Corporate spending must be limited in campaigns
This week, we took the first step to call for a Convention to amend the U.S. Constitution to limit or prohibit corporate spending for political speech, when the Senate Rules & Administration...
View ArticleCarbon monoxide detectors can save lives
Breathing high levels of carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and even death. Every year in the U.S., more than 500 people die from exposure to this odorless, colorless toxic gas....
View ArticleCommerce – week of Feb. 22, 2016
SF 502 – Commercial animal breeding establishments SF 2221 – Expand IUB regulation to include sanitary sewage, storm water drainage SF 2253 – Require LLC real estate transfers to disclose market...
View ArticleEconomic Growth – week of Feb. 22, 2016
SF 2154 – Economic development provisions SF 2257/SSB 3153 – Iowa Finance Authority bonds SF 2277/SF 2084 – Motor oil franchise agreement SF 2280/SSB 3094 – Enhance Iowa SF 2285/SSB 3001 – Renewable...
View ArticleEducation – week of Feb. 22, 2016
SJR 2006 – Joint Resolution nullifying BOEE’s special education endorsement changes SJR 2007 – Joint Resolution nullifying BOEE’s increasing fees rule change SF 2009 – Expand preschool to five year...
View ArticleHuman Resources – week of Feb. 22, 2016
SF 2102 — Iowa Prescription Drug Monitoring Program SF 2116 — Controlled substance schedule updates SF 2136 — Meningococcal disease immunization SF 2144 — Sharing of mental health records SF 2145 —...
View ArticleJudiciary – week of Feb. 22, 2016
SF 2059 – Violator facilities and residential facility residency SF 2061 – Representation of indigent persons in criminal proceedings SF 2110 – Persons examining and obtaining their criminal history...
View ArticleLabor & Business Relations – week of Feb. 22, 2016
SF 2194 — Merit system for PERB’s administrative law judges FLOOR ACTION: SF 2194 makes administrative law judges (ALJs) appointed or employed by the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) subject...
View ArticleLocal Government – week of Feb. 22, 2016
SF 2278 – Surveyor monument location COMMITTEE ACTION: SF 2278 helps protect property owners in cases where a land surveying corner monument may be destroyed or moved because of a public improvement...
View ArticleNatural Resources – week of Feb. 22, 2016
SF 2180 – Adding ex-officio legislative membership for WRCC SF 2181 – DNR household hazardous materials program update SF 2286 – Identification tags for blinds or stands on public ground SF 2290 –...
View ArticleState Government – week of Feb. 22, 2016
SF 2162 – Electronic filing system for administrative proceedings by Dept. of Inspections & Appeals SF 2198 – Right to Try Act SF 2231 – Disaster aid payments SF 2242 – City elections SF 2255 –...
View ArticleTransportation – week of Feb. 22, 2016
SF 2224 – Motor vehicles passing bicyclists SF 2244 – Persons with disabilities plates for vehicles owned by trust SF 2247 – Motor vehicle dealer licenses FLOOR ACTION: SF 2224 addresses motor...
View ArticleRobust oversight needed for Medicaid
Unfortunately, we learned this week that the federal Centers for Medicaid Services is approving the unilateral plan by the Branstad-Reynolds Administration to privatize Iowa Medicaid beginning April 1....
View ArticleUse IRS Free File for online tax prep & e-filing
Many Iowans qualify to take advantage of free tax preparation and e-filing services. It’s offered by the Free File Alliance, a coalition of 13 tax software companies and the IRS. Every taxpayer with a...
View ArticleSenate votes to make preschool available to more kids
Since 2007, Iowa has offered voluntary preschool throughout the state. The initiative has helped prepare more students to be successful learners. Before statewide preschool, only 19 percent of...
View ArticleMany teens deserve a second chance
Teenagers make mistakes, which sometimes land them in the juvenile justice system. Research shows that because young brains are not fully developed, a teenager’s decisions may be impulsive and not well...
View ArticleNew Iowa Travel Guide available
Tourism in Iowa generates more than $8 billion in spending and employs 66,500 people statewide each year. The latest edition of the Iowa Travel Guide will help us keep business booming. It offers...
View ArticlePeace of mind for deployed parents
Deployed service members worried about the welfare of their children should be assured they will not face a court battle over custody and visitation during deployment. To ease their concerns, the...
View ArticleEnsuring state government works for tax payers
In the summer and fall of 2014, the Senate Government Oversight Committee investigated allegations into the Branstad Administration’s use of hush money, slush funds, black lists and an unemployment...
View ArticleSeasonal jobs in Iowa state parks
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is filling about 50 summer recreational aide openings in 22 parks around the state. Jobs duties include assisting park staff in patrolling the park, helping...
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