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Editorials

“Free” government money is rarely free

The federal government gave out grants to state and local governments totaling more than $628 billion last year, according to the Congressional Research Service. Why wouldn't states and local governments take grants from the federal government? Leaving aside the argument that the money the ...

A more user-friendly state government

I am committed to maintaining a state government that runs efficiently, offers good service to Iowans and is transparent in its operations. This year, we voted to maintain open, transparent government with more support for Iowa's Public Information Board and Office (HF 659) and technology that ...

To restore the middle-class look to President Calvin Coolidge

Calvin Coolidge is most often remembered for his dry wit, silence, and conservative economic and foreign policies, but he is not often remembered as a friend of labor. Coolidge himself was an example of the Protestant work ethic, and he viewed work as honorable. As Coolidge stated: "I cannot ...

Q & A: The REACH Act for rural hospitals

Q: Why are you working to advance Medicare reforms for rural hospitals?A: This past year, I've heard a good deal of feedback from my town meetings in Iowa that acute health care services in rural areas of our state are at risk. A shrinking pool of patients is exposing a funding shortfall that ...

Iowa General Assembly cost of sponsored legislation

The first session of the 86th Legislative Assembly has come to a close, and now is the time we analyze its fiscal aspects. This month we are reviewing the data of the Iowa Bill Tally for both the House and the Senate. Public Interest Institute (PII) brings this information to you to make you ...

Love Lost

Editor's Note: Mary McBee is a Tama resident. Among jobs during her career was as a reporter for The Tama News-Herald and Toledo Chroincle.Born and raised in north central Iowa, I spent my youth longing to escape those bland flatlands and to experience the spectacular natural beauty of the ...

A Thanksgiving Message from the General Society of Mayflower Descendants

On this November 26, 2015, as you carve the turkey, and look around the table at your loved ones, there are important lessons you can teach both young and old about our American Thanksgiving holiday.When the Pilgrims traveled to America on the Mayflower, before coming ashore, they wrote a ...

Measuring student success in community colleges

Local students enroll in community colleges for a variety of reasons. Many students enroll with the intent to complete a degree or certificate while others enroll to meet a personal or educational goal transfer to a four-year institution, find a job, or obtain a specific skill.Over the past ...