The 2022 session of the Iowa Legislature began Jan. 10, much as lawmakers have convened for most of the past 175 years: with speeches and ceremony, the reuniting of friends and the renewal of partisan enmity. more

"When it comes to lawmakers, and positions such as these, I frequently wonder if they ever put themselves in others’ shoes ..." more

"Although I am a lifelong University of Illinois fan, my wife is from Dubuque, and one of her sisters is a long-time Iowa City resident, and I couldn’t help but cheer for the Iowa women’s basketball team ..." more

"The fact is, as bad and evil as slavery in America was, it started among the Africans ..." more

Last week moved Senate File 324 that dedicates funds and invests in important initiatives like the More Options for Maternal Support (MOMS) program. The bill would allocate $2 million to the MOMS program to help pregnant women looking for help and resources and allows Iowa’s Health and Human Services department to award fatherhood engagement grants to nonprofits and community-based organizations that address the needs of fathers, whether it is employment, financial obligations, or parenting skills. The bill also establishes a state-funded fellowship program for family medicine and obstetric practitioners in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, it increases funding for families seeking adoptions and expanded scholarship opportunities for Iowa foster kids. more

Senate File 494 provides oversight of Iowa’s public assistance programs. This bill strikes a balance between protecting Iowa’s welfare programs for Iowans in true need while at the same time protecting the Iowa taxpayer from paying for services for a noneligible individual.  more

April 23, 2008: Wes Rostenbach was appointed as Scott County Auditor, following the death of Karen Fitzsimmons. He served as the accounting tax manager in the Auditor’s Office, and planned to return to that role following the election in six months. more

“Providing information quickly and efficiently demystifies government.” more

The Iowa legislature’s relentless attacks on local government now includes a new bill to dramatically limit sales tax funding for counties, cities and schools. more

"For the last 26 years of living in rural Scott County, we consider it neighborly to be responsible stewards of our land.  We have cared for existing century oaks and planted thousands of native trees, including our state tree, the oak ..." more

"I’d like to give a rose to all the husbands and wives, one man and one woman, who were joined in marriage the way God intended ..." more

"The more the state became divided, the more the Iowa legislature passed laws giving the governor added power. Iowa’s rule of judges nominating supreme court judges, a model for the country, was displaced by a law giving the governor a voice ..." more

"If you haven’t seen 'Anything Goes' at North Scott High School yet, run — don’t walk to see it before it ends ..." more

"Thank you to the cast, crew, and all who contributed. So much talent, and to think these are but high schoolers ..." more

When I was 8, I asked for my parents’ permission to compete in the Little Miss category of the Miss Iowa Scholarship Organization. They agreed despite their confusion at my interest, as I was an incredibly bashful child. At the time, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I remember being scared to death and practically running off the stage for almost every phase of competition. As you can imagine, I did not walk away with the title. more

April 25, 1973: Record rainfall, combined with heavy snow melt to the north caused the Wapsipinicon River to flood, cresting at a record 12.74 feet at Highway 61. The highway was briefly closed as 18-24 inches of water covered the roadway. A portion of the highway was washed out, and the Iowa Highway Commission maintenance department said it would take 1,000 tons of rock to rebuild the grade of the road. Highway 67 at the Folletts crossing north of Princeton was also briefly closed due to flooding. Meanwhile, the Mississippi River was expected to crest at 19.5 feet at Lock & Dam 15, and at 12 feet in LeClaire. more

One Sunday afternoon in March, Linda and I were minding our own business when we heard the backup generator kick in. That would be the backup generator which we paid Koehler Electric to install at our home in January 2021, the earliest available time after the August 2020 derecho. more

They say good things come to those who wait. more

"Of the seven presidents with the highest job creation rates since 1945, six were Democrats ..." more

There was no floor action in the Iowa House last week as the budget subcommittee chairs focused on negotiating the details of the state budget with their counterparts in the Senate. more