Court helps veterans adjust to civilian life
Woodbury County officials recently told legislators about their special Veterans Court to help veterans who become involved in the criminal justice system. Veterans throughout the country face unique...
View ArticleLesson plans for Black History Month and President’s Day
February is Black History Month, and the Center for Civic Education offers free lessons for grades 6 through 12 that focus on the civil rights movement and the power of nonviolence. Teachers can choose...
View ArticleLandowners can improve pheasant habitat
Landowners in Iowa’s pheasant counties can get funding to restore their habitat with help from the Iowa Pheasant Recovery – State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) program. It is a new U.S....
View ArticleSummer professional development opportunity for teachers
The Center for Civic Education is offering a three-week program for teachers entitled “Political and Constitutional Theory for Citizens: The National Academy for Civics and Government.” The course will...
View ArticleJudiciary – week of Feb. 2, 2015
SSB 1022 – Orientation and Classification Units Within the Department of Corrections SSB 1024 – Administration of Combined Guardianship and Conservatorship Proceedings SSB 1088 – Penalty for a Sexually...
View ArticleLocal Government – week of Feb. 2, 2015
SSB 1084 – County compensation boards SF 19 – City population based on most recent census SF 26 – Relocating, establishing or consolidating county seats COMMITTEE ACTION: SSB 1048 requires a separate...
View ArticleRules & Administration – week of Feb. 2, 2015
SR 1 – Senate Rules SCR 1 – Compensation Resolution HCR 6 – Joint Rules of the Senate and House FLOOR ACTION: SR 1 updates the General Assembly to Eight-sixth. It also updates and clarifies rules...
View ArticleState Government – week of Feb. 2, 2015
SSB 1061 – Wine Direct Shipping Bonding Requirements SSB 1063– Campaign Finance SSB 1068– Fantasy Sports COMMITTEE ACTION: SSB 1061 states that a wine manufacturer that has submitted a bond under...
View ArticleWays & Means – week of Feb. 2, 2015
SF 126 – Internal Revenue Code update (coupling bill) FLOOR ACTION: SF 126 updates the Iowa Internal Revenue Code to “couple” with federal tax law changes that were included in the federal Tax...
View ArticleScience Camp scholarships available
Two Iowa high school seniors can earn full scholarships to attend the National Youth Science Camp this summer in West Virginia. The nearly month-long experience includes lectures and hands-on research...
View ArticleApplication being accepted for Workforce Housing Tax Credits
The Iowa Economic Development Authority is now taking applications for the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Program approved by the Legislature last year. The program makes state tax incentives available...
View ArticleArts education boosts student achievement
The Iowa Alliance for Arts Education sponsored its second annual Fine Arts Advocacy Day at the Iowa Statehouse, giving fine arts advocates the chance to talk with legislators about the importance of...
View ArticleSenate looks at dangers of powdered, crystal alcohol
The Iowa Senate is taking steps to ban the sale of powdered or crystalline alcohol products in the state. Powdered or crystalline alcohol is made by freeze-drying and pulverizing liquid alcohol. It is...
View ArticleImproving access to quality healthcare services
Becoming the healthiest state in the country isn’t just about eating nutritious foods and making time for exercise. Iowans also deserve access to affordable health insurance and good healthcare...
View ArticleIowa needs more skilled workers to expand middle class
Iowa has a shortage of skilled workers. Employers say it’s the No. 1 obstacle to growing our economy. A new report from the Iowa Student Aid Commission highlights the need for training and education...
View ArticleUNI program is leader in innovation and job training
One of the most important jobs of the Legislature is to invest in long-range economic development to ensure future growth across Iowa. When we invest in our state universities, we’re fueling an engine...
View ArticleSenate votes to reverse Iowa’s slide in school investment
Iowa’s future depends on high-quality local schools. Our best hope for expanding Iowa’s middle class is investing the necessary resources in our students and educators. That’s why we voted this week to...
View ArticleIowa invests in teacher leaders
Iowa has become the first state to create a teacher leadership system designed to boost student achievement, increase teaching expertise and raise the status of the teaching profession. Teachers taking...
View ArticleIowa National Guard remains strong
Major General Timothy Orr recently updated lawmakers on the work of the Iowa National Guard in his annual “Condition of the Guard” address. General Orr said thousands of Iowa National Guard soldiers...
View ArticleGiving Iowa businesses first crack at state contracts
Do our state agencies need to buy digital cameras from a Massachusetts company? Why would state government purchase bread and bakery products from Missouri? Why did the state hire a New York company...
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