‘Uncategorized’ Archives

Passenger Rail Service in Iowa

Iowa entered into a compact this year with neighboring states to develop long-range plans for expanded passenger rail service in the Midwest.  State Representative Paul Bell of Newton serves on the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact and the Iowa delegatation held their first meeting on Thursday at the Statehouse. 

The story from today’s Quad City Times:

Iowa ready to consider passenger rail service through state
By Dan Gearino | Thursday, November 08, 2007 | No comments posted

DES MOINES — Iowa leaders said Thursday they are ready to explore new passenger rail options, including the possibility of a route from the Quad-Cities to Omaha.

The big question is how much the federal government might be willing to contribute to efforts in Iowa and across the Midwest. (more…)

Category Uncategorized |

Wenthe Headlines Fayette Veterans Day

From the Fayette County Union Newspaper:

 GUEST SPEAKER – State Representative Andrew Wenthe of Hawkeye stands alongside the Veterans Memorial in Fayette. Wenthe has been named the guest speaker for the 45th Annual North Fayette Veterans Day program on Tuesday, Nov. 13. The program is scheduled to begin at 10:15 a.m. in the North Fayette Performing Arts and Education Center in West Union.

Wenthe to speak at 45th annual North Fayette Veterans Day progam
By Mike Van Sickle
Tuesday, November 06, 2007

State Representative Andrew Wenthe will be the guest speaker during the 45th Annual North Fayette Veterans Day program on Tuesday, Nov. 13.

(more…)

Category Uncategorized |

Deadline approaching to mail packages overseas

Many Iowans have family & friends serving their country in the armed forces or the diplomatic services during the upcoming holiday’s. The below story tells us how it’s important to get packages in the mail by November 13th to ensure delivery before the Christmas holiday:

Wednesday, November 7, 2007, 3:52 AM
By Matt Kelley

If you have a friend or loved one in the military overseas and want to send them a package before for the holiday season, you have less than a week to get busy. Roger Humphries, a spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service in Omaha/Council Bluffs, says the clock is ticking for Iowans to get the best postal rate.

Humphries says: “For parcel post, this would be the least expensive way to send packages overseas would be November 13th. So as long as you are mailing early, you can meet that guideline. We do have first class and priority service to the military which would take you into December 11th but if you would like to save some money, that November 13th would be the best date.”

(more…)

Category Uncategorized |

Reichert Talks Energy Economy

State Representative Nathan Reichert of Muscatine was featured on essentialestrogen.com talking about environmental efforts passed during the 2007 legislative session.  From the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council to the Energy City Designation Program to the Iowa Power Fund and Energy Independence Plan, 2007 was a great year for the environment.

The Cedar Rapids Gazette also ran a front page story Monday about construction of new energy efficient buildings in Iowa.  The story cites several examples of business and schools designed to reduce the impact on our environment and save money on energy costs.

Green movement is changing design
By David DeWitte, The Gazette

Car shoppers have been gazing for years at little yellow Environmental Protection Agency mileage estimate stickers that indicate the kind of fuel economy you might expect from driving a particular model of car.

Ever notice that the mileage you got on your latest car wasn’t quite what the sticker indicated?

Now imagine if you could design your own car to achieve the level of fuel economy you sought and later work with the EPA to certify that the car met your objectives.

(more…)

Category Environment, Uncategorized |

New Committee Assignments

There have been some changes to House Democratic Caucus committee assignments.  We are making a spreadsheet available for download.  The sheet is organized “by committee”.

[Click Here to Download XLS Document]

Category Uncategorized |