From Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson:
Caucus turnout is unprecedented
Friday, January 4, 2008, 12:16 AM
By O.Kay Henderson
Participation levels in the Caucuses were unprecedented. Turnout on the Democratic side was nearly 240,000. Republican officials peg GOP turnout at 124,000. The stories are streaming in about standing-room only crowds gathering in precincts around the state. (more…)
The Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council met yesterday in Davenport and made recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in 2050. The council was created as part of a larger package on greenhouse gases (SF 485) during the last session. State Representative Donovan Olson of Boone led the bill through the House and also serves on the Advisory Council.
The scoop from today’s Des Moines Register:
Panel aims to cut Iowa’s emissions in half
By PERRY BEEMAN • REGISTER STAFF WRITER • December 18, 2007Davenport, Ia. — A legislative panel on Monday agreed to lay out how Iowa could cut greenhouse gas emissions related to global warming either by 50 percent or by 90 percent by 2050. (more…)
Government Oversight
Monday, December 17, 2007 at 11:00AM
Rm 103, Supreme Court Chamber at State Capitol
Legislative Commission on Affordable Health Care Plans for Small Businesses and Families
Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 9:00AM
Terrace Ballroom, Hotel Savery, 401 Locust, Des Moines, IA
TIME-21 Transportation Funding Study Committee
Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 10:00AM
Rm 103, Supreme Court Chamber, State Capitol
The Revenue Estimating Conference met yesterday and provided a small boost to the fiscal year 2008 revenue estimate and maintained a modest revenue estimate for FY 2009. They increased their net revenue estimate for FY 2008, from 5.1% to 6.0%. This means the state is estimated to experience an increase in revenues of $337.1 million over FY 2007, which is $48.6 million higher than their previous estimate.
The REC did not changes the revenue estimate for FY 2009 over their October estimate, which projected net revenues will increase by another 2.6%, or $156.6 million above FY 2008. This 2.6% increase is the estimate that the Governor and Legislature must use when crafting the state budget during the 2008 legislative session, which begins on January 14th.
Home heating assistance for Iowa families is now available through community action agencies across Iowa. Eligibility for the program, called LIHEAP, is is based on annual income and families of all sizes may apply. For example, a family of four with an annual income of $30,975 or less is eligible for assistance and single Iowans with an annual gross income of $15,315 or less are also eligible.
For an application or more information on the income guidelines, click here or call (515) 281-0859.