Veterans Affairs – week of April 4, 2016
HF 2415 — Veterans preference information FLOOR ACTION: HF 2415 requires the Department of Workforce Development (IWD), in coordination with the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), to...
View ArticleWays & Means – week of April 4, 2016
SF 503 – Study of fees collected by the county sheriff SF 2223 –Biofuels tax credits SF 2306 – Facilitating natural disaster response FLOOR ACTION: SF 503 provides for a report to the Ways &...
View ArticleNew approach to stop drunk driving
The connection between alcohol, drugs and crime is an ongoing concern. Drinking and drugs can negatively affect all aspects of a person’s life; hurt family, friends and community; and create public...
View ArticleIowans deserve privacy at home
All Iowans should feel comfortable in their homes. The thought of being watched or even filmed is alarming, but it’s a real worry for many. New technology has allowed some bad actors to install...
View ArticleCommunity colleges are key to expanding Iowa’s middle class
Iowa’s community colleges play a big role in expanding our middle class by helping more Iowans gain the knowledge and skills they need to fill jobs, further their education and enhance their quality of...
View ArticleGood bills signed into law
With the 2016 session moving toward adjournment, many bills are finding consensus in the Legislature and making their way to the Governor’s desk. New laws to boost our economy, honor military veterans,...
View ArticleApril is Donate Life Month
When Iowans register to be organ donors, they are agreeing to help save lives and offering hope to those who wait. Each April during Donate Life Month, hospitals, health care organizations and Iowa...
View ArticleNominations open for African American Hall of Fame
Through June 6, nominations are being accepted for the Iowa African American Hall of Fame. Nominations should be based on major contributions of statewide significance that have improved quality of...
View ArticleNominate a farmer who shows environmental leadership
Through June 15, Iowans may nominate farmers for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award, which recognizes those who take voluntary action to improve and protect our soil and water quality. Nominees...
View ArticleJudiciary – week of April 11, 2016
HF 2064 – Child endangerment and mandatory minimums sentences FLOOR ACTION HF 2064, as passed by the House, relates to mandatory minimum sentences for child endangerment and robbery in the second...
View ArticleLabor & Business Relations – week of April 11, 2016
HF 2274 — Documentation for child labor permits FLOOR ACTION HF 2274 provides that a driver’s instruction permit can be used as proof that a child is 14 or older when obtaining a child labor permit....
View ArticleTransportation – week of April 11, 2016
HF 2414 – Regulation of transportation network companies (e.g., Uber, Lyft) FLOOR ACTION: HF 2414passed the House on March 3. The bill creates a new chapter (321N) in the Iowa Code for regulation of...
View ArticleWays & Means – week of April 11, 2016
SF 2309 – Biofuels tax credits SF 2212 – Baseball/Softball complex sales tax rebate SF 2310 – Knoxville Raceway HF 2436 – Real estate appraisal management company registration FLOOR ACTION SF 2309...
View ArticleIowa focuses efforts to stop human trafficking
Iowa focuses efforts to stop human trafficking Human trafficking uses force, fraud or coercion to exploit someone for sex or labor. It is now a $150 billion industry, and it’s happening in Iowa. SF...
View ArticleMore safe, convenient transportation options
New legislation will make safe, convenient, affordable transportation options more available to Iowans, while also creating job opportunities. House File 2414 sets consistent standards for...
View ArticleApril is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
In 2014, there were 322 fatalities on Iowa roads. Four of those fatalities were clearly linked to distracted driving, as were 324 injuries. These numbers don’t tell the whole story though. Many, if not...
View ArticlePreventing domestic violence & its consequences
To help in the fight against domestic violence and ensure the safety of victims, the Iowa Senate unanimously approved two major bills. Each year, thousands of Iowans suffer abuse at the hands of...
View ArticleAttracting more Iowans with our great quality of life
One of our top priorities for the 2016 session is taking more steps to expand Iowa’s middle class. That includes attracting and retaining more workers. According to the Iowa Business Council’s 2016...
View ArticlePrevent work zone fatalities this construction season
As warm weather allows highway roadwork to resume, remember that the lives of highway workers are often in your hands. Stay alert and be prepared for sudden changes that distracted drivers may not...
View ArticleState Government – week of April 18, 2016
HF 2273 – Elections Administration FLOOR ACTION: HF 2273 relates to the administration of elections with respect to the address confidentiality program by the Secretary of State (SOS), satellite...
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