In our recent POLICY STUDY, The State of the State, Public Interest Institute examines each county’s population, median household income, average annual wage of the private sector and government sector, and average state tax burden per taxpayer. It also looks at how these numbers have ...
We took some significant votes this week that will change the face of Iowa. Today I voted in support of the new redistricting map. The Legislative Services Agency used the latest Census numbers to redraw congressional, state senate and state house districts. It was a fascinating process to be ...
We have two weeks to go in this session. There is so much to do and so far to go. The House and Senate are miles apart on both policy and appropriation bills. Some of the policy bills include social statements of the House and will not be addressed by the Senate. The only one which could be ...
Greetings from under the Golden Dome! We are slowly coming to the close of the 2011 Iowa Legislative Session. Much work is left to be done on the appropriations bills. Compromises must be reached between the House, Senate, and Governor. How long we remain in Des Moines will be determined by ...
The arrival of students speaking languages other than English can be challenging, but also provides powerful learning opportunities for all. Did you know that English language learners (ELLs) are the fastest growing population in Iowa and U.S. schools? According to the Iowa Department of ...
I met Dick Lasell, a WWII veteran from Cedar Rapids in November 2009. In many ways he reminded me of my dad, Talbert Potter. I liked him instantly. Both even served in the Army; Dick on the ground and dad at 20,000 feet in a B 17. Dad talked little of the war but he was very proud of having ...
Transparency at all levels of government. This is the goal of the Iowa Transparency Project. There is another area of government that needs the spotlight on it in hopes of creating sunshine in this area. This would be the county and local governments and school districts with the collection of ...
TAMA NEWS-HERALD -Once every decade, Iowa’s political landscape changes – and sometimes the shifts can be pretty dramatic. That time has come once again. It is time to re-draw Iowa’s congressional districts (four total), State Senate districts (50 total) and Iowa House districts (100 ...
Oops winter returned, I know spring is around the corner and we will be having our pickup of your unwanted items on April 15, and brush removal on the 22. Please call City Hall if you have questions. I would like to compliment all of my staff for the work that has been accomplished over the ...
Watching revolutions unfold halfway across the world, Americans have countless reasons to appreciate living in the land of opportunity. Liberty, justice and the rule of law are the foundations of our republic. These are the noble principles for which generations of men and women in uniform have ...