State Government – week of March 31, 2014
HF 2366 – City Elections FLOOR ACTION: HF 2366 makes a number of changes to procedures in local elections. Highlights include: • Allowing county auditors to store voter registration forms...
View ArticleWays & Means – week of March 31, 2014
SF 2340 – Solar energy system tax credit increase and update SF 2343 – Renewable energy tax credit qualification dates and eligibility SF 2344 – Renewable fuels tax credits and providing for biobutanol...
View ArticleCreating jobs, growing middle class with clean energy
As a leader in wind energy and ethanol, Iowa is showing the nation that clean energy works—and it’s good for more than just the environment. Bipartisan support for expanding production is helping Iowa...
View ArticleEnsuring college remains affordable
Our state has a history of great local schools and outstanding colleges and universities. Iowa students have the chance to go as far as their talent can take them. This year’s Education Budget,...
View ArticleCourts budget will enhance justice
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the Judicial Branch Budget this week. Senate File 2449 provides $175 million for the operation of Iowa’s courts statewide. That’s an increase of $6 million...
View ArticleHelping Iowans eliminate bullying
For many, school can be a terrifying place because of bullying, harassment and discrimination. All students deserve a safe and supportive place to learn, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual...
View ArticleFunding will tackle distracted driving in Iowa
The Iowa Senate started Distracted Driving Awareness Month on April 1 by setting aside $200,000 to educate Iowans about the dangers of distracted driving. The money, a part of the Department of...
View ArticleAppropriations – week of April 7, 2014
SF 2130 – Transportation FY15 Budget SF 2268 – Preschool Funding SF 2349 – Infrastructure FY15 Budget SF 2347 – Education FY15 Budget HF 2450 – Justice FY15 Budget HF 2460 – Economic Development FY15...
View ArticleHuman Resources – week of April 7, 2014
SF 2196 – Department of Public Health Omnibus FLOOR ACTION: SF 2196, as amended on the floor, requires certain professionals to take blood-borne pathogens training consistent with OSHA standards;...
View ArticleJudiciary – week of April 7, 2014
SF 2312 – Terms, Conditions, Covenants of Housing Cooperatives and Horizontal Property Regimes FLOOR ACTION: SF 2312 initially passed the Senate on February 27. The bill clarifies that all the terms,...
View ArticleNatural Resources – week of April 7, 2014
HF 499 – Crossbows allowed for hunting deer during late muzzleloader season FLOOR ACTION: HF 499 requires the Natural Resources Commission to establish rules allowing the use of crossbows during late...
View ArticleState Government – week of April 7, 2014
SF 366 – Radon levels in schools FLOOR ACTION: SF 366 was approved by the Senate in 2013. The Senate accepted a House strike-after amendment. Highlights of SF 366, as amended, include: • Directing...
View ArticleTransportation – week of April 7, 2014
SF 2299 – Ignition Interlock Devices for OWI offenders FLOOR ACTION: SF 2299 was approved 28-20 by the Senate on March 11. The bill makes changes to Iowa’s operating-while-intoxicated (OWI) law. The...
View ArticleWays & Means – week of April 7, 2014
SF 2348 – Local option taxes in certain contiguous cities SSB 3214 – Employee consent for wage payment by debit card HF 2444 – Department of Revenue efficiency bill FLOOR ACTION: SF 2348 changes...
View ArticleEconomic plan invests in Iowans, jobs & communities
In the final weeks of the 2014 session, we continue our work to strengthen Iowa’s middle class and generate economic activity in communities across the state. A big part of that effort is the Economic...
View ArticleEducation initiatives will open doors for Iowans
The Senate approved an Education plan this week that will boost student achievement, open college and career doors, and strengthen Iowa’s middle class. Senate File 2347 invests $986 million in...
View ArticleProtecting the wages of Iowa workers
As companies work to modernize their operations, many turn to outside services to handle their payroll and human resources functions. Some employers now pay their employees using payroll debit cards....
View ArticleTaxpayer money will not be used for secret agreements
Over the last month, we’ve learned that more than $500,000 in taxpayer dollars have been paid in secret settlements since January 2011 to former state employees who were asked to sign confidentiality...
View ArticleGood housing for working Iowans
Iowans deserve housing that is affordable, safe and high quality. House File 2448 seeks to increase good housing for middle-class families throughout the state by providing incentives to build and...
View ArticleVeterans career fair on April 24
A Veterans Career Fair is set for Thursday, April 24, at the Camp Dodge Freedom Center, 7105 NW 70 Avenue in Johnston. All active service members, veterans and spouses are welcome to attend. Most of...
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