2014 Session Successes
STRENGTHENING IOWA’S WORKING FAMILIES Prepared by the Senate Democratic Staff May 1, 2014 (PDF of 2014 Highlights) This year, we built on efforts to provide greater economic security for Iowa families...
View ArticlePetersen: How 5 Iowa moms are saving babies everywhere
Over Mother's Day weekend, plenty of moms get the thanks they deserve, filling them with joy but for others the holiday can be tough. Five Iowa mothers who never got a chance to make memories with...
View ArticleBlack: Is there a medal of honor for service as a legislator?
The Des Moines Register has given a "rose" to Senator Dennis Black, calling him "a powerful voice for protecting Iowa's natural environment." He was a champion for state investment in soil and water...
View ArticleYouth invited to join statewide councils
The State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC) and the Iowa Youth Congress (IYC) are accepting applications for their 2014-2015 terms. SIYAC is the state’s youth-led council, comprised of 21 members...
View ArticleBe prepared for storms
Severe weather has arrived in Iowa. Homeland Security & Emergency Management outlines three easy steps Iowans can take to be ready: Step 1: Be aware of the potential for bad weather in your area....
View ArticleEmergency medical providers keep us safe
May 18 to 24 is Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. Iowa has nearly 12,000 EMS providers, who responded to 244,011 calls in 2012. Those calls resulted in more than 207,000 patients being transported...
View ArticleThanking those who serve & sacrifice
May 26 is Memorial Day — the day our nation remembers the men and women who died while serving in the Armed Forces. Our service members make big sacrifices for us. In return, we must honor our...
View Article“Click It or Ticket” during your Memorial weekend travels
We can make Iowa roads safer this Memorial Day weekend by buckling up, slowing down and driving sober. In an attempt to save lives and reduce serious injury crashes, local, county and state enforcement...
View ArticleLegislature approves incentives to attract skilled veterans
Over the next five years, the U.S. Armed Services will downsize our military forces by 350,000. These Americans have skills that make them valuable to Iowa businesses and communities. Attracting them...
View ArticleEnsuring good housing for our veterans
Three bills approved by the Legislature during the 2014 session will help ensure our veterans and service members can afford a home that meets their families’ needs. Between January 2009 and June 2013,...
View ArticlePreserving Iowa’s military history
In recognition of the service and sacrifice of our military members, Iowa strives to preserve our state’s military artifacts and history. This year, the Legislature provided funding (SF 2349) to...
View ArticleFree fishing for Iowans on June 6-8
Iowa residents may fish without a license on June 6, 7 and 8 as part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) free fishing weekend. Free fishing weekend is the first weekend in June each year....
View ArticleREAP preserves Iowa’s historical resources
A highlight of this year’s legislative successes is the approval of a record $25 million for REAP, Iowa’s popular Resource Enhancement and Protection Program. In 1989, the Legislature created REAP to...
View ArticleQuality-of-life investments boost economy, middle class
Iowa’s great quality of life is bolstered by a variety of arts, culture and recreation. These opportunities make daily life more enjoyable—and they’re good for our economy. “They create jobs, attract...
View ArticleEnjoy new Iowa endeavors this summer
As the school year ends and the weather warms up, many Iowans are thinking about summer vacations, weekend trips and activities to enjoy with family and friends. There is a lot to do close to home....
View ArticleHUMAN SERVICES: All-bill summary 2014
SF 2080 – Iowa Prescription Monitoring Program – Information Exchange SF 2083 – Iowa Board of Dietetics Technical Bill SF 2120 – Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Title SF 2121 – Controlled...
View ArticleJUDICIARY: All-bill summary 2014
SF 383 – Sealing of juvenile records SF 2091 – Real property, joint tenancy, tenants in common SF 2092 – Fraudulent practices SF 2118 – Domestic abuse protective orders for pets and companion animals...
View ArticleLABOR & BUSINESS: All-bill summary 2014
HF 2172 – PERB Electronic Notice HF 2199 – IWD Federal Conformity for Voluntary Shared Work Program HF 2172 amends Iowa Code section 20.24 to allow the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) to...
View ArticleLOCAL GOVERNMENT: All-bill summary 2014
HF 2183 – City Utility Delinquent Accounts on Waste Water/Sewer HF 2273 – Treasurers’ Technical Bill HF 2183 allows a public utility to enter into an agreement with a city to discontinue...
View ArticleNATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT: All-bill summary 2014
SF 2197 – Eliminating conditional air and water permits for electric utilities SF 2198 – Authorizes paddle fishing Missouri/Big Sioux Rivers SF 2212 – Land disposal of yard waste from storm damage or...
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