Session won’t end until the people’s work is finished
While I hope the 2013 legislative session wraps up soon, I won’t vote to adjourn until Iowa has a balanced state budget that will help strengthen and grow our middle class. We can do that in a fiscally...
View ArticleLegislators seek compromise to expand health care
The Legislature continues to work toward a compromise that will expand affordable health care to more low-income Iowans. On April 30, the House approved Governor Branstad’s alternative to Medicaid...
View ArticleISU basketball star raises awareness of mental health
The Legislature has spent three years debating mental health reform. We are close to implementing a plan that will treat every Iowan the same—no matter where they live, no matter what their disorder....
View ArticleEffective help for abuse victims
Thousands of Iowans are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault each year. To help, the Legislature is moving to modernize state services for victims and better meet the needs of survivors....
View ArticleCutting taxes to grow Iowa’s middle class
The Iowa Senate has passed a package of bills that will lower taxes for Iowa citizens, employers and property owners. These initiatives will revitalize our communities, allow businesses to expand,...
View ArticleMore experience makes for safer roads
While no law can prevent all accidents, tougher license requirements for people learning to drive have been shown to help. That’s why the Legislature has voted to make Iowa roads safer with two key...
View ArticleApply for grants to preserve country schools
Applications for the Country School Grant Program through the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs are due May 15. The program provides up to $5,000 for the preservation and maintenance of Iowa’s...
View ArticleDNR partnership program prevents pollution
A program through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources supports college students working to help businesses with pollution prevention strategies. Since 2001, the Pollution Prevention Internship...
View ArticleIowa One Call reminds residents to call before digging
As Iowans prepare for summer projects that may involve digging, Iowa One Call reminds us to have buried utility lines located first. Professional excavators and homeowners are required by law to...
View ArticleNew hunter education course for adults begins July 1
Adults who have prior hunting or firearms handling experience and are looking to satisfy their hunter education requirement to purchase a hunting license will have a new option beginning July 1. The...
View ArticleAGRICULTURE – Week of April 29, 2013
HF 512 – Confinement Feeding Operations FLOOR ACTION: HF 512 would allow a producer that wants to continue using a building that has been approved for a higher animal capacity to take a “time-out”...
View ArticleAPPROPRIATIONS – Week of April 29, 2013
SF 452 – Standings Budget FY14 & FY15 HF 638 – Infrastructure Budget FY14 & FY15 FLOOR & COMMITTEE ACTION: SF 452, which is referred to as the Standings bill, appropriates $2.988 billion...
View ArticleJUDICIARY – Week of April 29, 2013
HF 471 – Attorneys’ Fees in Termination of Parental Rights Appellate Proceedings HF 527 – DNA from Aggravated Misdemeanants FLOOR ACTION: HF 471 confirms that parents are entitled to counsel if their...
View ArticleTRANSPORTATION – Week of April 29, 2013
SF 386 – Department of Transportation omnibus bill FLOOR ACTION: SF 386 returned to the Senate after being amended by the House. This bill is the Department of Transportation (DOT) omnibus bill....
View ArticleWAYS & MEANS – Week of April 29, 2013
SF 278 – Algae cultivation property considered agricultural land SF 451 – Replacement tax for private water utilities HF 627 – Property tax exemption for county fairgrounds HF 631 – Propane Education...
View ArticleSay ‘thanks’ to a teacher who is special to you
Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10 Teacher Appreciation Day, May 7 Since 1984, the first full week in May is a special time to honor our teachers and celebrate their outstanding contributions. Teacher...
View ArticleAPPROPRIATIONS – Week of May 6, 2013
SF 452 – Standings Budget FY14 & FY15 FLOOR ACTION: SF 452, which is referred to as the Standings bill, appropriates $2.988 billion in FY14 and $2.996 billion in FY15. The bill appropriates an...
View ArticleHUMAN RESOURCES – Week of May 6, 2013
HF 590 – Child Abuse Differential Response FLOOR ACTION: HF 590, as amended on the floor, creates a differential response or second path for the Department of Human Services (DHS) to handle child...
View ArticleJUDICIARY – Week of May 6, 2013
HF 119 – Department of Human Services, County Attorneys and Representation in Juvenile Court HF 592 – State Public Defender and Indigent Defense FLOOR ACTION: HF 119, as amended by the Senate,...
View ArticleSTATE GOVERNMENT – Week of May 6, 2013
SF 396 – Government Efficiency FLOOR ACTION: SF 396 includes a number of provisions designed to make government more efficient. Highlights include: Government Information Technology Services – • The...
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