Senate Approves Life-Saving Screening for Newborns
On March 25, the Senate passed Senate File 393, which requires that newborns in Iowa be screened for critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs). It is an easy step we can take to ensure the health of...
View ArticleIowa National Guard Update
Major General Timothy Orr of the Iowa National Guard recently met with senators in conjunction with his re-appointment as Adjutant General for Iowa, which was unanimously confirmed. He told us that...
View ArticleNominate an outstanding teacher
Through April 26, nominations can be submitted for the 2014 Iowa Teacher of the Year. The award recognizes an exceptional Iowa teacher who is helping redefine education. The award is sponsored by the...
View ArticleProject & job creation grants for the arts
Through May 1, the Iowa Arts Council is accepting applications for Project Grants and Job Creation Grants (formerly Iowa Community Cultural Grants). Visit the Iowa Arts Council’s “Apply for a Grant”...
View ArticleNATURAL RESOURCES – Week of April 1, 2013
SF 389 – Firearm demonstration portion of hunter safety and ethics education HF 361 – Hunting licenses for non-resident disabled veterans HF 499 – Crossbows allowed hunting deer during late...
View ArticleSTATE GOVERNMENT – Week of April 1, 2013
SF 396 – Government Efficiency SF 407 – Regents Transparency SF 427 – Plumbing Licensure HF 381 – Horse Racing HF 586 – Administrative Rules Review Committee HJR 13 – U.S. Senator James Harlan statue...
View ArticleTRANSPORTATION – Week of April 1, 2013
SF 371 – Establishes a single specialty plate to be customized with a decal HF 236– Golf carts on roads in an unincorporated area HF 395– Dealer input on motor vehicle franchise territory FLOOR...
View ArticleVETERANS AFFAIRS – Week of April 1, 2013
HF 453 – Veterans’ preference for certain appointments made by counties, cities HF 545 – Add ‘initial screening for brain injury’ as eligible VTF category COMMITTEE ACTION: HF 453 establishes a...
View ArticleWAYS & MEANS – Week of April 1, 2013
SF 431 – Solar energy system tax credit update SF 432 – Department of Revenue agency efficiency bill SF 433 – Targeted Jobs/Border Cities SF 434 – Electric and Natural Gas vehicle fueling...
View ArticleBudgeting for a Stronger Iowa Economy
This legislative session is all about expanding the middle class. That means working for policies and budgets that put Iowans back to work, help businesses create jobs and improve Iowa’s economy. The...
View ArticleMain Street Program Provides Great Returns to Communities
Iowa’s main streets are the heart of our small towns and urban neighborhoods. For almost three decades, “Main Street Iowa” has helped communities revitalize their local economies by capitalizing on...
View ArticleMaximizing Experience, Minimizing Risk for Young Drivers
When a teen dies in a car accident, the grief is shared by the entire community. Everyone asks, “Could that accident have been avoided?” While no law can prevent all accidents, tougher license...
View ArticleEncouraging Iowans to Make Charitable Food Donations
More than 408,000 Iowans can’t afford the food they need, according to the Iowa Food Bank Association. This includes Iowa seniors on fixed incomes and working families on tight budgets. One in five...
View ArticleNew Way to Help Iowa Nonprofits
Iowa organizations will have a new way to promote their cause and raise money if Senate File 371 becomes law. The bill will make it easier for nonprofits in Iowa to get their own special license plate....
View ArticleEnsuring More Iowans Have Access to Mental Health Services
The Legislature is continuing its bipartisan efforts to expand access to affordable health care. Your address should not determine the health care available to you. That is why the Legislature has...
View ArticleGovernor’s plan will not make Iowa the healthiest state
We support the Governor’s goal to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation by focusing on improving health outcomes and rewarding healthy behaviors. That is why the Senate has incorporated those...
View ArticleBudgeting for better public safety
We want our state to be the safest possible place for Iowans. The Justice System Budget (SSB 1249) has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee with that goal in mind. Corrections experts...
View ArticleSenate Confirms Governor’s Appointees
So far this year, the Iowa Senate has confirmed 214 of Governor Branstad’s 216 appointees to Iowa’s statewide boards and commissions. The Governor appoints members to more than 160 boards and...
View ArticleEncouraging our next generation of farmers
Iowa’s strong agricultural heritage will continue as long as we ensure farming is a viable career for our young people. Two bills currently under consideration in the Legislature could help. House File...
View ArticleCare for the most vulnerable Iowans
This year and every year, we want to honor our commitment to help the most vulnerable Iowans, including those in need of critical health care, older Iowans at risk for abuse and fraud, and veterans...
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