Clik here to view.
2013 Legislative Session in Review
GROWING IOWA’S MIDDLE CLASS Prepared by the Senate Democratic Staff May 23, 2013 (PDF: 2013 Session Highlights) This year, we took a comprehensive approach to creating a state where more Iowans have...
View Article2013 session will grow Iowa’s middle class
The Senate adjourned for the 2013 session late on May 22 with many successful efforts to strengthen and expand Iowa’s middle class. We took a comprehensive approach to creating a state where more...
View ArticleJob training at community colleges will boost economy
The final days of the 2013 session brought great news for Iowans who want to do more for their families, and for Iowa businesses in need of skilled employees. Thanks to the largest investment ever in...
View ArticleSenators, CJ execs talk job training
Fort Dodge Messenger - About 600 construction workers are entering the final stages of assembling the $320 million CJ Bio America plant west of Fort Dodge. The process of starting up the lysine...
View ArticleKeeping Iowa a great place for kids
Iowa is one of the best states in the country to raise children. In this year’s national Kids Count survey, Iowa ranks high for economic well-being, health, and family and community. Overall, Kids...
View ArticleBudget cuts force layoffs at state job agency
Senator Bill Dozler, chair of the Senate's Economic Development Budget questions cuts at Iowa Workfoce Development, which affect 30 people. During this year's legislative session, Sen. Dotzler asked...
View ArticleNew tax breaks help expand Iowa’s middle class
Iowa’s growing economy has allowed us to cut taxes while balancing the state budget and protecting local services and schools. The changes we made during the 2013 session will put more money in the...
View Article2013 Legislative Interim Studies & Appointments
Approved by the Legislative Council July 18, 2013 A. Statutory Committees Legislative Fiscal Committee (Iowa Code §§ 2.45(2), 2.46) Charge: The committee is a permanent body under the Legislative...
View ArticleOnline driver’s license renewal now available
Nearly 284,000 Iowa drivers are now eligible to renew their driver’s license or ID online. Most Iowans will be able to renew their license at https://mymvd.iowadot.gov if they: • Have a valid Iowa...
View ArticleTackling Iowa’s need for more skilled workers
Iowa remains one of the most affordable places to live and do business, and that success is reflected in one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. So what can we do to keep Iowa’s economy...
View ArticleFree skills certification available to Iowans
Iowans who want to find out what they are qualified to do can get certified for free through “Skilled Iowa,” an initiative of Iowa Workforce Development. For more than a year, “Skilled Iowa” has been...
View ArticleIowa ranks high for financial security
Iowa is in the top ten nationwide for economic security and affordability, according to the latest Economic Security Scorecard. The Scorecard grades states on their potential to improve the financial...
View ArticleThree Iowa victories to celebrate on Labor Day
As we celebrate the progress of working families this Labor Day, we have a few new victories to be excited about. This year, the Legislature approved initiatives that will help expand Iowa’s middle...
View ArticlePhone assistance for low-income Iowans
Telephone service is vital in emergencies and essential for staying connected to family, employment and community resources. Low-income Iowans may qualify for help with their phone bill though federal...
View ArticleState Senators urge their member of Congress, Rep. Latham, to help end...
(DES MOINES) Six Iowa state senators whose legislative districts are part of U.S. Representative Tom Latham’s Congressional district have asked him to help “reopen the government and prevent a...
View ArticleBeall: Iowa Central draws nearly 200 to Manufacturing Day
Iowa Central Community College held its inaugural Manufacturing Day Oct. 4, to help manufacturers begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face across the state and to showcase the existence of...
View ArticleGrow middle class by keeping college affordable
One of the best ways we can expand Iowa’s middle class is by making higher education more affordable. That’s why the Legislature approved funding to freeze tuition this fall. It was the first time in...
View ArticleNeed help with your heating bill?
As the weather turns colder, low-income Iowa homeowners and renters can get help paying their heating costs. The 2013-14 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance based...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Dotzler: Governor Branstad’s campaign against Godfrey is irrational
Senator Bill Dotzler of Waterloo, chair of the Iowa Senate Economic Development Budget Subcommittee. Here’s yet another good reason why Iowa is a great place to do business: Iowa businesses pay lower...
View ArticleGrowing Iowa’s middle class, reducing inequality
During the holidays, Iowans give back and help those in need. This year, the Legislature encouraged charitable giving by increasing tax credits for donations to the community foundations and providing...
View Article