Boosting Iowa’s Middle Class

The foundation of our economy is rooted in the strength of the middle class.  The last decade has been especially tough for the middle class, with stagnant wages and the loss of many good family-sustaining jobs.  Over the last 30 years, wages have failed to keep up with rising costs and inflation, adding to the economic struggles of many middle class families. Raising the minimum wage in Iowa will not only give thousands of Iowa families an overdue boost but will inject …

Iowa Students and Teachers Head Back to School

Over the next three weeks, over 500,000 Iowa children, and teachers like me, will head back to the classroom for another school year.

Many students will benefit from action taken by the Iowa Legislature to boost student achievement and ensure that they graduate with the skills necessary to continue their education after high school, enter a career or land a good-paying job.

One of the improvements this year is expanded literacy screening – identifying students who are reading below grade …

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Keeping Iowa’s Water Clean

This summer, thousands of you will be swimming, fishing, and boating in and on our Iowa lakes and rivers.  These recreational opportunities would be even better with clean water.

Over the last two years, the Iowa Legislature has provided millions of dollars to help improve Iowa’s water quality through the state’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy.  The strategy was prepared by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Iowa State University College of Agriculture and …

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New Laws Start July 1

While the 2014 legislative session ended back in April, I want you to be aware of several new laws that take effect beginning July 1st, the start of the state’s fiscal year.

Topping the list of our new laws are several initiatives aimed at boosting Iowa’s skilled workforce, including $66 million for the skilled worker job creation fund to help Iowans upgrade work skills, fill key worker-shortage areas, improve employability, and connect businesses with opportunities for worker training and education.

On strong …

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Although the annual legislative session is over and I am back in the classroom – until summer recess, I continue to visit with constituents and am available to answer your questions, listen to your ideas, and assist you with any issues related to state government.

My contact information is located to the right of this page.  Feel free to contact me anytime!

Honoring and Thanking our Veterans this Memorial Day

As Memorial Day approaches, Monday May 26th, it is a good time to remember the sacrifices our …

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We just wrapped up the 2014 legislative session last week and I’m pleased with much of the progress we made this session.  We worked together in many areas to create new opportunities for Iowa families. We:

Expanded key job training initiatives and apprenticeship opportunities to boost our skilled workforce.
Froze tuition at our state universities for the second year in a row to keep tuition affordable.
Encouraged more production of renewable energy like wind, solar, and biofuels.
Broadened access to childcare assistance for parents who are both working …

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At the Capitol we are moving closer to adjournment.  The final budget bills are being debated in both the House and the Senate and moved to conference committees.  In the conference committees the negotiations continue until all the differences are resolved. Each committee will then send their final budget bill to both the Senate and House for final votes.

Thank you to all who have contacted me during the session – participating in the legislative process. I have learned a great deal from our discussions, …

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Legislative Coffee This Weekend  
Sunday, April 13, at 2:00 p.m. for voters in neighborhoods along         Glass Road.
I hope you can attend, as your input is always appreciated! Please contact Susan Staed at 319-573-7501 or susanstaed@gmail.com for details.

Local Forum Next Weekend
Saturday, April 19, 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
League of Women Voters Legislative Forum
Mercy Medical Center, 701 10th Street SE, in Cedar Rapids

The forum topic is “Youth & Adolescent Mental Health Issues.”

Panelists will include mental health providers who will discuss issues affecting youth and adolescent mental health in …

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Two Legislative Coffees This Weekend

Saturday, April 5th at 2pm for voters in the Seminole Valley neighborhood.

Sunday, April 6th at 2pm for voters in the 1st Ave Cedars Apartment neighborhood.

I hope you can attend, as your input is always appreciated! Please contact Susan Staed at 319-573-7501 or susanstaed@gmail.com for more details.

Local Forum
Saturday, April 19, 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
League of Women Voters Legislative Forum
Mercy Medical Center, 701 10th Street SE, in Cedar Rapids

The forum topic is “Youth & Adolescent Mental Health Issues.” Panelists will include mental health providers who will …

Capitol Comments

 Local Forum

Saturday, April 19, 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.League of Women Voters Legislative Forum
Mercy Medical Center, 701 10th Street SE, in Cedar Rapids.The forum topic is “Youth & Adolescent Mental Health Issues.” Panelists will include mental health providers who will discuss issues affecting youth and adolescent mental health in the current MH/DD redesign and funding environment.Local Coffees & LemonadesWant to host or attend a weekend neighborhood coffee in House District 66, with a legislative update and conversation?  For information, please email your request for times …