Unofficial results from the Special Election in House District 90 (Jefferson/Van Buren/Wapello Counties) have been posted by the Iowa Secretary of State. Initial results show Curt Hanson prevailing with a vote total of 3932 votes to Stephen Burgmeier’s 3825 votes. You can contact Curt using the form below, or by visiting his website.
The Iowa Veterans Trust Fund will receive $2.8 million thanks to a plan adopted by the Iowa Legislature that provided a long-term, stable funding source. The fund is designed to help veterans and their families with expenses like medical care, job training, tuition, and support for children of disabled or deceased veterans.
The fund was created back in 2003 but had no revenue source. In 2008, House Democrats crafted a plan to generate about $3 million annually from the Iowa Lottery for the Veterans Trust Fund.
In an effort to help families rebuild their lives after last summer’s devastating storms, the Iowa Legislature approved $7.85 million for Unment Needs Disaster Grants (House File 64). Families can receive up to a $2,500 reimbursement for home repair, food assistance, child care, temporary housing and other recovery items not covered by other disaster programs.
According the Rebuild Iowa Office, funds are still available. Iowans should click here or call 800-447-1985 to find the contact information for their local Long-term Recovery Committee and apply today. (more…)
Democrats in House District 90 selected Curt Hanson of Fairfield on Wednesday as their candidate for the special election on September 1st. Rep. John Whitaker resigned last week to become Iowa Director of the Farm Service Agency.
Born and raised on an Iowa family farm, Hanson has been living and teaching in Fairfield for over 43 years. He attended the University of Northern Iowa and received his masters from the University of Iowa. He and his wife, Diane, have two grown children. They are members of First United Methodist Church and Curt is also a member of the Fairfield Kiwanis Club.
“My parents taught me the importance of hard work, helping neighbors, and service to community. Those Iowa values will guide my work as the next State Representative for District 90,” said Hanson. “My priorities are simple: balance the state budget, create good-paying jobs in key industries like renewable energy, make health care more affordable for middle class families, and ensure our kids have the education and skills they need to get a job in these tough economic times.” (more…)
State Representative John Whitaker of Van Buren County, has been tapped to be the Executive Director of the Iowa Farm Service Agency by President Barack Obama and US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
From the USDA:
The Obama Administration today announced that John Whitaker will serve as Iowa State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency at the USDA.
“John Whitaker has a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our rural communities and will help build on the Obama Administration’s efforts to rebuild and revitalize rural America,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. (more…)