Because of bad weather throughout June, the Governor has already proclaimed disaster emergencies in 48 counties, including Black Hawk. This proclamation allows state resources to be used to respond to and recover from the storms. Black Hawk is also among 25 counties in which the proclamation ...
Iowa's great quality of life is bolstered by a variety of arts, culture and recreation. These opportunities make daily life more enjoyable-and they're good for our economy."They create jobs, attract investments, generate tax revenues, and stimulate local economies through tourism and consumer ...
The 21st century economy needs workers with postsecondary credentials and the ability to adapt to changing business needs. Apprenticeship programs prepare thousands of workers to fit that bill every year.Apprenticeships can help Iowans train in a trade, improve their skills and get ...
Week 14As the session winds down, the legislature continues to pass the budget bills. Of the eleven budget bills, two have passed both chambers, several have gone to conference committee and two are still awaiting floor action.The House Republicans remain committed to these budgeting ...
Last week, the Senate voted to appropriate more than $554 million to ensure safety for Iowans and communities throughout the state by adequately funding our prisons, our courts, the Department of Public Safety, the Attorney General, and other agencies and functions of our justice system.As ...
Week 13We are closing in on the end of the session. We debate fewer and fewer bills as the list dwindles, but the bills we debate are the large, complex appropriations bills that can take many hours and even days of preparation time and then many hours to debate and work through the many ...
As companies work to modernize their operations, many turn to outside services to handle their payroll and human resources functions. Some employers now pay their employees using payroll debit cards. These cards are issued to employees, and their wages are deposited onto the card on ...
Week 12The House is deep into the budget process now; the appropriation bills for the various departments are working their way through the committees and to the floor.Visitors this week were: from the Sing Me To Heaven Foundation; Diane McIntosh of La Porte City, Jennifer Mehlert of Traer, ...
As a leader in wind energy and ethanol, Iowa is showing the nation that clean energy works-and it's good for more than just the environment. Bipartisan support for expanding production is helping Iowa create good jobs that strengthen our middle class.Here are three bills that we approved in the ...
Governor Branstad's abrupt decision to close the Iowa Juvenile Home created a number of problems. It is the Legislature's job to help solve those problems. The Senate has passed legislation on this issue. The House has not taken up that legislation. So we must settle these issues through the ...