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Springtime optimism

Spring is an exciting time of year. As the days get longer and warmer, we feel a sense of renewal and revitalization. Our students are anticipating the end of the school year, outdoor activities are in full swing, the smell of freshly mowed grass and backyard grills begin to permeate the air and our communities will soon gather for annual celebrations.

Defending our daughters and granddaughters

The passage of Title IX shepherded in a new generation of opportunities, equality and fairness for female athletes nationwide. Since its codification in 1972, female participation in athletics – at both the high school and collegiate levels – has skyrocketed. According to the National Collegiate Athletics Association, fewer than 30,000 college athletes were women in 1972, and now, over 50 years later, more than 218,000 college athletes are women.

It’s time to audit the IRS

“In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes,” Benjamin Franklin once observed.

Turns out, he was only half right.

While Iowans sat down at the kitchen table to complete their tax forms before the filing deadline this month, thousands of federal employees whose salaries are paid by those taxes did not bother.

Hospitality season

By Clint Loveall - First Presbyterian Church of Spirit Lake

“Show hospitality to one another without complaining.” I Peter 4:9

Are you ready for what is next?

Editor's note: Information from the Dickinson County Auditor's Office indicates the county's maximum General Levy is not being applied to the budget in question or the new assessor valuations. New assessor values will be applied to taxes on Sept. 30, 2024, and March, 31, 2025.

What is in the Welfare Reform Legislation?

 Senate File 494 provides oversight of Iowa’s public assistance programs. This bill strikes a balance between protecting Iowa’s welfare programs for Iowans in true need while at the same time protecting the Iowa taxpayer from paying for services for a noneligible individual. The legislature has a responsibility to ensure that these programs are sustainable for the Iowans who at points in their lives have the need for a safety net.
 

Many bills though committee ahead of budget work

I hope you and your families enjoyed a relaxing Easter holiday. It is definitely spring as I witnessed several farmers in the Senate just champing at the bit to get into the field for planting. Our prayers are for a safe and successful spring planting for all of our farmers and friends out there.

Q&A: Stop online sale of illicit fentanyl

Q: What is the Cooper Davis Act?

President Biden picks winners and losers in our free-market economy – again

This week, on the heels of expanding the invasive and costly jurisdiction of WOTUS, the Environmental Protection Agency unveiled crushing, new regulations on American vehicle manufacturers.

What does 'empty' mean?

By Josh Carr - First Lutheran Church

Stitch

The repaving of Highway 71 continues.

As stated in my latest byline update, we're at about the midpoint of the project's first phase now. The highway's still got a ways to go, but crews are working pretty quickly – so much so that it was a topic of conversation in the grocery check out lane the other day.

Chicago-style politics at the Iowa Capitol

Chicago-style politics are playing out in the Iowa State Legislature, where the CO2 pipeline mafia has blocked all legislation designed to rein in the use of eminent domain for one of the biggest land-grabs in American history. Without eminent domain, the hazardous liquid CO2 pipelines cannot gain access to thousands of acres of private land on the 1800-mile that would crisscross Iowa.

CASA highlights advocates during Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month

Dear Editor,

April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, an initiative meant to prompt communities, draw their attention to a problem and encourage them to seek meaningful solutions that strengthen and support children and families.

Understanding home assessments and taxes

First, I have to say that property taxes are local taxes. These taxes are what you pay to support local police, fire, roads, schools, hospitals and all other local services and programs that you want. The state does not receive property taxes or vote on them whatsoever. The state does have a role in ensuring that property taxes are being used properly and effectively. If you voted to fund a new school, then your property taxes are going up to pay for that school — that is the reality.  

Lawmakers work on appointees and bills

There was no debate this week as the Senate was busy working on the governor’s appointment nominees. This process is similar to that of a subcommittee with three senators assigned to each name. The next step is to contact everyone and then make the decision to recommend the candidate to the standing committee, such as Judiciary or Commerce.

Q&A: Severe weather awareness and preparedness

Q:  What steps should Iowans take to prepare for severe weather?

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