Iowa House of Representatives

Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony

deanfiihr — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:56:08 +0000

A ceremony honoring Iowa Peace Officers will be held on Friday, May 18^th at the Iowa Peace Officer Memorial in Des Moines to pay tribute to officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The 2012 Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony is open to the public and all Iowans are invited to attend the event at 10am at the Lucas State Office Building on the corner of East Grand Ave and East 12^th St in Des Moines.

This event will be held at the following time and location:

When: Friday, May 18, 2012

10:00 AM

Where: Peace Officer Memorial Site

Lucas State Office Building

Corner of East Grand Avenue and East 12th Street

Des Moines, Iowa 50319

(Rain Location: State Capitol Rotunda)

2012 SESSION ADJOURNS; DESPITE PARTISANSHIP, PROGRESS MADE GROWING THE ECONOMY

deanfiihr — Thu, 10 May 2012 20:06:16 +0000

After three weeks of overtime, state lawmakers adjourned for the year today and Democrats said progress was made when Republicans put aside partisan, divisive issues and worked together to find compromise.

“House Democrats started the session ready to put aside the partisanship and find common ground to create jobs and grow Iowa’s economy. While I’m pleased we made some progress this year, Republicans spent too much time on partisan, divisive issues instead of the issues that matter most to Iowans,” said House Democratic Leader Kevin McCarthy.

When the session began, House Republicans offered another round of steep cuts in the state’s job creation and skilled workforce efforts. They also approved several divisive, partisan bills to turn back the clock on women’s health care and give immunity to domestic abusers and violent criminals.

“Despite opposition from Republicans, Democrats made sure the Legislature took action to continue the state’s job creation efforts, expand training at community colleges, and continue preschool for 20,000 Iowa kids,” added McCarthy. “We’re proud of our work this year standing up for the middle class and keeping focused on main stream issues.”

The 2012 Legislative Session ended on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 after three weeks of overtime.

Memorial Day Honors Iowa Lives Lost in the Workplace

deanfiihr — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:19:00 +0000

This Memorial Day Iowans are invited gather to recognize those who have lost their lives in the workplace. This year’s ceremony to honor and reflect on those who have been injured or died in the workplace will take place at the Iowa Workforce Development, 1000 E. Grand Ave in Des Moines at 11:00am on May 28th. The event will feature comments from Governor Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds and Labor Commissioner Michael A. Mauro, with representatives from the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO and various others from labor organizations.

In 2011, 43 Iowans died from injuries sustained while working and 10 Iowans lost their lives while serving their country in the military. Additionally, untold numbers of Iowans are injured from exposures in the workplace.

Unions of the AFL-CIO set aside a day each year as Workers Memorial Day. Family and friends of the deceased are invited to attend this annual ceremony.

Individual Disaster Assistance Grants Available

deanfiihr — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:30:50 +0000

With the recent storms that hit Iowa in Fremont and Union counties, grants are now available for disaster assistance. Up to $5,000 is available per grant and can be used for various home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, or the expense of temporary housing.

To apply you must be at or below twice the federal poverty level, or a maximum annual income of $37,000. The grant application and instructions to reserve assistance are available at www.dhs.iowa.gov under the link “Disaster Assistance”. Applications must be received within 45 days.

Rep. Petersen’s Retirement Remarks

deanfiihr — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:12:24 +0000

State Representative Janet Petersen reflects on her 12 years in the Iowa House of Representatives during her retirement speech on the House floor Tuesday, April 17th.

Rep. Willems Retirement Remarks to the House

deanfiihr — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:31:04 +0000

After serving two terms, Representative Nate Willems of Lisbon is retiring from the Iowa House.

Democratic Leader Kevin McCarthy News Conference 4-12-12

deanfiihr — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:23:35 +0000

Iowa’s Wind Power Ranking Remains Second in the Nation

deanfiihr — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:18:37 +0000

According to a new report released by the American Wind Energy Association, Iowa holds onto its second in nation wind energy production spot. Iowa, behind Texas, produces 4,322 megawatts a year and accounted for 35 percent of new electricity generated in the U.S, behind the 42 percent that came from natural gas.

To read the article on the Des Moines Register go to:

http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2012/04/12/iowa-holds-number-two-ranking-in-wind/

Rep. Swaim Retirement Remarks to the House

deanfiihr — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:17:29 +0000

After serving five terms, Representative Kurt Swaim of Bloomfield is retiring from the Iowa House.

Rep. Wenthe Retirement Remarks to the House

deanfiihr — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:06:37 +0000

After serving three terms, Representative Andrew Wenthe of West Union is retiring from the Iowa House.