24, 2014
SF 220 – Early retirement incentives for local school districts FLOOR ACTION: SF 220 is a retirement fix for early retirement incentives in local school districts. Current Code says a school...
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