Opinion

     Iowa law requires us to balance the state budget. A fiscally responsible budget is a priority for all Iowans. Iowa law states that we cannot spend more than 99 percent of expected revenue.

     Iowa’s Revenue Estimating Conference, a panel of nonpartisan budget experts, met last week to assess state revenues and expenses. They reported that Iowa has a shortfall of $131 million this fiscal year, which ends June 30; and less growth than expected for the fiscal year that starts on July 1.

Budget outlook updated

     The Revenue Estimating Conference met last week to make their latest revenue projections for both the current and following fiscal years. The REC has continued to cite low commodity prices and a sluggish agricultural economy as a driving factor for the lower than anticipated revenue figures. Inaccurate revenue projections are not limited to Iowa. At least 30 states, whose economies largely rely on agriculture and energy, have had to make budget reductions in the middle of their fiscal year.

FY 2017

     A common misperception about nursing homes is that they are only appropriate for individuals needing long-term care. One often assumes that individuals reside in a care center throughout their final years. This is not always the case, and there are many instances when individuals enter a nursing home for a short period of time, receive rehabilitative services they need to regain their strength and independence, and return home safely.

To the Editor,

     I was thoroughly blessed to be in a family that lived in a rural area. We were the only home in sight back then. I lived near what we called “The Old Stone Bridge” for 48 years in a family of eight.

     Our lot was 2.5 acres, so we were outdoors a great deal of the time. We played ball, croquet, badminton, fox and geese, built snowmen, snow forts, about any outdoor activity you can imagine. The word “bored” never entered our vocabulary, or someone may find you some work to do.