RSSChief Justice Mark Cady said in his State of the Judiciary address in January that “Iowans expect their government to operate a full-time, full-service and efficient court system.” The Legislature is working to provide that full-time access to justice with court funding in the Judicial Branch Budget. Senate File 442, approved with strong bipartisan support, [...]
Read the full story >>DNA collected in the context of minor crimes can yield major benefits in public safety. DNA can help solve crimes faster, avoid costly trials and save taxpayer money. In 2006, New York extended its DNA database. Since then, DNA taken from those who commit petty larceny has helped solve about 1,000 crimes, including murders, sexual [...]
Read the full story >>Adults who have prior hunting or firearms handling experience and are looking to satisfy their hunter education requirement to purchase a hunting license will have a new option beginning July 1. The online hunter education course will have the same materials as their classroom counterparts and students will be tested in the same way. For a [...]
Read the full story >>As Iowans prepare for summer projects that may involve digging, Iowa One Call reminds us to have buried utility lines located first. Professional excavators and homeowners are required by law to arrange locating services before digging. There are thousands of miles of underground utility lines that can be damaged by a shovel or excavation equipment [...]
Read the full story >>While no law can prevent all accidents, tougher license requirements for people learning to drive have been shown to help. That’s why the Legislature has voted to make Iowa roads safer with two key changes to our state’s graduated driver licensing program. Forty-five other states with similar laws have benefited from a decrease in the [...]
Read the full story >>Thousands of Iowans are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault each year. To help, the Legislature is moving to modernize state services for victims and better meet the needs of survivors. Funding provided in the Justice System Budget will help with this process. Although a conference committee is working out the final details of [...]
Read the full story >>Emergency responders risk their lives to help their fellow citizens, and nearly 80 percent in Iowa are volunteers. They are the backbone of emergency medical services across the state, ensuring Iowans get the care they need in emergencies. However, there are not enough resources to support Iowa’s emergency services, especially in rural areas. The budget [...]
Read the full story >>he Senate has approved a Health & Human Services Budget that focuses on the needs of the most vulnerable Iowans. That means helping Iowans access critical health care services, improving public health, protecting older Iowans and caring for our veterans. We are also placing a special emphasis on the wellbeing and long-term success of our [...]
Read the full story >>Iowa’s Workers’ Memorial Day ceremony will be held Friday, April 26 at 11 a.m. at Iowa Workforce Development, 1000 E. Grand Avenue, Des Moines. This is a day to honor and remember Iowans who have died in the past year in Iowa’s workplaces and serving in our military. Forty-six Iowans have died on the job [...]
Read the full story >>We’re keeping our promise to ensure Iowa is a safe place for kids and older Iowans in this session’s Administration & Regulation Budget, House File 603. I was proud to vote this week for a budget that includes the resources necessary to protect many vulnerable Iowans, including: • Iowa’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. [...]
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