Rep. Dave Heaton Calls on Branstad to Keep Mental Health Facilities Open

Representative Dave Heaton, of Mount Pleasant, lambasted Governor Branstad for going ahead with the closing of the Mental Health Institutes in Clarinda and Mount Pleasant in a speech on the floor of the House this week.  He immediately received a standing ovation from both Democratic and Republican colleagues throughout the Chamber.

Legislators have been working to enhance community-based services for the mentally ill and it is too soon, before the capacity is built, to shift …

Increase the Pay for Low-Wage Iowa Workers

According to the Iowa Policy Project, 181,000 Iowans would benefit from an increase to the minimum wage under a proposal approved by the Iowa Senate this week:

72 percent are over the age of 20.
59 percent are women.
20 percent have children.

It’s been seven years since Iowans have seen an increase to the state’s minimum wage. No other state has lingered at $7.25 per hour longer than Iowa. Five out of six states surrounding Iowa have a higher minimum wage. By …

Statehouse News
PUBLIC FORUM SATURDAY

Saturday, February 21, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.  The League of Women Voters legislative forum will be held at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids.  I hope you can attend and let me know what legislative issues are important to you.

More High School Students Earning College Credit

A new Iowa Dept. of Education report, published last week, indicated that Iowa High school students lead the nation in gaining college credit before graduation.   In 2014, a record 42,996 students made an early start on their …

I’m Listening to You

As your state Iowa Representative, an essential part of my job is to gather feedback and listen to your ideas and concerns, and to keep you informed of the key issues and bills that come before the Iowa House.

When session began, I asked you what you thought about some of the important issues in the Iowa Legislature and asked for you to share your priorities for the 2015 session. My thanks to all of you who responded to the survey.

An overwhelming majority …

Capitol Comments

Tax Credits Available for Working Families

You and your family may not have realized that you may be eligible for a refundable tax credit when you file your 2014 federal and state income taxes this spring.

As we, Iowans, begin to work on our taxes, eligible families that meet certain income requirements could receive a refund up to $6,143 from our federal taxes and up to $921 on our state income taxes.

With more than 222,000 Iowans benefiting, Iowa’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is designed to …

Capitol Comments

SCHOOL AID SHORT-CHANGES IOWA’S STUDENTS

The Iowa House approved two school funding bills on party-line votes this week, but both are unlikely to become law without support in the Iowa Senate.

On Monday, Iowa’s school superintendents, administrators, teachers, school board members and parents packed a special public hearing in the Capitol to speak out against the two bills proposed by the Governor and majority Republican-party legislators in the House – bills that would provide supplemental  school aid funding at just 1.25% next year.  With annual inflation …

Capitol Comments

Veterans Day on the Hill

Hundreds of veterans, along with family members, were at the State Capitol on Wednesday for Veterans Day on the Hill.  Throughout the day, veterans met with legislators to discuss their priorities and those of the Veterans Coalition.  The Coalition is a group of representatives from veterans’ organizations across Iowa who work collectively to advance policy ideas to assist Iowa veterans and their families.

A ceremony was held in the rotunda to honor veterans and other service members.  Speakers included the Director …

Capitol Comments

My first forum for the 2015 legislative session, sponsored by the League of Women Voters, is this Saturday, January 17, at Mercy Medical Center, 701 10th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, from 10:30-11:45 A.M. in the Hallagan Education room. I hope to see you there!

Working To Help and Grow the Middle Class

The 2015 Legislative Session opened this week and House Democrats pledged to work to strengthen Iowa’s middle class and revitalize rural Iowa.

Many issues are likely to come up this year, but  priorities include:  expanding …

During this holiday season may your heart be filled with love, joy and peace.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

“Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.”
– Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience

A Season of Giving

During the holidays, here are a couple ways to celebrate the spirit of the season:

1. Feed the …