Ways & Means – week of April 18, 2016
SF 2310 – Knoxville Raceway SF 2312 – Baseball/Softball complex sales tax rebate SF 2317 – Blood bank sales tax exemption SF 2318 – County mental health levies SF 2319 – Electric and CNG vehicle fuel...
View ArticleFinalizing a state budget that maintains commitments
As we wrap up the 2016 session, we are working on a responsibly balanced state budget based on details of an agreement between the House and Senate. This bipartisan decision is the result of lengthy...
View ArticleMany benefits from Iowa’s commitment to renewable energy
Iowa is a leader in clean, renewable energy. Our efforts are allowing us to leave behind fuels that pollute our air and water, while creating good jobs, expanding markets for our crops and growing...
View ArticleKeeping vulnerable kids a priority
Every child deserves a safe, permanent and nurturing home. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are there to help abused and neglected children by serving as their voice in court. Iowa’s Court...
View ArticleImproved historic tax credits will revitalize more communities
Iowa’s popular Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program helps rehabilitate historic buildings and revitalize communities throughout the state. It has successfully transformed big and small communities...
View ArticleGood bills signed into law
The 2016 session is expected to adjourn soon. We are finalizing the state budget and other key priorities for working families. Many of the good things we’ve already approved are being signed into law,...
View ArticleBird flu prompts stronger biosecurity in Iowa
Iowa plays an important role in feeding the world. That’s why last year’s bird flu was so troubling. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has described the outbreak of 2015 as the largest animal health...
View ArticleNotify Iowa One Call prior to digging
As the weather warms, many Iowans are beginning outdoor projects. Iowa law requires anyone digging or excavating to notify Iowa One Call, the free underground utilities locating service. Homeowners,...
View ArticleIowa Arts Council invites nominations for arts awards
Through June 6, the Iowa Arts Council is accepting nominations for arts awards recognizing individuals, organizations and businesses that have made a significant impact on the vitality of the arts in...
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2016 Session Highlights
Senate Democrats’ 2016 Session Highlight (PDF) Maintaining our commitments in tight budget times During this tight budget year, Senate Democrats fought to maintain economic security for Iowa families...
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Sen. Gronstal on Iowa Press this weekend
Catch Iowa Press this weekend. Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal will discuss strategies for expanding Iowa’s middle class and more! The program airs: – May 6, 2016 7:30 pm on IPTV.1 – May 7, 2016...
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Sen. Gronstal on “This Week in Iowa” on Sunday
Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal will be featured on WOI-TV’s “This Week in Iowa” from 9 to 10 am Sunday, May 8, talking about the highlights and disappointments of the 2016 legislative session....
View ArticleMaintaining commitments in tight budget times
The 2016 legislative session wrapped up April 29. It was a tight budget year, but as always, we balanced the state budget responsibly. Iowa will end the fiscal year with a $75 million surplus and $700...
View ArticleMissed opportunities disappoint Iowans
While the 2016 session made progress on a number of fronts, there were disappointments for working families, crime victims, and sick and disabled Iowans. Some initiatives never got off the ground....
View ArticleHelp for vulnerable Iowans
The state’s Health & Human Services Budget (HF 2460) was one of the last bills to pass the Legislature this year. It included increased oversight to address Iowans’ problems with the Governor’s...
View ArticleWater quality deserves dedicated funding
During the 2016 session, legislators considered several options for improving Iowa’s water quality. The plans floated by the Governor and House Republicans, however, had little or no support in the...
View ArticleHonoring Iowa veterans & service members
Each May, we celebrate Armed Forces Day, paying tribute to the men and women in our military, and Memorial Day, honoring those who died serving our country. The commitment of Iowans to serve our...
View ArticleVeterans can fill skilled job openings
Iowa needs skilled workers to fill immediate openings and anticipated retirements over the next five years. Our state has an average of 34,718 daily job vacancies and more than 100,000 workers are...
View ArticleVeterans benefits encourage home ownership
July 1 is the deadline to apply for the disabled veteran homestead tax credit and military exemption. Once claimed, filing for these benefits in subsequent years isn’t necessary as long as the property...
View ArticleVeterans Trust Fund helps those in need
The Veterans Trust Fund was created in 2003 to help low-income veterans in need of housing repairs, emergency medical care, dental work, eyeglasses, hearing aids, prescriptions, car repairs and more....
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