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The 2010 legislative session is underway and we have a lot of work ahead of us. My priorities this year include balancing the budget, quality education and creating good jobs. I encourage you to contact me with your ideas and suggestions.

If you have any friends who are not on the list encourage them to subscribe here.

I look forward to serving you.



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Supporting Military Families

The Iowa House took another step to support veterans, military members, and their families this week.

House File 2110 provides unemployment insurance benefits for the spouses of military personnel forced to leave their job due to a military reassignment or a spouse called to active duty.

The benefits will be paid out of interest on the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund and will not be paid for by employers. Read More

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House Approves Accountability Measures for Lobbyists

Many Iowans want to know what special interests are spending to obtain passage or cause defeat of legislation. The Iowa House has made that easier to find out through new ethics laws governing lobbyists and clients.

The measure, House File 2109, will improve accuracy and transparency in the activities of lobbyists and their clients. The bill will also give the House and Senate Ethics committees more authority to deal with companies and organizations that lobby state government. Read More

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Governor Proposes Lean Budget for Fiscal Year 2011

This week, Governor Culver released his budget plans for the state fiscal year 2011, which begins July 1, 2010. With Iowa still struggling due to the effects of the lingering national recession, the Governor proposed a lean budget that reflects the priorities of Iowans – helping middle class families, balancing the budget without raising taxes, maintaining quality schools, and creating good-paying jobs.

The Governor recommends a budget that incorporates many of the cost saving initiatives proposed by his office and the Legislature to reduce the cost of state government. The Governor is proposing a general fund budget that expends $5.32 billion, which is less than the budget three years ago. Read More

House Votes to Help Participants in Cancer Trials

Iowa Receives Green Jobs Grant

Distracted Drivers Hot Topic at State and Federal Level

Expanding Access to Health Care

Anti-Gouging Law in Effect Following Winter Storms

DNR Creates New Livestock Database

Main Street Challenge Grants Announced