On March 28, Senate Republicans released the total general fund spending goal for next year. The general fund target of $8.872 billion is a 3.74 percent increase over FY 2024. It includes the increase of $172 million in funding for public K-12 schools and minimum starting teacher pay approved earlier this week in HF 2612 and $51.25 million in new money for ESAs for a total $223.2 million in new money for K-12 education. more

This session, the House passed House File 2554 which is based on some of the recommendations provided to update Iowa’s energy laws. Over the summer, the legislature required a full review of Iowa’s utilities and ratemaking processes. This was the first comprehensive review done in 20 years, and a lot has changed in that time in the energy sector. more

April 3., 1974: The Donahue American Legion Post No. 532 honored Vietnam veterans with a ham supper. Veterans in attendance included Merle Wiese, Dale DeCock, David Thode, Richard DeCock, Allen Schnoor, Dennis DeCock, Kenneth Glover, Darrell Thode, Arnold Adams, Gerald Murphy and Ronnie Madden. more

I have worked with many employees at the Eldridge post office in my 53 years at The NSP, but no one cared more about service than Lisa Williams, 57, who died all too soon on March 26. She saw many changes in her 25 years behind the counter and sorting mail before she suddenly was not there in 2021, taking a medical retirement. No offense to others who have worked there since, but it hasn't been the same.  more

Social media is important in our lives with everyone using it almost every day. Social platforms videos and chats make people look at their phones, tablets, computers, almost every screen. You can connect and share interests with each other and communicate. It’s a nice, easy way of information gathering and sharing. And lastly it can give us opportunities for business. more

"Why has Rep. Bobby Kaufmann submitted a bill to make it harder for Iowans to vote? It is soon heading to the Senate to be passed ..." more

"Governor Reynolds and the GOP majority are determined to deny Iowa women the bodily autonomy their grandmothers fought to win ..." more

As a kid have you ever wanted to get something expensive but your parents say, “No,” or “pay for it yourself.” more

The 13th week of the legislative session involved a lot of debate, finding an agreement on the state budget, and confirming governor appointees. Bills of note include: more

The 13th week of the 2024 Legislative Session brought more bills to the House floor. As chairman of the House Appropriation Committee, I received our budget targets for this session. We will soon begin building the budget for the State of Iowa. more

As week 13 comes to a close I find myself with a growing appreciation for my opportunity to live here in Iowa, not to mention the great honor of serving you all in the Iowa House. more

Things are starting to wrap up at the capitol as we end the session, and the House of Representatives is busy working on the budget for the 2025 Fiscal Year. more

City officials in Davenport have managed to accomplish the impossible this year: They have brought Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature together to agree on something. more

April 14, 1999: Mel Foster Co. purchased 100 acres over four tracts of prime development land, known as the Muhs property, for $1.6 million. A fifth tract of land, containing a farmhouse and outbuildings, was purchased for $316,000 by Norman and Lois Muhs. The property was located west of Mel Foster’s Townsend Farms addition. The North Scott School District said it was interested in purchasing 20 acres for new athletic field and a possible new elementary school, and the city of Eldridge was also interested in five to seven acres for a new park. more

When I was sitting court-side at Vibrant Arena March 15 before the UNI women's game tipped off in the Missouri Valley Tournament, I watched the three-member officiating crew – all women – go through their pre-game warmups and made a mental note of how seriously they were taking their responsibilities. more

"If this bill passes, Iowa farmers and agricultural workers will be unable to hold chemical companies accountable for the dangerous risk associated with using their products ..." more

"Let’s kindly encourage these foreign athletes to learn our language, and compliment them for each demonstration of progress they make along this very difficult road ..." more

"We are tired of all the shenanigans, power grabs and greed coming from Des Moines. And it is time for a change ..." more

If you were having a conversation with your best friend and he said your outfit looked horrible that day, would that make you feel good? more

The 14th week of the 2024 legislative session brought more bills to the House floor. As Chairman of the House Appropriation Committee, I have scheduled budget bills to start being voted on within our committee. We will soon be reaching the end of our session. more