Eminent domain is a hot-button issue. Three investment companies – Summit Carbon Solutions, Navigator Heartland Greenway, and Wolf Carbon Solutions/ADM – are seeking permits for hazardous CO2 pipelines that will cross thousands of acres of Iowa farmland. Several landowners have voluntarily signed easements, but many others, like me, adamantly refuse to sign. Consequently, we are being threatened with land condemnation and eminent domain if the Iowa Utilities Board approves the permits.

In the Senate this week, my attention was focused on presenting new bills in subcommittee as well as standing committees, and of course there was the long debate over HF 68 i.e. the “Students First Act.”

My name is Ellie Tice, and I am the clerk for State Rep. Wills during the 2023 Legislative Session. I am currently a senior at Drake University with a double major in international business and accounting with a minor in Spanish and a concentration in law and business. I am originally from Indiana and will be returning there following graduation in May to pursue a career in external auditing at RSM.

Q: What should taxpayers know before filing their 2022 tax returns?

Commitment. It’s a word that evokes hope, promises leadership and delivers results. No other word in the English language constitutes a more ironclad bond between individuals than a commitment. Roughly four months ago, House Republicans made our own commitment – a commitment to America – that we would rebuild our economy, end wasteful spending, stand up to the Chinese Communist Party and defend the American Dream for every person, family and community who calls our great nation home.

Nearly two years ago, I requested an investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General into EcoHealth Alliance —the shady organization that funneled taxpayer money into China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology to conduct risky research on coronaviruses.

By Jennifer Hesebeck — Excelsior UMC and Faith Community Church

Here in northwest Iowa, I’ve found this winter to have an established routine in my household, and I’m thinking it might be similar for you. We wake up, our minds start running through all the tasks and appointments for the day, we start working on breakfast or start a pot of coffee, walk over to the window to open the blinds, and…snow. Lots of snow.

By Ed Tibbetts - Iowa Writers' Collaborative/Iowa Capital Dispatch

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says her plan to use taxpayer money to pay for private schooling gives people a choice to educate their kids where they want.

But that’s not what her plan says. Just look at the details: Only certain families with kids in public schools will get that choice.

What this plan really does is pay people who already are sending their kids to private schools.

Editor's note: The Iowa legislature approved its private school scholarship bill Monday, and the bill was signed into law by the governor the next day. The Iowa House passed the bill 54-45, and the Iowa Senate passed the bill 31-18.

Editor's note: The Iowa legislature approved its private school scholarship bill Monday, and the bill was signed into law by the governor the next day. The Iowa House passed the bill 54-45, and the Iowa Senate passed the bill 31-18.

Whether you call them ESAs or vouchers, as Iowa's taxpayer watchdog, I am alarmed by the intentional lack of transparency and accountability under the proposed legislation.

Editor's note: The Iowa legislature approved its private school scholarship bill Monday, and the bill was signed into law by the governor the next day. The Iowa House passed the bill 54-45, and the Iowa Senate passed the bill 31-18.

A strong education system is foundational to Iowa’s future, which is why school choice continues to be a priority of mine and of families across our great state.

Last weekend I had the privilege of attending the festivities revolving around the inauguration of Gov. Kim Reynolds, who was elected to another term as Iowa’s governor. It was a great experience to witness these events. It is also an honor representing District 5 as an attendee and as your state senator. I had visits with Gov. Reynolds, Congressman Feenstra, Congressman Nunn and others to keep communication open and attentive to doing what is best for Iowa and our future.

By Gary Lambert - Light of the Lakes Friends Church

My momma told me, "Gary, you're not the dumbest guy in the world, but you'd better pray he don't die."

Three things happened this past week that helped prompt this article.

I got a call the other day and it went something like this:

"Hello, this is Gary."

The 90th General Assembly kicked off on Monday Jan. 9, 2023, starting with our new Iowa Senate President Amy Sinclair taking the oath of office. President Sinclair then gave the oath of office to all of the senators who were elected to the Iowa Senate last November. With these additions, the Republican majority is at a historic high in both chambers, with the Senate majority now at 34-16.

On Tuesday, Gov. Reynolds gave her Condition of the State speech. Within her speech, she discussed her education plans. The number one issue is school choice. Gov. Reynolds' Student First Act will set up an Education Savings Account Program.