Use caution when driving in work zones
The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) expects to do $700 million in road work this year, and cities and counties will have numerous projects as well. With temperatures finally warming up, those...
View ArticleHelping more Iowa kids benefit from preschool
We were proud to support an initiative this week to help more Iowa kids get a good start on their education with high-quality preschool. In 2007, Iowa established an excellent statewide voluntary...
View ArticleAppropriations – week of April 14, 2014
SF 2180 – IEDA Investment tax credits and Strategic Infrastructure Program SF 2351 – Preschool Funding SF 2353 – Apprenticeships and Job Training HF 2450 – Justice FY15 Budget HF 2458 – Ag &...
View ArticleCommerce – week of April 14, 2014
SF 2195 – IUB telecommunications regulation clean- up FLOOR ACTION: SF 2195 is one of two recommendations by the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) as a result of its extensive public Notice of...
View ArticleJudiciary – week of April 14, 2014
SF 2310 – Underage Possession or Consumption of Alcohol (“Social Host” bill) FLOOR ACTION: SF 2310 is commonly referred to as the “social host” bill. The bill initially passed the Senate on March 3....
View ArticleWays & Means – week of April 14, 2014
SF 2350 – Employee consent for wage payment by debit card SF 2352 – Disabled veterans homestead credit HF 2456 – Approval and imposition of community college property tax levies FLOOR ACTION: SF 2350...
View ArticleJustice budget strengthens public safety
This week, the Senate voted to appropriate more than $554 million to ensure safety for Iowans and communities throughout the state by adequately funding our prisons, our courts, the Department of...
View ArticleProtecting our natural resources
The foundation of Iowa’s economy and way of life is rooted in our abundant natural resources. Our rich soils, plentiful water and other natural assets make Iowa a great place for agriculture and offer...
View ArticleProperty tax credit for disabled vets
The Department of Veteran Affairs reports that there are 2,754 Iowa veterans who are 100 percent disabled; 60 percent of them own their home. In an effort to assist those who have served and...
View ArticleHealthy Iowans report shows progress
The Iowa Department of Public Health has released a report on our state’s efforts to improve the health of Iowans. Here a few successes: • Crash fatalities in 2013 were down to a record low of 318...
View ArticleApprenticeships & job training expand middle class
The 21st century economy needs workers with postsecondary credentials and the ability to adapt to changing business needs. Apprenticeship programs prepare thousands of workers to fit that bill every...
View ArticleAppropriations – week of April 21, 2014
SF 2342 – Administration & Regulation FY15 Budget SF 2347 – Education FY15 Budget SF 2353 – Apprenticeships & Job Training SF 2355 – Department of Transportation Omnibus Bill HF 2458 –...
View ArticleGovernment Oversight – week of April 21, 2014
SSB 3221 – Employee settlements, whistleblower protections and employment practices COMMITTEE ACTION: SSB 3221 is the Senate’s response to the problems revealed so far by the Branstad...
View ArticleHuman Resources – week of April 21, 2014
SF 2239 – Elder Abuse FLOOR ACTION: SF 2239, as amended on the floor, establishes civil protective orders and criminal penalties to address elder abuse in Iowa. The legislation is the product of the...
View ArticleJudiciary – week of April 21, 2014
HF 2289 – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) FLOOR ACTION: HF 2289, as amended by the Senate, prohibits the state or a political subdivision from using unmanned aerial vehicles — also known as drones...
View ArticleWays & Means – week of April 21, 2014
SF 2254 – Regulation of non-agricultural commercial breeder establishments SF 2359 – IEDA Investment tax credits and Strategic Infrastructure Program SF 2356 – Food bank sales tax exemption SSB 3222–...
View ArticleHelp for Iowans in time of need
A core Iowa value is taking care of those who can’t take care of themselves. That’s why the Iowa Senate voted April 21 for a Health & Human Services Budget that will improve the safety and quality...
View ArticleProtecting seniors from abuse & exploitation
Across the country, thousands of older Americans face abuse, neglect and exploitation every year. Many of these older victims are particularly vulnerable because they depend on others to help them with...
View ArticleSenate takes first steps to limit use of drones
To address growing concerns by Iowans over the potential misuse of unmanned aerial vehicles — also known as drones — the Iowa Senate approved legislation to restrict their use by law enforcement...
View ArticleTackling underage drinking in Iowa
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a good time to learn more about the dangers of underage drinking. Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug among youth nationally and in Iowa. Sixteen percent of...
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