The 2010 Legislative session has adjourned for the year and during the interim while legislators are not in session (May thru December) I will be monitoring the Revenue Estimate Conference Committee's reports to ensure Iowa is in good fiscal standing and be prepared to voice my concerns if the budget is out of line.

Those of you who know me and follow my voting record understand that I am fiscally conservative especially during these uncertain economic times.

As I review multiple reports from various sources I am optimistic that our economy is improving and we are on a rebound.

If you have any friends who are not on the list encourage them to subscribe. Please feel free to contact me at 515 988 2344 if you have questions or concerns.

As always, I’m honored to serve you.



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Help for Iowa’s Small Businesses

In an effort to create good paying jobs and help Iowa’s small business owners, a new $5 million loan program began on August 1st. The Iowa Small Business Loan Program will provide loans up to $50,000 to small businesses with under 35 employees, with an interest rate of 3.9 percent.

The Legislature created this program after meeting and discussing concerns with small business owners this past Legislative session. The “Save Our Small (SOS) Business” fund gives small businesses access to capital, which was the top concern expressed by these Iowa small business owners. Read More

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National School Model Combined with Iowa Standards

Three years after the Legislature raised standards in schools to boost student achievement and ensure kids are prepared for jobs in today’s global economy, the Iowa Board of Education gave unanimous approval at their July 29th meeting to combine Iowa’s Core standards with a multi-state effort to develop a “Common Core” standard.

The Iowa Department of Education’s review of the new national model of education standards shows they are aligned with 88% of Iowa’s standards for math skills and concepts addressed in the Iowa Core. In literacy or English language arts, 84% of the skills and concepts addressed in the Iowa Core are also covered in the Common Core. Read More

32 Counties Receive Presidential Disaster Declaration