Special session needed to protect middle-class Iowans
This year, Senate Democrats fought long and hard for education, health care, jobs and public safety initiatives that will strengthen Iowa’s middle class. We hoped to accomplish much more, but after...
View ArticleEducation veto is bad for economic growth
The Governor’s veto of funding for our schools, community colleges and state universities will result in higher tuition, more kids in classrooms and fewer educational opportunities for students. Iowa’s...
View ArticleVeto of MHI funding hurts vulnerable Iowans
As part of ongoing efforts to improve mental health services, we voted this year to make it easier for Iowans to receive mental health and substance abuse treatment closer to home. This included a...
View ArticleGrants available to rural fire departments
Grant money is available to Iowa’s rural fire departments for equipment to help battle wildfires. The Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant provides 50 percent reimbursement with a maximum grant of $3,500...
View ArticleHelp count wild turkeys
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for volunteers to help with its annual wild turkey survey. The work is simple: while outdoors in Iowa this July and August, keep an eye out for...
View ArticleIowa Women in Agriculture Annual Conference
“Emerging Trends in Agriculture” is the theme of the 9th annual Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny on August 4. The cost of the conference is $50, including the...
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Ensuring top-notch health care for vulnerable Iowans
This next week marks the 50th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, which were established on July 30, 1965. Today, Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to just over a half million Iowans...
View ArticleDeadline approaching to reverse governor’s vetoes
We’ve joined the call for a special legislative session to reverse Governor Branstad’s vetoes of bipartisan funding for schools, colleges and universities, and mental health treatment. Governor...
View ArticleMental health treatment must be available to Iowans
Public safety and medical professionals say Iowa has a mental health crisis. Legislators have been tackling that problem by improving the way mental health services are provided in our state. This...
View ArticleHalfway there on relief for suffering Iowans
Iowans living with debilitating conditions are now halfway to having access to new medical options. In 2014, the Iowa Legislature overwhelmingly approved a limited law making it legal to possess...
View ArticleSchool-based oral health services available
Oral health is important for a child’s overall health and school readiness. Tooth decay affects a child’s ability to learn, speak, eat and sleep, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health....
View ArticleApp provides substance use information, resources
The Iowa Department of Public Health has released a new mobile app to provide substance use information. The Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment app allows you to quickly...
View ArticleNew tool assesses wellbeing
Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative now offers a free assessment tool that allows Iowa businesses, schools and communities to measure and study their overall well-being. The tool assesses physical...
View ArticleOne-time opportunity for rural communities
Through August 21, Iowa communities with populations of 5,000 or less can apply for funding to perform asbestos inspections on neglected buildings in a special round of funding from the Iowa Department...
View ArticleIowa students deserve better
As a new school year gets under way, we know teachers, staff, administrators and school boards will provide great educational opportunities for our students. However, they’ll face a challenge because...
View ArticleWhy is affordable college tuition so important?
Keeping college affordable allows more Iowans to get the education and skills they need to find good jobs. It creates a positive cycle that helps our state attract the types of businesses and jobs to...
View ArticleGreat teachers are key to student achievement
Iowa is among the first states to create a teacher leadership system designed to boost student achievement, increase teaching expertise and raise the status of the teaching profession. Research shows a...
View ArticleTree management grant available to Iowa communities
Iowa communities with a population of 5,000 or more can learn about tree care, identification and inventory through a grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The two-year grant program...
View ArticleBOW Workshop registration open
This year’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshop is Sept. 18-20 at the Springbrook Conservation Education Center in Guthrie County. It’s an opportunity for women to try outdoor activities through...
View ArticleIowa Statewide Park & Ride System website
The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is implementing a Statewide Park & Ride System Plan. As a part of this process, the DOT is launching its first statewide Park & Ride System website...
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