RSSTo keep Iowa’s economic recovery going, we must continue investing in our young people and in our universities. College should be affordable enough that Iowans can get the education they need to boost Iowa’s economy. We are concerned that state support for our universities has fallen sharply in recent years, which has resulted in higher [...]
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 [...]
Read the full story >>By a bipartisan vote of 32-18, the Iowa Senate approved Senate File 2315, a sweeping overhaul of Iowa’s mental health system on Monday, March 12. According to Senator Jack Hatch of Des Moines, the legislation’s floor manager: “This redesigned mental health system will provide equitable access to services statewide in the most effective manner. It [...]
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Floor manager Senator Pam Jochum gives opening and closing remarks on legislation to crfeate a certification system and professional career pathway for direct care workers with the goal of ensuring quality services and health care for our most vulnerable citizens.
Read the full story >>Video of floor manager Senator Bill Dotzler of Waterloo giving opening and closing remarks as the Iowa Senate voted 37-13 on Monday, March 12, to make sure Iowa taxpayer dollars support job creation here at home.
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The Governor has called for a predictable, stable and sustainable state budget. I think we should take that approach with our schools as well. That’s why the Senate has voted for some much-needed predictability, stability and sustainability in local school funding this year. Early in the session, the Senate approved a 4 percent increase in basic [...]
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The jobs of tomorrow require more skills than ever. To ensure Iowans are prepared, the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved an education budget that invests in student achievement and helps build a talented workforce, while being fiscally responsible. This includes: ** Keeping community college tuition affordable with a $25 million increase in state support. ** [...]
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Since 1981, Iowa’s Small Business Development Centers have helped Iowa entrepreneurs by conducting research, providing advice, and offering training in management, financing and small business operation. Iowa’s 15 Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) have helped fight the national recession. In 2011, they counseled 2,695 clients, saved 1,374 jobs and helped start 179 new businesses. They [...]
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A new program is encouraging Iowa high school students to test their financial abilities to make informed money decisions. The National Financial Capability Challenge helps high school students by encouraging educators to teach financial knowledge and skills in the classroom. Students prepare for an online 30-minute exam. Schools with at least one student scoring in [...]
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House GOP budget cuts workforce training and education which is needed to move Iowa forward.
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