Archive for the ‘Under the Dome Update’ Category

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is creating a series of online videos to help beginning anglers catch more fish. A fisheries biologist will walk you through tackle and bait selection, how to find the right location and when the fish will likely be there. The first video, Catch Crappies NOW, can be found at [...]

Through June 15, the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC) and the Iowa Youth Congress are accepting applications for their 2013-2014 terms. SIYAC is the state’s youth-led council, comprised of 21 members ages 14 to 21 from across Iowa. Members partner with state-level agencies, lobby for legislation and develop service initiatives. They meet quarterly [...]

The 2013 session has ended with many successful efforts  to strengthen and expand Iowa’s middle class. We took a comprehensive approach to creating a state where more Iowans have access to good jobs, great communities, strong local schools and affordable health care. We found common ground by working together—Democrats and Republicans—and by listening to our [...]

The 2013 Legislature is in overtime. While the Iowa House and Senate have agreed on how much to spend, we still need to hammer out the final details of a balanced state budget that makes smart investments in Iowa’s future. The path to a dynamic economy is to strengthen and grow Iowa’s middle class. To [...]

Monday, May 27, is Memorial Day. It is a time to remember the fallen soldiers who bravely served our country and the veterans among us who’ve sacrificed for our freedom. Military service is a life-changing event. That’s why supporting our veterans, service members and their families is a fundamental responsibility we all share. While the [...]

Healthy & Happy Outdoors—also known as  H2O—is a new initiative to connect Iowans with the outdoors to reduce stress and improve health. Go to www.iowadnr.gov/h2o and find more than 30 types of outdoor activities at over 1,600 state and county parks and recreation areas. Each time you complete an outdoor activity, you can have your [...]

Create an Iowa adventure with the Iowa byways interactive website. It’s got all kinds of information on Iowa’s nationally recognized byways, including route descriptions and history, contact information, and listings of local events, attractions and travel services. You can plan, map and share your trip, save notes or even send an e-postcard. See what the [...]

  One of Iowa DOT’s most popular publications, the Iowa Transportation Map for Bicyclists, is now online. The map will help you: • Plan your bike trip ahead of time. Enter your starting and ending points and a suggested route will be generated. • Discover Iowa’s bike lanes, trails and bicycle-friendly roads. • Locate bicycle [...]

Iowans who have served and sacrificed for our freedom deserve the highest quality care we can offer. That’s a top priority for all legislators, regardless of party. Unfortunately, new allegations from long-time and former employees at the Iowa Veterans Home (IVH) in Marshalltown raise questions about the safety and environment at this state facility. A [...]

Chief Justice Mark Cady said in his State of the Judiciary address in January that “Iowans expect their government to operate a full-time, full-service and efficient court system.” The Legislature is working to provide that full-time access to justice with court funding in the Judicial Branch Budget. Senate File 442, approved with strong bipartisan support, [...]