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 we file our 2013 federal and state tax returns, Iowa parents should take full advantage of all the tax credits available. One important but under-utilized state tax credit is the Tuition and Textbook Tax Credit (TTC). The TTC allows parents of school-aged children to take the cost of a ...
As a child, I always looked forward to the carefree joy of summertime. I remember the long days of playing outside at a nearby park until I needed to come home for lunch. Unfortunately, many of our nation's children do not experience the simple joys of summer. In fact, far too many are left ...
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 ...
According to the most recent U.S. Census, approximately 35 percent of Iowans have attained an associate degree or higher. Within the Iowa Valley Community College District service area (primarily Hardin, Marshall, Tama and Poweshiek Counties) that rate falls to 28 percent.It seems like everyone ...
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 ...
Spring is here and thoughts of travel come to mind. Increased levels of mobility by Americans and world citizens provides both an opportunity and a challenge. At the local and regional level, as we move around the countryside with various vehicles, the odds are that travelers will pass through ...
DES?MOINES- Iowa children are the big winners this week in the Iowa Senate, according to State Senator Steve Sodders of State Center."We took two big steps forward for children. First, the Senate voted unanimously to increase the childcare tax credit," said Sodders. "Second, the Senate ...