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An Ash Wednesday invitation

By Martin Lucin - Grace Lutheran Church

 

Voice your opinion on CO2 pipelines, eminent domain

We recently made the trip to the Iowa Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Why did we travel nearly eight hours to Des Moines and back to go to the Capitol?

Quality long-term care at risk in rural Iowa

By Scott Kessler - Administrator, Lakeside Lutheran Nursing Home and Grace Estates Assisted Living, Emmetsburg

In 2022, 19 nursing homes closed in Iowa due to many different factors affecting operations. On Feb. 1, 2023, another four nursing homes went into receivership and a fifth announced its closure on Feb. 8. Most of these closures are in rural Iowa locations.

State funding of education v. performance

Things are moving along nicely at the Statehouse. On Feb. 7, the House passed a 3 percent increase to state spending in our K-12 schools. We are already being criticized by some that we haven’t contributed enough funding to keep our schools competitive. In fact, the narrative is that Republicans are destroying education in the state.

The opposition uses things such as Iowa used to be the number one state in the nation in reading scores.

Upcoming bills and voiced concerns

On Monday I started my day receiving a draft of a bill I recently filed for a constituent and approving another bill to be drafted. One bill is a companion to Rep. Jones' bill in the House regarding the use of fake money or movie prop dollars. The other bill deals with state sales and use tax.

Iowa Farmland Belongs to Iowa Farmers

China represents the greatest threat to our national, economic, energy and food security. From buying up American farmland to stonewalling investigations into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, China cannot be trusted. As we begin the 118th Congress, I have helped introduce several pieces of legislation to counter the Chinese Communist Party’s aggression and protect our most vital, yet finite resource in rural America – our farmland.

Set yourself free in 2023

By Rev. Barb Dean - Spencer Living Word Church Lead Pastor

One of life’s hardest things to get free from are wounds sent from people in the form of words.

Years ago, a man who had been attending our church cornered my husband, Pastor Al, in the hallway after the service and said "I hope you know I hate you!" If you knew Al, you are not surprised at this response ... "I feel sorry for you!" and went on his way greeting the ones who, so far, still loved him.

State government realignment

It seems like we just started at the State Capitol. I was reminded a couple days ago that we are already 20 percent of the way through the legislative session for the year. We are now working in earnest at committee work and passing bills out of sub-committee so that they do not fail as we come up to the first funnel, which is the date we have set that bills must be moving through the system.

Committee work continues

The fourth week of session was busy, but the fifth week promises to be more intense as the first deadline for filing bills is Feb. 10. Over the last several weeks, as the chair of the Administration and Regulation Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ve met with several departments to review their budget requests. The scheduled meetings included Iowa Workforce, the Treasurer’s Office, Office of the Chief Information Officer, LSA and IPERS.

Q&A: Resources for taxpayers

Q: What resources are available for taxpayers having issues with the IRS?

 

Healing hearts this Valentine's season

By Brian Jack - First Lutheran Church

It’s no wonder greeting card producers don’t source scripture for matters of the heart in this holiday season.

“The Lord saw that every intention of the human heart was only evil continually.” – Gen. 6:5

“The hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.” – Ecclesiastes 9:3

If Iowa’s lawmakers don’t stop eminent domain for profit this time, there won’t be a next time

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.

Thoughts on the Students First Act

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.”

Greetings from the Capitol

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&A: Tax season underway

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

 

Delivering on our commitment to America

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.

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