Opinion

Surplus deficit: Families pay for GOP budget mess

Published by admin on Wed, 04/12/2017 - 8:06am

     Budgets are a moral document. They are supposed to reflect the state’s priorities. Years ago, we all understood that to develop Iowa’s economy and grow its population, we needed to invest in education to build our skilled workforce.

     We prided ourselves upon fairness and looking out for the state’s most vulnerable citizens – seniors, the disabled, and children. We kept a lean budget while making sure these long-term investments were the top priority. It was a moral high ground understood and agreed to by Republicans and Democrats alike.

Stone Bridge is in the hands of the supervisors

Published by admin on Wed, 04/05/2017 - 9:09am

     Bringing several concerned voices to the table to discuss the future of Ely’s Stone Bridge was a smart move on the Jones County Supervisors’ side. It’s clear they do not intend to make any hasty decisions without gathering all of the facts beforehand.

     There are many people associated with Stone Bridge: the Ely Stone Bridge Society of Jones County, the Friends of Stone Bridge, the Jones County Historic Preservation Commission, as well as numerous citizens with family ties to the bridge.

April is National 911 Education Month

Published by admin on Wed, 04/05/2017 - 9:08am

To the Editor,

     It may be a surprise to folks to learn that April is National 911 Education Month. In tandem, the week of April 9-15 is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. Say what!?

     Well let’s do a little educating.

The need for blood donations is critical

Published by admin on Wed, 04/05/2017 - 9:07am

To the Editor,

     The Lions Club spring blood drive will be held on Thursday, April 13, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Community Building next to the Monticello library. Please note the change of location from recent Red Cross blood drives.

You are here

Published by admin on Wed, 04/05/2017 - 9:07am

To the Editor,

     Where are you right now?

     Are you really there?

     This is your life. Are you really where you are? Your whole being?

     Is this digital age messing with your moments; your life? Are you present?

Protecting responsible livestock producers

Published by admin on Wed, 04/05/2017 - 9:06am

To the Editor,

     I realize farming and especially large-scale hog and cattle operations tend to be sacred cows in Iowa. With that said, there are those of us who live in the state who are not farmers. We should have as many rights to our “comfortable use and enjoyment of our real property” as well.

     What about those things that are not considered “real property?” Are we non-farmers no longer entitled to safe air quality or conditions that don’t harm a person’s health without having to sue to get limited compensation?

House Republican Newsletter

Published by admin on Wed, 04/05/2017 - 9:06am

News from District 96

     Last week was the second funnel. All policy bills that originated in the Senate must make it through a House committee. This further reduces the number of bills that are available for discussion. Next week the focus will turn towards the budget and moving towards the end of session.

     On Tuesday, March 28, we passed a bill out of Agriculture from the Senate that protected fairs from being sued if someone becomes sick from an animal. The fair must post a sign stating the risk of illness in order to receive this protection.

From the ground up

Published by admin on Wed, 04/05/2017 - 9:05am

     The second funnel week at the Capitol has come to an end. This is a time when House and Senate bills are on the final path to passage. If a bill is not through committee in either the House or the Senate at the end of this week the bill will have to wait until the 2018 session for consideration. To say the least, it has been a busy week of committee meetings.

     Bills that cleared the Senate this week of particular interest are the following:

Workers’ comp, minimum wage laws changed

Published by admin on Wed, 04/05/2017 - 8:50am

     Senate Republicans recently approved two more bills that will hurt Iowa workers. The Branstad-Reynolds Administration signed them into law on Thursday, March 27.

     House File 518 cuts protections for Iowans hurt on the job through no fault of their own, reduces an employer’s liability for injuries, and encourages employers and insurance carriers to avoid on-time payment of claims.

Jones Co. businesses take stand in ID policies

Published by admin on Wed, 04/05/2017 - 8:49am

     When it comes to responsible alcohol service, perhaps the most obvious safeguard is one of the most important, checking identification. Asking for someone’s ID before an alcohol sale, when done properly, is an excellent way to prevent sales to minors. Not only does it verify age without having to guess, but it sends the message to all customers that alcohol sales are to be taken seriously.

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