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 …

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 …

Capitol Comments

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 …

Capitol Comments

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 …