The 2010 legislative session opened on Monday and things have gotten off to a quick start. After hearing from the Governor and Chief Justice, the House will be approving a package of education bills before we go home this week to help strengthen our k-12 schools and protect property tax payers. My priorities this year also include balancing the budget and creating good jobs. I encourage you to contact me with your ideas and suggestions.

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I look forward to serving you.






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Calendar of Events

January 16, 2010 - Four Marshalltown FIRST Lego League teams are among the 72 selected to compete at the State Championship at Iowa State University Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010.

January 18, 2010, 2 p.m., join Common Bonds, a support group for caregivers. The group meets at the Villa Del Sol, in the 200 Hall Lounge. The group meets the third Monday of the month. If you have questions, please call Iowa River Hospice at 641-753-7704.

January 25, 2010, 5:30-6:30 p.m., a new Grief Share Group will be meeting at 502 Plaza Heights Road in Marshalltown (Iowa River Hospice Home). Please enter through the staff entrance. Grief Share is intended for those who are dealing with the recent loss of a loved one. Please note, dinner to be provided. Grief Share will meet the last Monday of each month. If you have questions, please call Iowa River Hospice at 641-753-7704.

Helpful Information

A new local information hotline regarding H1N1 vaccinations has been established at 641-754-5005. Information is available in English and Spanish.

Grief Share Group will be meeting at 502 Plaza Heights Road in Marshalltown (Iowa River Hospice Home). Please enter through the staff entrance. Grief Share is intended for those who are dealing with the recent loss of a loved one. Please note dinner to be provided. Grief Share will meet the last Monday of each month. If you have questions, please call Iowa River Hospice at 641-753-7704.

The 2010 Census will create hundreds of jobs across the State of Iowa. If you are interested or know someone who is, you may call the Census at 866-861-2010. Please mention this opportunity to anyone you know who is looking for a great employment opportunity.

The Marshall County Conservation Board invites preschoolers who are - accompanied by an adult- to Nature’s Story Hour the first and third Wednesday of each month. Location is the GrimesFarm & Conservation Center, 2359 233rd Street and the time is 10 a.m. For more information, contact Diane Pixler at 641-752-5490.

Iowa River Hospice will host a Grief Healers Support Group at Iowa River Hospice; 206 W. Church St., Marshalltown, Iowa on the first Thursday of every month. The group meets at 1 p.m. The Support Group is open to all individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one. “Grief is a healthy and natural response to death.” It is difficult to process. “Come join us in our journey of healing”, Iowa River Hospice. If you have, questions please call 753-7704.

A Spousal Support group, which meets the second Sunday of every month at 5 p.m.is sponsored by Iowa River Hospice. They meet at Hy-Vee, Marshalltown, Iowa. Spousal Support Group helps provide support and socialization while enjoying a meal. The Group is open to all, but is usually not intended for newly bereaved individuals. If you have questions, call 641-753-7704.

There are hosts of agencies to assist with a number of issues that you and your family may be facing. These agencies are often a member of the Marshalltown Area United Way. For a list of agencies and what services they provide, please go to http://www.marshalltown.org.

Compassionate Friends a support group created to help people following the death of a child meets the first Tuesday of every month. The Marshalltown Group meets at the First Friends Church, at 2409 South 6 Street, Marshalltown, Iowa at 7:30 p.m.

The first Tuesday night of every month, the Marshalltown Cancer Support Group meets at the Congregational Church, 312-west Main. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. Enter through the west door.

The third Monday of every month, 2 p.m., Iowa River Hospice will host Common Bonds. Common Bonds was developed to nurture caregivers, so that they may meet the challenges associated with being a caregiver and to realize they are not alone. All are welcome; Villa Del Sol in Marshalltown; 200 Hall Lounge.

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2010 Session Convenes; Balanced Budget & Jobs Top Priorities

The 2010 session of the Iowa Legislature opened on Monday, January 11th at the State Capitol in Des Moines. Top priorities for legislators this year include helping middle class families, balancing the state budget without raising taxes, and creating good-paying jobs across Iowa.

Governor Chet Culver delivered his 2010 Condition of the State address to the Legislature on Tuesday with similar priorities such as job creation, strong schools, quality healthcare, and continuing to rebuild Iowa after the floods of 2008. Chief Justice Marsha Ternus also delivered the State of the Judiciary speech on Wednesday and said the courts must continue to find solutions to ensure equal justice during these tough economic times. Read More

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Governor Urging Job Creation; Renewable Energy

In his Condition of the State address, Governor Culver said we now have the 8th fastest growing economy in the United States. We were recently recognized as being the 4th best place in America to do business - up from number nine last year. We’re number one in terms of the low cost of doing business of any of the fifty states. And, according to MarketWatch, Des Moines was named the number one city in America to do business.

These aren’t just statistics – they are tools which will help us continue to attract good-paying jobs to Iowa, and encourage existing companies to expand.

The Governor encouraged the Legislature to fully fund the community college’s job training programs and Iowa’s Workforce Centers. Workforce Centers provide a variety of services to meet the workforce and workplace needs of job seekers, dislocated workers, unemployed persons, and Iowa businesses. They can help the unemployed get back to work with services like retraining, employment opportunities, resume writing, interview skills, job training, job placement, and connections to additional services such as health insurance for children. Read More

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Investing in Iowa’s Children

Governor Culver outlined his priorities saying that all Iowa children deserve a quality education from preschool through higher education in order to compete for jobs in today’s global economy.

The Legislature has taken swift action already this week on three of the key initiatives outlined by Governor Culver. They were approved by the House Education Committee on just the second day of session. Read More

A More Efficient State Government

Culver: A Stronger, More Sustainable Iowa

Governor Asks Iowans to Continue to Support Troops

Chief Justice: Iowa Cannot Afford to Ration Justice

Grants Available for Trails, Public Transit, and Schools