The civil marriage debate in the Iowa was featured on MSNBC’s Last Word last night. Zach Wahls the 18 year old University of Iowa student who spoke against HJR 6, the resolution eliminating civil marriages in Iowa, was also featured. Zach and his mothers are scheduled to appear live on Thursday night’s show at 7pm.
View video from last night’s MSNBC here.
If you haven’t watched Zach’s speech watch it here.
Iowa students in the fourth and eighth grades outperformed their peers on the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) science test, according to a new report released by the U.S. Department of Education. Iowa was one of forty-seven states or jurisdictions which participated in the NAEP science tests, given to students in 2009.
“Having a strong foundation in the principles of scientific inquiry is a marketable workforce strength,” said Jason Glass, director of the Iowa Department of Education. “Our quality in science education supports the effort to bring much needed jobs to Iowa.”
Iowa fourth grade students had an average score of 157 in science; the national average was 149. Iowa eighth grade students had an average score of 156 in science; the average national score was 149.
“One of the reasons I am excited about the future of education in Iowa is because we have such a strong foundation from which to help every student succeed,” said Jason Glass, director of the Iowa Department of Education. “The people of Iowa have invested in an education system that is making a positive difference for so many children. We are in a good position to move forward with innovations that will help prepare every student for their next step in life.”
In Iowa, approximately 2,800 fourth grade students and 2,700 eighth grade students took the NAEP science test in 2009.
NAEP, more commonly known as the Nation’s Report Card, is administered by the National Center for Education Statistics with the U.S. Department of Education. It is the largest continuing and nationally representative assessment of what students know and can do in subjects such as mathematics and reading.
Today, Chief Justice Mark Cady delivered the annual State of the Judiciary to a joint session of the Iowa House and Senate. Justice Cady is serving as the interim chief justice until new justices are appointed to fill three vacancies currently on the court. The Chief Justice focused on Iowans access to the judicial system and on challenges faced by the judicial branch because of the current political climate.
“Unlike our political institutions, courts serve the law, not the interests of constituents. Courts serve the law, not the demands of special interest groups. Courts serve the law, not the electorate’s reaction to a particular decision. By serving the rule of law, courts protect the civil, political, economic, and social rights of all citizens. Chief Justice William Rehnquist called the independence that allows judges to serve the law “the crown jewel of our system of justice.”
Read full text of Chief Justice Cady’s address here.
Pictured is Representative Dan Kelley of Newton with Chief Justice Cady before the State of Judiciary
Last year, Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield raised rates 18% without any public input. This year they have proposed an 11% rate hike in insurance premiums. This time Iowans have a chance to be heard at a public hearing sponsored by the Iowa Insurance Commissioner on Thursday, January 6 from 9-11 am at the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse.
Last year legislation was passed by the Iowa House of Representatives to hold insurance companies accountable and provide more transparency for consumers on health insurance plans and premiums, and rate
“Iowa families and small businesses deserve to know the specific reasons why their insurance rates are rising so dramatically every year,” said Steckman. “After years of double digit rate increases, small businesses deserve more warning and an opportunity to voice their concerns before rate increases take effect.”
The public hearing in Mason City will be via video conference over the state’s ICN network. Last November, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield filed requests for increases in base premium rates for individual health insurance policies. If approved, the increases will take effect for policies purchased or renewed on or after April 1, 2011. This will not affect group health insurance policies.
“I encourage you to participate in the hearing to voice your concerns. If you are unable to attend the hearing in Mason City, you can log on to www.insuranceca.wordpress.com and leave your testimony on-line for Wellmark,” said Steckman.
Under the Wellmark proposal, base rates will go up 10.8% for almost 46,000 individual policyholders under age 65 (it does not apply to Medicare policies). Base rates will increase 11.3% for about 3,000 individual basic and standard policyholders. In addition, base rates will increase 15% for about 2,500 Blue Transitions policyholders, which is a policy for those who transition from an employer group to individual coverage.
For more information, contact the Iowa Insurance Commissioner at 515-281-5705 or toll free 877-955-1212.
State revenues continue to improve after review of the fiscal year-to-date 2011 gross receipts on an adjusted basis at $83.3 million higher than the year before.
Today’s report, released by the Department of Management, shows that revenues continue to perform higher than expected from the Revenue Estimating Committee’s projections, in which that group had forecast a 3.3 growth rate. Instead, gross receipts are coming 4.1 percent above last year’s figures after adjusting for the accounting treatment of gambling receipts for an accurate year-to-year comparison.
