Ensuring Iowa seniors don’t go hungry

July 28, 2011

Iowa does better than most states when it comes to making sure the elderly get the food they need, according to a new study by the AARP Foundation. However, we must do more to ensure all Iowa seniors get the food they need. Participating in the national “Drive to End Hunger” can help Iowa tackle the problem.

Legislators consider special session on Workforce Offices

Legislators are considering further steps to keep Workforce Development field offices open, including the possibility of a special session with the sole purpose of overriding Governor Branstad’s line-item vetoes of legislation prohibiting the closure of the offices.

Gov. Branstad vetoes tax cut for working families AGAIN

A statement by Senator Joe Bolkcom, chair of the Ways & Means Committee, on Governor Branstad’s veto of a tax cut for working families is below the fold.

Save on back-to-school shopping with tax holiday Aug. 5-6

July 26, 2011

With the new school year quickly approaching, it’s just about time for back-to-school shopping. If you’re looking to save on new school clothes, remember to take advantage of Iowa’s annual sales tax holiday on Friday, August 5, and Saturday, August 6.

Let’s work together on real education reform

July 25, 2011

Iowans know we can’t keep doing the same things in our schools and expect better results. Unfortunately, we just finished a difficult legislative session, which was forced into overtime by demands for deep cuts to education at all levels.

What we need now is a road map to real results, not more empty rhetoric to distract us. That’s why we’re closely following this month’s Iowa Education Summit.

New special license plates approved and other changes

July 21, 2011

During the 2011 session, we approved seven new specialty license plates that may be of interest to you or someone you know. Also, the standard Iowa license plates look a little different.

Fiscal year ends with big surplus (Video)

We take fiscal responsibility seriously in the Iowa Senate, and we’re proud to say that once again this year, the Legislature balanced the state budget without raising taxes. In fact, the 2011 fiscal year ended with the biggest surplus in Iowa’s history.

You don’t have to take our word for it. Check out the video by the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency detailing Iowa’s strong finish for fiscal year 2011.

Open letter to U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan: Iowa Education Summit is opportunity for results, not rhetoric

July 18, 2011

The following statement was issued by State Senator Brian Schoenjahn, Chair of the Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee.

As Governor Branstad, his team and allies try to get their stories straight, injured workers face bleak future

July 13, 2011

A statement from Sen. Bill Dotzler, Chair of the Senate Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee, is below the fold.

People’s march on Terrace Hill

July 11, 2011

On Saturday, July 16, farmers, seniors, workers, and everyday people from across Iowa will mobilize outside Governor Branstad’s mansion for a massive “People’s March on Terrace Hill.” The rally will take place at 2pm at 2300 Grand Avenue in Des Moines.