Democratic lawmakers said today Governor Branstad’s 2015 budget would shortchange Iowa community colleges and increase community college tuition. “While we applaud the Governor’s plan to freeze tuition at our three state universities, we can’t ignore Iowa’s community colleges next year. Higher community college tuition would be yet another barrier to Iowans working to join the middle [...]
Here is an update with latest numbers on affordable healthcare expansion in Iowa. Democrats are supporting Medicaid expansion but the proposed Republican plan covers fewer and costs more.
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad issues a Disaster Emergency Proclamation today to help livestock produces and farmers facing the terrible drought this year. Here's the latest from the Governor: This proclamation takes affect at noon today for the next 60 days. The assistance comes in the form of a suspension of state laws and regulations affecting the [...]
House Democrats said new budget documents released today show House Republicans aren’t interested in growing Iowa’s skilled workforce or education reform efforts. “The Republican education budget is a failure for Iowa students and the future of our economy,” said House Democratic Leader Kevin McCarthy of Des Moines. “Now more than ever, the strength of Iowa’s economy [...]
Governor Terry Branstad delivered the annual Condition of the State address in a joint session of the Iowa Legislature on Tuesday. Democrats joined the Governor's call for bi-partisan on job creation and helping small businesses. In the photo below, State Representative John Wittneben of Estherville was one of the legislators who escorted Governor Branstad to the [...]
Iowa small business owner Mike Draper cuts through the clutter on whether Republican corporate tax breaks will actually help Iowa small businesses create new jobs. From Mr. Draper's comments: But for argument sake, let's say the governor wanted to cut state income-tax rates as well to help small businesses add jobs. Say he even reduced my [...]