"When confronted with this confusion and ambiguity, it is hard to imagine a result can be achieved that will place Americans in a better place than we were prior to the start of this war ..." more

"Trump delivered for his wealthy supporters: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act extended the 2017 tax cuts, reduced regulations, and cut back on social safety net programs ..." more

I got to do one of my favorite kinds of interviews last week when I talked to North Scott’s robotics team, Guild of Gears, at the Regional Innovation Center – the kind where the interviewee does all the talking. more

When I was growing up, my family ate dinner together near every night. My parents had left their first careers to restart a defunct dairy farm. Now we had our own meat, milk, eggs and vegetables, and we were going to eat them as a family. Those dinners ensured that I saw both of my parents every day; that our family was not an arbitrary or accidental group; that it was a living, working thing no less full of love for the demands of life. more

March 14, 2001: Eldridge would soon be getting a new grocery store, as Steve Grolmus, owner of the Super Valu in Park View, announced plans to build a 20,000-square-foot store on LeClaire Road. The Eldridge City Council approved tax incentives for the project, which Grolmus said would be beneficial, since he needed to build a store from the ground up. He estimated the new North Scott Foods would employ 60-80 people. A survey was also being conducted to determine market interest for the store, which would help inform what inventory was available. “We want to build the store that the community wants,” said Grolmus. more

This week, we learned the tragic news that two Iowans were killed in action in Kuwait on March 1. Major Jeffrey O’Brien of Waukee and Sergeant Declan Coady of West Des Moines made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country and protecting our freedoms. Our hearts go out to their families, friends, and loved ones as they face this unimaginable loss. The men and women who serve in our armed forces represent the very best of our nation, and their courage and dedication remind us of the true meaning of service. The Senate stands in support of Major O’Brien, Sergeant Coady, and all Iowa service members during this difficult time. We are forever grateful for their commitment to our state and our country. more

This past week the Iowa House passed HF 2719, which is designed to provide voters with transparency regarding the performance of district court judges.  Prior to every general election the same question comes up, "How do I vote on the judges?" more

"How is it that an elected representative is more upset at a parent that's upset he can't feed his kids, than he is at the fact the children are going hungry under Republican policies ..." more

"It's clear from watching legislation moving through the house and senate that the groundwork is being laid for more data centers via adopting new rules around peaker plants, virtual power plants, energy storage, managing rate making principles for water and wastewater, and energy forecasting, transmission and expansion planning ..." more

"Has loyalty to a political party taken precedent over your loyalty to the law, the Constitution, and your country ..." more

I had the honor to serve as the North Scott Rotary Club’s guest speaker on Friday. Usually, I sit in the audience and watch elected officials, business owners and prominent citizens speak. more

March 3, 1976: Caterpillar filed a motion to dismiss a $50 million lawsuit against the company filed by the City of Eldridge. The suit was regarding Caterpillar’s announcement it planned to voluntarily annex into the City of Davenport. The $50 million represented the amount Eldridge estimated as the loss of tax revenue. Meanwhile, the company also announced plans to expand its Mount Joy plant, adding on to the manufacturing and office facilities. more

More than ever, I affirm, and we in our American society and in our mutual exchange, remain committed to the cherished and reliable America, to its nature and culture, and last but not least, to our friends and friendships “over there.” There are so many dear people across the Atlantic who, in all the current upheaval caused by the present U.S. administration, are worth continuing to share our partnership with. To share this – that is what needs to be said. more

The University of Northern Iowa won, for now, a big one. No, it was not a three-point shot at the buzzer by the women’s basketball team or a two-point conversion on a trick play to secure a victory by the football team. This is bigger than all of those by far. more

Human trafficking might not be a crime you think of every day, but it’s happening all around the state from small towns to the big cities. Without help from across the state, many of these victims never receive justice. The House Judiciary Committee worked on two key pieces of legislation to catch the traffickers and help victims. more

As we conclude Week 7 of the Iowa legislative session, we reflect on a week rich with discussions and debates surrounding legislation that has survived the first funnel of session. Our legislative body has discussed all thoroughly, addressing key issues that impact our communities and state. As we transition into the second half of the session, there will be an uptick in our debate schedule, ensuring that our legislative works receive the attention they deserve. more

This week at the Capitol, the House continued work on school funding, economic development, higher education, and health policy. Below is an update on several bills and budget issues that moved forward as we head deeper into the session. more

According to Genesis 2:15: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Sadly, it seems Iowa House Environmental Protection GOP committee members missed this Bible study class. This is my fourth year on the committee and I’ve never been more disappointed by the lack of meaningful progress to “keep,” must less restore, our Garden of Eden. more

"House File 2324 would sever trusted partnerships, place public servants in legal uncertainty, risk costly lawsuits to Iowa’s community, and retreat from our state’s long tradition of local cooperation and civic trust. It would exchange discretion for prohibition and partnership for separation ..." more

"Iowa should not remain the only state in the country that does not recognize the torture of a dog or cat—companion animals—as a first offense felony ..." more