Transparency and Accountability

 RSS

New State Auditor should investigate Secretary of State’s use of federal funds

May 13, 2013

Auditor should step in because federal agency has turned into ‘toothless tiger’ DES MOINES – A State Senator today formally requested that Iowa’s new State Auditor conduct a thorough audit of Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz’s misuse of federal funding for his high-profile voter purge campaign. In a letter sent this morning to newly [...]

Read the full story >>

Ensuring Iowans’ Right to Know

April 24, 2013

About two-thirds of Iowans believe government should be more open, according to a poll by the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. The same percentage said the Legislature should create a board to enforce laws on public records and public meetings. After six years of work by concerned Iowans, local governments and news organizations, the Legislature [...]

Read the full story >>

Senate Confirms Governor’s Appointees

April 13, 2013

So far this year, the Iowa Senate has confirmed 214 of Governor Branstad’s 216 appointees to Iowa’s statewide boards and commissions. The Governor appoints members to more than 160 boards and commissions as openings become available. These panels are responsible for advising the Governor, the Legislature and state agencies. The Senate must confirm the Governor’s [...]

Read the full story >>

Customer Friendly Service for Drivers

March 20, 2013

Several changes we’re working on in the Legislature this year will make getting your Iowa driver’s license a lot fast and easier. SF 331 would make it possible for most Iowans to renew their driver’s license online every other time it comes up for renewal. That means no waiting in lines and the convenience of [...]

Read the full story >>

Cracking down on scamming in Iowa

March 19, 2013

Bill would help ensure road users pay their fair share     DES MOINES, March 18, 2013 – Tax evaders using out-of-state shell corporations to avoid paying registration fees on million-dollar RVs or other luxury vehicles will face criminal charges and penalties under a bill approved by the Iowa Senate today. Senator Tod Bowman of [...]

Read the full story >>

Nominees sought for Regents Transparency Task Force

March 3, 2013

The Iowa Board of Regents is seeking a member of the public to be a part of their Transparency Task Force.  Nominations should be received by March 6. The Board is expected to approve the Task Force at its March 13 meeting. If you are interested, submit your name, contact information and a brief summary [...]

Read the full story >>

Orascom #1: Tax credits sometimes make sense. The Orascom deal did not.

February 18, 2013

…I will close today with Governor Branstad’s claim that The Iowa won the Orascam fertilizer plant by the “skin of its teeth.” The facts, unfortunately, flatly contradict that claim.

Read the full story >>

What documents do you need at the DMV?

February 2, 2013

When you head to the DMV for your Iowa driver’s license, identification card or REAL ID, be sure to bring the documents you’ll need—proof of your age, identity, current full legal name, Iowa residency, legal presence in the U.S. and Social Security number. A new online app from the Iowa Department of Transportation can help [...]

Read the full story >>

Chief Justice highlights court openness, help for children

January 23, 2013

On Jan. 16, the Chief Justice of Iowa’s Supreme Court spoke before the Legislature about the work of Iowa’s court system, a future that ensures access to justice for all Iowans and improving services for those in need, especially Iowa’s children. Chief Justice Mark Cady highlighted the openness and transparency of Iowa’s court system, which [...]

Read the full story >>

Iowans: Get involved through boards and commissions

December 23, 2012

Interested in getting involved with government? Iowa has over 180 boards and commissions that advise all areas of state government—the Legislature, the Governor and state agencies. This spring, more than 225 positions on these Senate-confirmed panels will be open. Most of the members are everyday Iowa citizens who volunteer their time to make Iowa the [...]

Read the full story >>
Previous Page