Public Interest Institute works to focus on issues pertaining to transparency and specifically tries to focus on Iowa issues. In December of 2014, we reported on the status of the state of Iowa's specially developed transparency Website. We were glad to report that Iowa was officially at an ...
As part of ongoing efforts to improve mental health services, we voted this year to make it easier for Iowans to receive mental health and substance abuse treatment closer to home. This included a bipartisan plan to keep all four of Iowa's mental health institutes (MHIs) operating.Republican ...
The United Nations Security Council recently heard firsthand testimony from the victims of a chemical-weapons attack in Syria. A Syrian doctor spoke of his frantic efforts to treat more than 100 people who were hit by chlorine-filled bombs in the town of Sarmeen.These kinds of attacks are ...
Editor's Note: Iowa school board elections are on Sept. 8, 2015. The candidate filing period is July 6-30.The Iowa Association of School Boards urges Iowans who are passionate about education to consider running for election to their local school boards, in order to ensure a bright future for ...
I was asked to lead a trade delegation to Taiwan in July. Taiwan is one of Iowa's biggest markets for ag exports. This relationship has developed over the years through sister-city and sister-state relationships with Taiwan. The strong ties we have are good for the Iowa economy.I am also ...
My wife and I lived in England from 1971 to 1975, when I was in the Air Force. I was stationed at RAF Upper Heyford, just north of Oxford. e lived in an apartment in Oxford. About three or four times a year we would treat ourselves to a day in London. This would be a special day for us, not ...
The Legislature closed out the 2015 session with Senate Democrats opting to end five months of gridlock on school funding. The goal of the compromise is to maintain educational opportunities and boost student achievement.The final agreement provides an additional $156 million for the 2015-16 ...
Congratulations to the Class of 2015. Leaving high school or college certainly brings mixed feelings. Remember, closing one door opens an opportunity to knock on another one. Graduates have put in the time and work required to earn a diploma. Now it's time to make the most of the momentum. As ...
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT, QUALITY SCHOOLS REMAIN KEY STICKING POINTSAdam has made it through another year at Iowa State with great grades. He is now studying journalism and media. He was able to apply for and got an internship with the Times-Republican. Let me know what you think of his ...
On February 9, 2015, the State Treasurer of Iowa, Michael L. Fitzgerald, released the report of outstanding debt obligations for state and local governments. This year's report shows over $15 billion is owed by these entities, and this is money that has to be paid back with taxpayers' ...