DES MOINES – Gov. Terry Branstad released a statement April 22 on the close of the 2017 legislative session: “As a former legislator, former lt. governor and chief executive of the state, I’ve worked with the Legislature for 33 years. When you look at the volume and diversity of policy issues that were addressed this year, I am proud to say…
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Northey praises funding for water quality
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey issued the following statement following the closing of the 2017 legislative session. Northey’s statement follows here: “Iowa is recognized as a national leader for its collaborative, research-based efforts to improve water quality and we are proud of all the work that is being done on our farms and in communities across the state.
Read MoreLt Gov Reynolds reflects on 2017 legislative session
DES MOINES – On Saturday, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds released a statement on the close of the 2017 legislative session: I’m proud of the progress we made this year in making Iowa an even greater place to live, work and raise a family. We saw legislators from both rural and urban areas come together and address many of the priorities the governor…
Read MoreWilliams, Clouse discuss ‘stand your ground’ gun law
Greene County sheriff Jack Williams and Jefferson police chief Mark Clouse agree that new gun legislation signed into law by Governor Branstad last week could hinder their efforts in schools. They disagree on the impact the “stand your ground” language could have in public places. Republicans, including Branstad, say the changes return the Second Amendment right to bear arms to…
Read MoreTalk to a Muslim
~a column by Colleen O’Brien When interviewed by Krista Tippet on the National Public Radio Show “On Being,” Samar D. Jarrah, of the Islamic faith, said, “I have lectured to thousands of Americans. No one has ever asked me a question about science, as if all that Islam has given to humanity is a bunch of nutcase terrorists.”
Read MoreCounty Republicans hold spring fundraiser
County Republicans gathered April 11 to raise funds and celebrate gaining the majority in the Iowa Senate and House and in Congress, as well as putting Republican Donald Trump in the White House. The spring fundraiser was held at the Re-Creation Center at Abundant Life Ministries in Jefferson. About 60 persons attended. Congressman Steve King, who represents Greene County in…
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Read MoreThe Behn Report
April 14, 2017 There is less than a week left before this legislative session is scheduled to end. The 100th day is April 18 which means that day is the last day legislators (and our clerks) get paid for this session. While we are still working hard to be done by this day, we have much left to do on the…
Read MoreThe Immigrant Problem: Men create immigrants and refugees
~by Dr. Martha Bireda Editor’s note: Dr. Martha Bireda, director of the Blanchard House Museum of African American Culture in Charlotte County, FL, studies and writes about African Americans, Jim Crow in America and other issues of inequality in columns for the Charlotte Sun Newspaper in Port Charlotte, FL and Wall Street International, an online magazine dedicated to culture, issues…
Read MoreDes Moines Water Works will not appeal in federal suit against drainage districts
DES MOINES, Iowa (April 11, 2017) – The Des Moines Water Works will move to resolve its Federal Clean Water case without appeal. The United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa issued its ruling on March 17, dismissing all of Des Moines Water Works’ claims against the boards of supervisors in Sac County, Buena Vista County and…
Read MoreThe Behn report
April 7, 2017 This week had a lot of floor debate due to the second funnel concluding last week. We have been working on bills coming over from the House and discussing the budget for the next fiscal year. A few of the bills we passed include: HF 485, allowing city council members to serve a city’s volunteer fire department…
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