Opinions
It was a busy week of debate at the Capitol. We caucused and debated every day and passed more than 80 bills in the House. Most passed with unanimous or bipartisan support. It looks like next week will bring much of the same as we continue working through legislation this session.
A few bills...
What a week we have had both in the state and the nation. We wrapped up week eight, passing the halfway mark of the legislative session.
We learned the names of two Iowans who were killed in action in Kuwait on March 1. Major Jeffrey O’Brien of Waukee and Sergeant Declan Coady of West Des Moines...
“I Want That Recipe” was compiled by Manly Senior Citizens to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their organization. That was in 2007 and the group is still going strong. This community, fundraiser-style cookbook showcases the cooking talents of small-town men and women who like to eat and don’t...
The Iowa Newspaper Association is presenting a monthly feature in Iowa’s newspapers, inviting political leaders of each party to offer perspec-tives on different subjects. This month’s topic: “Water Quality: What is the state doing well and what does it need to do more of to improve the quality of...
Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting
I got new eyeglasses at Costco.
They look good. How do you like them?
I like them. Now I see everything in bulk.
Driving by Bruce’s drive
I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. He was a familiar stranger...
Dear Savvy Senior,
My adult kids keep warning me about scams, but it’s hard to know which calls and messages are dangerous. What scams are most commonly aimed at seniors right now?
--Almost 80
Dear Almost,
Your kids’ concerns are well founded. Financial fraud is a massive – and rapidly growing...
Week seven just passed and was filled with debates following our first legislative deadline. A bill passed on Monday, was an increase of about $111.5 million for the next school year, which will bring total spending on K-12 education by the state to $4.367 billion.
On Wednesday, the Senate passed...
After the first funnel week, committee work slowed and floor debate picked up. This week, we were on the House floor every day, moving more than 40 bills—most with unanimous or strong bipartisan support. Floor debate will continue over the next few weeks as we move legislation from committee to the...
Food is terribly expensive, whether you cook at home or eat in restaurants. Of course, making meals yourself has always been a way to cut costs but often people just need to treat themselves to something another person has cooked and served (plus no dishes to wash!). Food prices are one reason this...
Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting
My Uncle Luther could hold his breath for 30 minutes.
That’s incredible.
Not really. He could do it only once.
Driving by Bruce’s drive
I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. The weather was doing well...