Iowa lifts ban on poultry exhibitions
The Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship has lifted the state ban on live bird exhibitions at fairs, livestock auctions, swap meets, sales and other events due to avian influenza. The...
View ArticleIowans invited to help shape State Health Plan
The Iowa Department of Public Health is developing a comprehensive health needs assessment. The goal is to come up with a statewide Health Improvement Plan to help Iowans live longer, healthier, more...
View ArticleState Historical Society seeks history award nominations
Through February 1, nominations are being accepted for Iowa’s Awards for Excellence in History, which recognize individuals, organizations and communities that made outstanding contributions to Iowa...
View ArticleIowa homes susceptible to dangerous radon
Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless naturally occurring radioactive gas that causes no immediate health symptoms, but long-term exposures may cause lung cancer. Iowa has the highest rate of...
View ArticleIowa needs a bigger, stronger middle class
On Monday, we gaveled in at the Statehouse to begin the 2016 legislative session. Over the next few months, we’ll be working to improve Iowa’s economic growth, education, health care and public safety....
View ArticleIowa courts strive for justice for all
Iowa’s courts are committed to: • Protecting Iowa’s children • Operating an efficient, full-service court system • Providing faster and less costly resolution of legal disputes • Operating in an open...
View ArticleRegional Medicaid updates for providers & members
The transition of Iowa Medicaid to the IA Health Link managed care program will begin March 1, pending final federal approval. In-person provider and member education sessions that provide updates on...
View ArticleJanuary is National Mentoring Month in Iowa
January 2016 marks the 15th annual National Mentoring Month. In Iowa, more than 8,000 mentors serve youth in programs certified by the Iowa Mentoring Partnership, but thousands more could benefit from...
View ArticleApply for Derelict Building Grants
Through Feb. 26, small rural communities looking to renovate or deconstruct abandoned commercial and public buildings can apply for funding through the Derelict Building Grant Program. The Program...
View ArticleHigh school seniors sought for National Youth Science Camp
Two Iowa high school seniors have the opportunity to receive full scholarships to attend the National Youth Science Camp this summer in West Virginia. The students will exchange ideas with scientists...
View ArticleClass sizes will increase if school funding falls short
Another year of inadequate state funding for K-12 schools will result in larger class sizes. That’s what school administrators tell us in a new survey. Superintendents, principals and other school...
View ArticleHuman Resources – week of Jan. 18, 2016
SSB 3005 – Shelter Care reimbursement rate fix COMMITTEE ACTION: SSB 3005 corrects a drafting error in legislation approved during the 2015 session. Legislators intended to give juvenile shelter...
View ArticleJudiciary – week of Jan. 18, 2016
SF 2022 – Criminal jurisdiction on the Sac and Fox Indian Settlement FLOOR & COMMITTEE ACTION: SF 2022 tenders to the U.S. Government the criminal jurisdiction that the State has over criminal...
View ArticleEnsuring kids can read & succeed
Adequate funding for early literacy efforts will be one of our education priorities for the 2016 legislative session. Iowa’s 2012 Education Reform legislation focused in part on ensuring all students...
View ArticleIowans nervous about Medicaid privatization
Medicaid is the health care safety net for 560,000 Iowans. One in five Iowans depends on Medicaid for vital health care services, including the elderly, people with disabilities and mental health...
View ArticleIowa veterans deserve our support
Veterans from across Iowa visited the State Capitol on January 20 for the annual Veterans Day on the Hill. We welcomed them to the Senate and listened to their concerns and ideas. They had a full...
View ArticleHuman trafficking happens in Iowa
Human trafficking is the trade of humans, most commonly for sexual slavery, forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation. It’s a crime that’s going on here in the heartland, and the fight is under...
View ArticleMeskwakis can deal with crime on their settlement
The Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, also known as the Meskwakis, should have control over investigating and prosecuting criminal activities on their settlement. The State of Iowa has a...
View ArticleFirst-time home buyer tax credit now available
Iowans buying a home may be able to take advantage of a tax credit that can significantly reduce their federal income taxes. Eligible first-time home buyers can get a tax credit on 50 percent of the...
View ArticleApply for Environmental Excellence Awards
Through March 31, Iowa businesses, organizations and citizens are invited to apply for the state’s Environmental Excellence Awards. These awards are the premier environmental honors in Iowa,...
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