March is National Nutrition Month
March—which is National Nutrition Month—is a good time to brush up on healthy habits. The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics recommends a healthy breakfast with lean protein, whole grains, fruits and...
View ArticleSenate votes to expand hate crimes law
The Iowa Senate voted to expand Iowa’s hate crime laws to include some of the most vulnerable Iowans. Iowa’s hate crimes statute currently covers Iowans based on race, skin color, religion, ancestry,...
View ArticleNew license plates will benefit nonprofits
Iowa organizations will have a new way to promote their cause and raise money if House File 617 becomes law. The bill would make it easier for nonprofits in Iowa to get their own special license plate....
View ArticleFree seedlings for Iowa schools and communities
The Trees for Kids program is offering free seedlings to schools and communities across Iowa. Each school building and community may order a custom packet of 200 bare-root seedlings to plant before May...
View ArticleEncouraging young voter participation
Many 17 year olds who will be 18 by the November election participated in Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses on Feb. 1. We want to encourage young Iowans to take a more active role in their...
View ArticleNatural Resources – week of Mar. 14, 2016
HF 2283 – Allows for loaded and uncased firearms to be carried on ATVs and snowmobiles HF 2342 – Allows for electronic signatures on hunting, fishing, and fur-harvester licenses HF 2343 – Extends the...
View ArticleState Government – week of March 14, 2016
HF 2146 – Lottery kiosks HF 2353 – EMS employees and public office HF 2363 – Closed sessions HF 2364 – Public notices FLOOR ACTION: HF 2146 authorizes the dispensing of lottery tickets and products...
View ArticleTransportation – week of March 14, 2016
HF 588 – Disabled parking placards HF 617 – Special license plates with decal HF 2345 – County engineer reports on allocation of RUTF dollars to repair bridges HF 2356 – Towing implements of husbandry...
View ArticleVeterans Affairs – week of March 14, 2016
HF 2266 – Information on unclaimed remains to identify if a veteran FLOOR ACTION: HF 2266 provides a process by which unclaimed, cremated remains of veterans can be identified and receive a proper...
View ArticleWays & Means – week of March 14, 2016
SF 2300 – Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit HF 2433 – Tax coupling for 2015 and sales tax exemption for supplies used in manufacturing FLOOR ACTION: SF 2300 establishes a Renewable Chemical...
View ArticleSenate takes steps to improve children’s mental health care
When kids face mental health problems, families, teachers, social workers and courts want to help in the best way possible. Last year, the Legislature created a Children’s Mental Health &...
View ArticleNew initiatives to protect crime victims
Several bipartisan bills moving through the Senate this session will make Iowa communities safer and ensure justice for crime victims. House File 2265 ensures victims of domestic abuse, stalking,...
View ArticleTax credit will spur Iowa ag & biosciences
Iowa’s abundance of biomass feedstock offers opportunities for economic growth beyond food and fuel. Senate File 2300, which passed the Iowa Senate on a bipartisan vote on March 16, would further...
View ArticleEnsuring parking spots for disabled Iowans
A bill supported by disability rights groups passed the Senate this week after unanimous approval in the Iowa House last year. House File 588 will help ensure parking spots for disabled Iowans are...
View ArticleTeacher of the Year nominations due April 25
Thousands of talented Iowa educators lead and inspire their students. One is chosen annually as the state’s top teacher. The Teacher of the Year serves as an ambassador and liaison to primary and...
View ArticleGovernment Oversight – week of March 21, 2016
SF 2304 – Standards, certification and inspection of children’s residential facilities (same as SF 2235) SF 2305 – Medicaid program improvement and oversight (same as SF 2213) FLOOR AND COMMITTEE...
View ArticleHuman Resources – week of March 21, 2016
SF 2258 – DHS child welfare FLOOR ACTION: SF 2258, as amended by the House, makes changes to implement federal requirements of the “Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act.”...
View ArticleJudiciary – week of March 21, 2016
HF 2279 – Suppressors HF 2282 – Guardians ad litem in adoption proceedings HF 2359 – Substantive code editor’s bill FLOOR ACTION: HF 2279 legalizes the possession of suppressors in Iowa and removes...
View ArticleNatural Resources – week of March 21, 2016
HF 2283 – Allows for loaded and uncased firearms to be carried on ATVs and snowmobiles HF 2385 – Increasing penalties for illegal dumping FLOOR ACTION: HF 2283 would allow riders of ATVs and...
View ArticleState Government – week of March 21, 2016
SF 2162 – Electronic filing for administrative proceedings by Department of Inspections & Appeals FLOOR ACTION: SF 2162 permits the Administrative Hearings Division of the Department of...
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