Opinions
During the last quarter of the school year, Iowa schools are required to administer the Iowa Statewide Assessment for Student Progress (ISASP) in grades 3-11. In years past it was called the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) for the elementary level and Iowa Test of Educational Development (ITED)...
Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting
I was walking an Alaskan trail when I met a bear. All I had in my backpack was a can of fly spray, so I sprayed the bear.
What happened?
The bear flew away.
Driving by Bruce’s drive
I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive,...
Dear Savvy Senior,
Does Medicare offer any coverage that helps beneficiaries quit smoking?
New Beneficiary
Dear New,
If you’re ready to quit smoking, Medicare can indeed help! Medicare Part B covers up to eight face-to-face counseling sessions per year to help you kick the habit, and if you have...
On Monday, the House Appropriations Committee met to pass the Senate’s SSA bill with an amendment. While the Senate’s bill originally called for setting SSA at 1.75%, our amendment set SSA at 2.25%. It also included $14 million to increase pay for educational support staff. Our goal in fighting...
The sixth week of the legislative session, the initial "funnel" deadline was this week, making advancements crucial. Subcommittees and committees were busy working through large numbers of proposals being considered in each chamber.
The legislature reviewed SSB 3163, which modifies higher...
Heading into week 6, which is the last week of the first funnel, the session is in full swing!
I was invited to speak at two subcommittees, one for Senator Lofgren and one for Senator Salmon.
Local school officials said a proposal advanced by Iowa lawmakers this week to increase state per-pupil...
This week and next, we continue to be focused on moving bills through committee to keep them eligible for floor debate. February 19 is the cut off for policy bills to remain eligible this session.
HSB 696 – Welfare Reform
This bill strengthens the integrity and sustainability of Iowa’s public...
The title of this little (about 6” square) cookbooklet is “Betty Crocker’s Foods Men Like” (1970). In itself that isn’t unusual but the book contains only 26 recipes, organized according to the alphabet. In my world men like a lot more foods than that so these recipes must be cream of the crop!...
Year of the Fire Horse
The Lunar New Year, commonly referred to as the Chinese New Year, highlights Chinese astronomical animals and elements. With 12 signs and five elements, certain combinations only arrive once every 60 years. In 2026, celebrants will recognize the Fire Horse with celebrations...
Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting
I have the memory of an elephant.
Really?
Yes, I remember seeing an elephant at a fair when I was nine years old.
Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting too
Folklore said if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine’s Day, it meant she would marry a...