Columns

There's something important about a byline. It's not about credit, and it's not about notoriaty, but it's important. It's about accountability. It's about credibility. I think it was probably put best during a recent newsroom discussion. We don't deal in information. ...

The Legislative Services Agency has released their memo on state revenue collections for the month of June and the end of Fiscal Year 2018. For the month, state revenue came in 9.6 percent higher than June 2017 — an increase of $60.9 million. For the year, total net receipts came in at $7.2523 billion. ...

Over the next few months, this space will highlight some of the significant appropriation increases and policy changes in the Health and Human Services Budget for FY 2019 (SF 2418) that were supported by House Republicans and opposed by all House Democrats...

Anyone who has changed a tire next to 70 mph traffic will appreciate the "move over" law update that took effect July 1. Since 2002, Iowa's "Move Over" law has required motorists to move over or slow down for certain stationary vehicles displaying flashing lights. ...

It's been six months since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. Since then, there have been continuous, positive economic developments in Iowa and throughout the country. Last month, the U.S. economy generated 223,000 new jobs. In fact, more than 1 million new jobs have been created in the months since the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ...

" … We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this." — Abraham Lincoln On June 8, I attended the funeral of a man I did not know, but who had put his life on the line for me and our country...

Summer has arrived and with that comes days of sleeping in, vacations and a different pace than the school year. But with these perks comes something called the "summer slide" or summer learning loss.  The National Summer Learning Association estimates these facts:...

A joint project with the city of Arnolds Park, Dickinson County Secondary Roads and Dickinson County Trails resulted in new 8-foot concrete shoulders being paved on each side of 190th Street from Bridges Bay to 242nd Avenue. The project addressed serious safety concerns on a busy road that sees a lot of bicycle and pedestrian traffic. It also completes the first phase in DCTB’s long-term plan to continue trails around the east side of East Lake Okoboji...

Final action on the Fiscal Year 2019 budget happened on June 1, as Governor Reynolds signed all of the budget bills that day. Unlike her predecessor, Governor Reynolds only made minor revisions to the budgets adopted by the Legislature this session...

A medieval metaphor for modern times. Alexander paused for a moment on a parapet of the castle in which he was born. He knew the world outside the wall could not be trusted. There were thieves. There were killers. But he assumed there were good people as well. ...

On Tuesday, May 29, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) issued a press release concerning the five-year anniversary of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy which is a science and technology-based framework to assess and reduce nutrient loss from both point sources (such as municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants) and non-point sources (storm water runoff from both urban and agricultural landscapes) in Iowa. ...

I've long held that bad things happen to spur us toward good things. It's always counterintuitive, and I never seem to remember it in the moment, but I believe it's true. Case in point, a downspout came apart on the far corner of my house at some point in the past few months. As a result, all of the rain we had in the relatively recent past had been gushing straight down behind a bush where I couldn't see it until there started to be more visible signs inside the house...

Iowa's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 2.8 percent in April. The state's jobless rate was 3.3 percent one year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 3.9 percent in April. Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend hit the nail on the head: ...

Over the course of the last two years, the 87th General Assembly has had historic gains. I have covered what the House has done in general but thought I would update you in this edition as to legislation that I was closely involved with. Bills that I personally sponsored, floor managed or helped in some way getting it through the process and signed into law. As with any legislative session, many bills start out the process, but few make it to the Governor’s desk for a signature. ...

On May 29, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) issued an update on the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy — on its five year anniversary.  The Nutrient Reduction Strategy is a science and technology-based framework to assess and reduce nutrient loss from both point sources (such as municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants) and non-point sources (storm water runoff from both urban and agricultural landscapes) in Iowa...

The whims of Mother Nature tested Cedar Rapids 10 summers ago when the river banks overflowed, flooding 10 square miles of neighborhoods, businesses and homes and causing more than $10 billion in damage. Natural disasters test the mettle of humanity. By every measure, Iowans were tested in 2008...

Though you can buy recreational marijuana in the Denver, Colorado, you might have some trouble buying a wedding cake in Lakewood, Colorado, if you're a same-sex couple. The Supreme Court reversed a Colorado court decision which ruled Jack Phillips of Masterpiece Cakeshop violated state discrimination laws when he refused to bake a cake for the 2012 wedding reception of David Mullins and Charlie Craig. ...

Throughout the legislative session, there was much discussion and work on the "Energy Bill," SF 2311. This bill returns hidden tax increases to Iowans in the amount of $100 million per year, enhances transparency, supports Iowa's Energy Plan and supports alternative energy. The governor signed it into law on May 4...

Good morning and thank you for being here today. It's an honor to stand in front of you and speak about something I hold so dearly: Remembering the sacrifices of our nation's heroes. These days, you see a lot of "don't just barbecue" or "Memorial Day isn't just a day off."...

Iowans know what some people are just beginning to find out — when it comes to the best places to live, work and raise a family, our state is second to none. We repeatedly top the charts on "Best States" rankings, the kindness of our people has a nickname — "Iowa nice" — and we lead the country when it comes to everything from picking corn to picking presidents...

I was prepared. I was prepared to talk about how school safety had prevailed. I was prepared to talk about how a gun was used to save lives. I was prepared to talk about how a trained officer prevented tragedy without losing a single life — not even the attacker's. I was prepared to say we were getting somewhere...

The 2018 session of the 87th General Assembly adjourned for the year last Saturday May 5, after completing the people’s business. The historic 2018 session was successful in addressing the needs of Iowans. This session will be remembered for its pragmatic, common sense solutions to Iowa’s most pressing challenges. We continued to make our K-12 schools a top priority, addressed many of the health care issues that Iowans face, and passed measures to keep Iowans safe and protect their fundamental rights. . ...

The governor's office is taking applications for persons to serve on boards and commissions. These groups are responsible for advising the governor and lieutenant governor, the legislature and state agencies.  There are more than 180 appointed positions to boards and commissions in our state. Appointments are made to most boards and commissions annually. All applications are kept on file as public information. Check out openup.iowa.gov for current vacancies. ...

If anyone on Facebook offers you money — even a friend or a well-known person such as Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller — stop and check it out. Impostor scams proliferate on social media and prey on our trust. The prevalence of digital photographs and logos online makes it easy for scammers to steal images and create social media accounts that appear to be owned and operated by companies, agencies, celebrities or public officials. ...

The first Memorial Day observances were spontaneous expressions of gratitude and remembrance from Civil War veterans for their fallen friends, organized by veterans groups in local communities. It was recognized as an official holiday after it became an honored tradition, one that remains today. Memorial Day is a time for families and communities to gather together in remembrance of those who gave their lives for our country...

The 2018 session of the 87th General Assembly adjourned for the year last Saturday May 5, after completing the people’s business. The historic 2018 session was successful in addressing the needs of Iowans. This session will be remembered for its pragmatic, common sense solutions to Iowa’s most pressing challenges. ...

There was a little regional hubbub the other week when the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture announced 10 of the state's newest urban conservation water quality demonstration projects. That's a heck of a state title. Anyway, the state is giving just over $789,000 in total for the projects and the cities themselves are pitching in more than $3 million altogether. ...

The 87th General Assembly adjourned sine die on May 5.   When the session started, it was made clear the people expected a bold agenda and they expected results.  Some of the biggest legislative accomplishments this session include:  • Senate File 2417 modernizes Iowa's outdated tax code...

I voted no on the justice systems budget. My vote was not a reflection of the requirement for the state fire marshall's office to hire an administrator, preventing drones from going over prisons, funding for victims assistance grants or funding for legal service poverty grants...

(As the past weekend approached) we are almost done for the year in Des Moines and have just a few more days to perfect bills and complete the year on a good note. Four years ago, when I decided to run for the Statehouse, I had some specific things that I wanted to accomplish. One of those items was meaningful tax reform. ...

In the 1980s, with our nation facing an influx of drug crimes, Congress passed into law stiff penalties targeting all levels of offenders. The goal was to deter crime through harsh sentences. While well-intentioned, these policies came with a cost. Over time, prisons began to fill up with offenders of all stripes. ...

Well I, for one, have enjoyed the spring weather this week. A week without snow or wintery weather from the winter that won't quit is certainly welcome. As we look toward closing this year's legislative session, we can say that we have had a productive year. We were able to pass many bi-partisan bills that were signed into law by Governor Reynolds. Bills of note include a mental health overhaul, school safety measures, curbing opioid abuse and addiction, water quality, pesticides in the lake, additional school funding and dollars for transportation cost relief, job training and workforce development initiatives and others. ...

Earlier this week, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order to create a Children's System State Board. This Children's Board will serve as the single point of responsibility in the development and implementation of a Children's Mental Health System in Iowa...

It's no secret that opioid abuse has become a major problem in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that two-thirds of drug overdose deaths between 2015 and 2016 were opioid-involved overdoses. Here in Iowa, the state's Department of Public Health reports that more than 200 Iowans died from opioid misuse in 2017. ...

Some of this is going to sound familiar. Please forgive that — the midterm elections are creeping up on us, including the primary elections in June. We run plenty of updates from your state and federal lawmakers so you're up-to-date with everything in Des Moines and Washington, D.C...

The nation paused to mourn the death of first lady Barbara Bush. Well, not everybody. A certain English professor at California State University - Fresno (or Fresno State University, depending who you ask) made some remarks about Mrs. Bush which caught fire in the public arena. They have even led some sponsors of the university to consider pulling their funding, according to the Fresno Bee. Of course, not all of them plan to, but enough to spark a discussion...

Several people have contacted me and asked, "Where is my tax refund?"  Great question. The first stop to tracking down your refund is to go to the Department of Revenue's website. I reached out to the Department of Revenue for an explanation of the delay. ...

I would like to finish our discussion on the Bill of Rights and then look at how our State Constitution “meshes” with the U. S. Constitution. The 9th and 10th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution protect individual rights and state rights that are not explicitly spelled out in the U.S. Constitution. ...

Would you believe it is less than 100 days until the third annual Okoboji Blue Water Festival? Seems like a lot, but I guarantee you it will be here before we know it. Just wanted to give a tip of the hat to chief organizer Greg Drees and his band of hardworking volunteers. The first two festivals were awesome, but I have a feeling this third one could top them both...

Q: Why is China targeting U.S. farm goods with double digit tariff proposals?   A: China is responding to proposed tariffs announced by the U.S. to rein in intellectual property violations. Anti-competitive, discriminatory Chinese policies put pressure on American companies to transfer their technology and accept unfair licensing agreements, for example. ...

You will not want to miss this year's Dickinson County Trails benefit. The Boots & Boogie Bike Bash II will be Saturday, June 30 at the new Arnolds Park Pavilion. The event will feature live music by Georgia Clay and will benefit local trail projects including the Highway 71 PLAC Trail and signing improvements. For sponsorship opportunities please contact us at dctrails@co.dickinson.ia.us...

We often think of growth as the process of keeping knowledge and experience preserved under glass somewhere inside our being. I think we all do it from time to time because we view knowledge and experience as a finite mound to be finished through consumption, when perhaps it's more like trying to drink a waterfall. It just keeps coming and every drop is different than the last...

Thank you to those of you who responded to last week's request for tax reform ideas, concepts and opinions. It is always great to hear from folks back home. While the House, Senate and Governor's office still have differing tax plans, one thing many people can agree upon is that Iowa's tax code is outdated, overly complex and boasts some of the highest income tax rates in the entire country...

I would like to continue our discussion about the Bill of Rights that I started last week.  Below you will find the third through the sixth amendments to the constitution.  Amendment III No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law...

Q: Why is China targeting U.S. farm goods with double digit tariff proposals?   A: China is responding to proposed tariffs announced by the U.S. to rein in intellectual property violations. Anti-competitive, discriminatory Chinese policies put pressure on American companies to transfer their technology and accept unfair licensing agreements, for example. ...

I promise, next week I will find something unrelated to gun violence to write about. But, I would no doubt be remiss if I didn't talk about the latest shooting to plague the American public after I spent last week's column discussing aspects of the Parkland protests. ...

Apologies to Walter Cronkite: This is the way it is today, April 5, 2018. The Iowa House has adjourned for the day, the week, but not the year. Meanwhile, the Iowa Senate will dispense of a half-dozen non-controversial bills, its members traveling back to their home districts for family, church, various activities and the possibility of snow Sunday...

Iowa's tax code is outdated, overly complex and has some of the highest income tax rates in the entire country. Due to tax reform at the national level, Iowans will pay $1.8 billion less in federal taxes in tax year 2018. However, due to the fact that Iowa has federal deductibility, Iowans will pay additional state taxes totaling $107 million in tax year 2018 and grow to $153 million in tax year 2019...

Throughout my time in the Iowa Legislature, I have noticed a trend occurring where people are willing to give up their freedoms. People either do not realize the importance of our rights, or they are simply taking those rights for granted. Because of that, I would like to discuss the First and Second Rights in the Bill of Rights of our U.S. Constitution in this newsletter...

Spring can bring a fresh crop of sketchy contractors, scams and other home-improvement problems. Home-improvement troubles topped the list of complaints consumers filed with the Consumer Protection Division in 2017. Out of 2,961 written complaints filed in 2017, 224 related to home improvements.You can avoid being one of the statistics by finding a good contractor...