In Iowa, we have had one party in charge of the state government for eight years. During that time, I have heard many people state that Iowa is poorly run and that we, in the majority party, are ruining this state.

The second funnel week’s purpose is basically the same as the first funnel week, but this time around, the Senate is working with House bills, as opposed to Senate bills. This week’s schedule was focused on committee work as the Senate held debate on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday several subcommittee meetings were held along with standing committees to round out the week.

Q: What is the Freedom of Information Act?

Last month, the country learned the tragic news that 22-year-old Laken Riley – a nursing student from Georgia – was murdered by an illegal immigrant while out on a jog in broad daylight. As a father of four, my heart breaks for the friends and family of Laken who are enduring unimaginable pain right now. As an American, I am outraged that President Biden refuses to secure our border and keep our communities safe.

By Paul Dare - Spirit Lake Immanuel Lutheran Church

Dear Editor,

In 2021 the Fordham Institute released, The State of State Standards for Civics and U.S. History. The report evaluated the quality, completeness and rigor of K–12 civics and U.S. History standards.

This week opened up with showcasing how unique Iowa weather is. From our home in District 5 all the way to Des Moines, Tuesday brought in record setting temperatures, some registering at 78 degrees, while on Wednesday we had near-zero numbers with scattered flurries.

Q: Will Congress renew the Farm Bill this year?

Agriculture is the economic engine of Iowa. When our farmers and producers are successful, our economy grows, our main streets thrive, our businesses invest in new employees and finance expansions and our rural communities grow stronger. As is obvious from our endless fields of corn and soybeans and our countless hog, cattle and poultry operations, we grow and raise more than we can consume and sell in Iowa – or even our country.

BY JAMI GOETZ - GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

At the beginning of each year, the DCTB takes time to visit our partner cities and provide updates on what the previous year’s trail activities involved. We are fortunate to be a part of a very supportive community of donors and local foundations along with the cities and county that make our success possible.

The Iowa legislature is considering a bill designed to combat "organized retail theft" of property from stores. Lawmakers supporting the measure said they wanted to deter looting, which has happened in some U.S. cities.

Iowans are appalled by videos showing mobs of looters ransacking stores while owners look on helplessly and law enforcement fails to intervene, neutered by orders to stand down. We naively think such lawlessness cannot happen here – but it can – and it is.

I am a proud advocate for farmers and the truth. Lately, I have seen false rhetoric about a major economic opportunity for Dickinson County farmers, which is disheartening. As a firm believer that everyone has a right to their own opinions and that a certain amount of skepticism is healthy, it’s important to highlight facts, which don’t change depending on the opinion stated.

Allow me to clear up some simple misunderstandings about Summit Carbon Solutions’ carbon capture pipeline.

As conversations about budgets and tax cuts are now moving to the forefront of the legislative session, it is once again time to review an important factor in these discussion – the Taxpayer Relief Fund.