RSSIowa’s local schools aim to provide a world-class education that opens doors to a better tomorrow. That requires on-going efforts to improve. To help, the Iowa Senate has approved comprehensive education reform. Debate highlights can be seen at www.youtube.com/iowasenate. In recent years, we’ve taken the advice of parents, teachers and students, as well as state [...]
Read the full story >>Finally, President Jack Kibbie gets his wish: the Iowa House has agreed to conference committees to settle differences between the Iowa House and the Iowa Senate. In JUNE of 2011, agreements were hammered out only after legislators met in conference committees. For example, compromises were found on four major budget bills just 36 hours after they [...]
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When it comes to investing in Iowa’s public universities, Democrats in the Iowa Senate and Governor Branstad are on the same page. Taking action now to keep college affordable is important to Iowa families and to Iowa’s economy.
Read the full story >>On Monday, April 9, after several days of debate, the Iowa Senate approved Senate File 2284, comprehensive education reform that will raise academic standards, help educators improve, and use innovation to increase student achievement. Debate video includes: Opening comments by the bill’s floor manger, Sen. Herman Quirmbach of Ames Working alongside Iowa education reformers every [...]
Read the full story >>Video of Senator Hogg defending Iowa’s local students, teachers, and schools during the debate on education reform.
Read the full story >>Did you know that Iowa’s public universities assist 1.4 million Iowa agricultural operations, youth and families through Extension programs? This is just one of the many ways that our three state universities help make Iowa a great place. University student leaders have formed Universities for a Better Iowa, a grassroots movement that is traveling the [...]
Read the full story >>To ensure a great future for Iowans and our economy, we need to provide a world-class education, as well as good jobs and opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive. That’s what we’ll be focusing on in the final weeks of session. We can build on the successes we’ve achieved in education by continuing to [...]
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Iowa’s skilled worker shortage hurts our state’s economic growth. We agree with Governor Branstad on that point. To solve the problem, we need to change direction. Specifically, we need to make it easier—not harder—for Iowa workers to improve their skills. Since 1991, enrollment at community colleges has more than doubled to nearly 106,000. At the [...]
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The State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council is currently taking applications for its 2012-2013 council. The council is made up of young people between the ages of 14 and 20 with an interest in government. Members will gain leadership and civic engagement experience, training and opportunities to network. Applications received by May 1 will receive [...]
Read the full story >>Democratic leaders in the House and Senate held their weekly press conference at the Statehouse on Thursday March 29. Among the topics discussed were the legislative solution to the recent Supreme Court ruling invalidating Governor Branstad’s use of his line-item veto power and investing in education.
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