IT consolidation in Iowa took another step forward this week when Gov. Chet Culver (pictured) signed legislation that sets a course for the state’s governance of technology and expands the state CIO’s role.
Iowa’s IT consolidation is the centerpiece of a statewide reorganization bill that Culver signed into law Wednesday, March 10. The governor’s office said the move will save taxpayers an estimated $125 million. Read full article…
A tax credit on biodiesel fuel that expired in December, virtually shutting down that portion of Iowa’s renewable fuels industry, is being revived. The U.S. Senate voted Wednesday to extend the dollar-a-gallon tax credit through the end of 2010.
Iowa Senator Tom Harkin says he’s encouraged by the vote for biodiesel. “It passed by 63 to 36 so it was a pretty strong vote for this,” Harkin says. “It’s good news for the biofuels industry, great news for Iowa. I believe the other part of the bill will provide tax and other relief for Iowa’s families and small businesses.” Read full article…
Gov. Chet Culver hailed Thursday’s slightly rosier revenue projections as evidence that efforts to jump-start Iowa’s economy are working.
“Just as my Council of Economic Advisers told us last week, today’s Revenue Estimating Conference shows that Iowa is on the road to recovery,” Culver said shortly after REC members adjusted current-year revenue expectations upward by $900,000 and fiscal 2011 projections by $33.1 million. Read full article…
Iowa National Guard members have begun to receive long-overdue payments they were promised for extended tours of Iraq, 1st District U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley announced Thursday.
“The news that Iowa’s National Guard members are finally receiving the respite leave payments they earned is both exciting and long overdue,” Braley said. “Hundreds of Iowa National Guard members bravely served our country and waited patiently to be compensated.” Read full article…
Gov. Chet Culver on Wednesday signed into law a sweeping restructuring of state government designed to squeeze $127 million in spending from next year’s budget and help close an expected shortfall.
When coupled with an early retirement incentive program for state workers that has been approved and cuts the governor made that didn’t require legislative approval, $270 million has been trimmed from the $5.3 billion fiscal year budget that begins July 1, Culver said. Read full article…
Now that “beer equality” has come to pass, one Iowa micro-brewery that pushed for the new law intends to make the most of it.
Olde Main Brewing Co. in Ames has thirsted for years to sell Iowans higher-alcohol beer, just as out-of-state breweries can already do.Read full article…
Governor Chet Culver has signed a bill into law that immediately allows for state inspections of commercial dog kennels that draw public complaints.
Breeders who are raising four or more dogs would have to pay a new licensing fee and register with the state. Culver calls that a “seal of approval” which reputable breeders can present to families hoping to adopt a pet. Read full article…
Gov. Chet Culver has signed into law a restructuring of state government projected to trim $127 million from next year’s budget and help close a projected shortfall.
Speaking Wednesday at a bill signing ceremony, Culver noted that when coupled with an earlier retirement incentive program and reductions he’s ordered on his own authority, the state has cut $270 million from next year’s $5.3 billion budget. Read full article…
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Chris Van Hollen today announced the leadership for the Red to Blue program and additional assistance with incumbent protection.
DCCC Vice Chair Bruce Braley (IA) will join Representatives Allyson Schwartz (PA), Patrick Murphy (PA), and Donna Edwards (MD) as chairs of the Red to Blue Program for the 2010 cycle. The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support. The very successful fundraising effort helped raise more than $26 million for Red to Blue candidates last cycle. Read full story…
The House passed the bill 253-171. Iowa Democrats Bruce Braley, David Loebsack, and Leonard Boswell voted for the bill; Republicans Steve King and Tom Latham voted against it. I hope all Republicans who voted “no” or are obstructing this important piece of legislation will be held accountable come November. But what’s keeping the benefits of greater financial aid from millions of students are the efforts of a few banks. Read full article…
A legislative plan to spare teacher pay from the chopping block has set the stage for a showdown between cash-strapped school leaders and teacher advocates who pushed for higher pay.
State lawmakers who decided to boost Iowa’s teacher pay in 2007 now want to protect that money from Gov. Chet Culver’s 10 percent, across-the-board budget cut, ordered in October, and similar reductions in years ahead. They also want to shield money for teacher training and efforts to keep class sizes in check. Read full article…
March 8th, 2010 by Michael Kiernan
Category: Email
Friends-
Last week, we told you about the option on your income tax form to earmark $1.50 for the Iowa Democratic Party.
And, that’s why I am writing you today. This money is specifically used for office needs and is vital to keeping the lights on and the coffee pot full here at the office. Most importantly, it means we can spend our money helping elect good Democrats up and down the ballot.
Take a look at our video, pass it on to your friends and family, and check the box on your income tax forms.
Checking the box on your income taxes forms is an easy way for you to help, and to ask your friends to join you. It’s an easy thing to ask them because it doesn’t reduce your return or increase your payment.
Be sure to tell your friends, family, neighbors, or your tax professional that you want to check the box for the Iowa Democratic Party.
