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Editorials

Court’s budget must ensure justice for all Iowans

Iowa's court system works for all Iowans. Our Judicial Branch: Enforces criminal laws. Resolves civil legal disputes, thus maintaining a stable and robust business environment. Resolves family law disputes, including child custody, paternity and child support. Protects victims of domestic ...

Toledo Police Chief reminds of mowing reulations

Dear Toledo Residents,The mowing season is now upon us, and the Toledo Police Department would like to remind residents of the following city ordinance regarding lawn grasses and weeds. Toledo City Code Section 52.01 specifically states: "Lawns and gardens within nonagricultural areas in the ...

Distrcit 72 Update

Week 14This Tuesday was marked by another tradition, the induction of new members to the Pioneer Lawmakers. These are legislators, legislative staff, and registered lobbyists that have marked 20 years since they were first elected or began work at the capitol. The ceremony is a joint session of ...

Religious Pluralism: John Hick and the Elephant with Every Other Name

The famous poem written to illustrate what happens when six blind men try to describe the elephant that none of them have seen, has been used to describe religious pluralism. Religious pluralism is actually understood in at least two major ways. Sometimes the words are taken to refer to the ...

Grassley Question and Answer: Housing and Urban Development spending

Q: What have you learned through your oversight of federal housing programs?A: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) works with state and local leaders across the country to address homelessness and foster vibrant neighborhoods and communities. Like many challenges facing ...

Sodders: Vote to reverse Iowa’s slide in school investment

(Des Moines) On Tuesday, Feb. 10, State Senator Steve Sodders (D-State Center) voted to reverse the trend that has made Iowa 35th in the nation in terms of per student investment."Iowans understand that our state's future economic success depends on raising well educated, productive citizens, ...

Iowa Legislature- District 72 update

On Thursday the legislature heard the Condition of the Guard speech delivered by Major General Timothy Orr. General Orr highlighted the Home Base Iowa initiative that was passed by the legislature last year. This program was designed to attract military veterans to Iowa to live. Over 1,000 ...

Iowa needs more skilled workers to expand middle class

Iowa has a shortage of skilled workers. Employers say it's the No. 1 obstacle to growing our economy.A new report from the Iowa Student Aid Commission highlights the need for training and education after high school. The Condition of Higher Education in Iowa 2014 reports that 36 percent of ...

New Year, New Congress: Listen, Learn and Lead

Voters sent Washington a message in November. Lawmakers can make the most of the historic election in the new year by making fresh resolutions for the new Congress. Let's listen, learn and lead.First, listen. Voters are fed up with business as usual. Partisanship makes average citizens tune ...

State Rep. Fisher reports – Week 3

Week 3Committee work on bills is in full swing. The committees and appropriations sub-committees are not only moving bills, but they are also hearing updates from the various departments and organizations they fund. For example, on Monday we had a three hour marathon Appropriations meeting ...