DSM Free Press » Archive
Were Branstad’s Education Reforms Really That Bad?
Governor Terry Branstad laid out some educational reforms during the latest legislative sessions and no matter what you may think of these reforms, they should be viewed as more progressive what Iowa House Republicans offered within their education spending package. Many educators are critical of some of the testing measures that are linked to Branstad’s education reform. The reforms do call for more testing of third graders who need to be able to read. There are a lot of people who feel that there is going to be too much money spent on testing as opposed to making sure that our community colleges are properly funded in their eyes. The vouchers system has not really made much movement when it comes to education in the state of Iowa. … Read entire article »
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Why Did Property Tax Reform Fail?
Property tax reform is an important issue here in the state. The issue was not resolved during the latest legislative session. The Democrats in the state legislature of course claimed the Republicans would not look at their proposal. The Republicans of course claimed that the Democrats were just ignoring the good points of their proposal. The usual arguments were made about the benefits of TIF districts while the other side argued about the fact that some people would see their residential property taxes increase in order to cover some of the costs lost with the possibility of commercial property tax changes. Senate Democrats have said all session that the Republican property tax plan gives too many breaks to different out of state corporation. … Read entire article »
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Joe Seng Serious About Challenging Dave Loebsack?
I highly doubt any potential primary race between Joe Seng and Dave Loebsack will have any real value to it that would help the voters of Iowa better understand the issues that our state and our nation faces. The fact of the matter is that both men have done a lot of good in their lives helping other human beings and by all accounts seem to have pretty solid resumes. There is a lot of ammo within the voting record of Dave Loebsack that a moderate to conservative Democrat may frown upon such as voting against most of the Flake amendments that deal with earmarks and a general lack of support for any kind of abortion restriction. The issues that I just mentioned are not going to hurt Dave … Read entire article »
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House District 63 Race Will Lead To Good Policy Discussion
Bill Heckroth is working to pick up independent voters in his new district within the Iowa House of Representatives. Heckroth will be taking on a social conservative with an impressive military background in second time candidate Sandy Salmon. Heckroth has some built in name recognition from his four years serving in the Iowa State Senate, but he has to work hard not to fall asleep in this race. Sandy Salmon’s resume and views for example may truly appeal to those people who are deeply involved in the homeschooling movement. Salmon has been a candidate before, but this is a bit of a different race given that she no primary opponent. Salmon has a degree in Business Administration and has an outstanding understanding of … Read entire article »
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Candidates Participate In Senate District 42 Forum
The Democratic Primary in Iowa Senate District 42 is heating up. There was a recent forum in Mount Pleasant where three of the now four announced candidates participated. The Democrats in this race were not only skeptical of the policies supported by Terry Branstad, but a couple of candidates in this race were even critical of the work (or lack there of) that Governor Culver was involved in. Bob Morawitz, a member IBEW was critical of the fact that Governor Culver did not repeal the state’s right to work law. Regardless of whether or not the voters agree with Bob Morawitz’s position on the repeal of the right to work law in the law, people may welcome the courage that Morawitz showed in openly disagreeing with people who belong … Read entire article »
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Keokuk Needs To Welcome Industry Leaders
Keokuk citizens may have taken a stand against economic development in their town. The town has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state of Iowa. There are many citizens who have taken a stance against a proposed expansion of the manufacturing firm St. Louis Gear. The discussion of changing the zoning for the Faith Family Church building where the company wants to invest is something that may impact the future of the city of Keokuk. A number of citizens are worried that if the building’s zoning permit is changed that we could see a dirtier, louder company move into the building in the future. Lee County Iowa has an unemployment rate around nine percent. The future is very important in the eyes of many … Read entire article »
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Terry Branstad: Hero of Civil Libertarians?
Terry Branstad may be trying to prevent the need for a Libertarian nominee in the 2014 gubernatorial race. Governor Branstad recently said that he would be glad to sign legislation that outlaws hidden traffic cams designed to pick up speeders and presumably create more revenue for states and municipalities. The hidden cams have drawn the ire of many groups across the state. The cameras are being used in cities such as Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. The movement and the conversation to ban these cameras were advanced by twenty four Republican legislators. A person who wants to follow the legislation can look at House File 248 and decide whether they think the legislation will actually get to the Governor’s desk. Several people have begun to … Read entire article »
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Gas Tax Increase On The Way?
Will there be an increase in gas tax in the state of Iowa in 2012? This Magic 8 Ball says no. There are a couple of key people in both caucuses such as Tom Reilly (D-Oskaloosa) and Dave Tjepkes (R-Gowrie). I think that the gas tax increase would largely be opposed by both industry (trucking, shipping) and anti-poverty groups that represent the working class and poor Iowans. I am also working off information from my State Representative Jerry Kearns who says he does not see a gas tax increase passing this year. Jerry and others are probably going to spend most of their energy and time debating things like commercial property tax reform. The Democratic caucus thus far does not sound like they are too pleased … Read entire article »
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Should Christian Fong Run For Governor In 2014?
Christian Fong should consider running for Governor in 2014. There is no doubt that Republicans want to provide a young, upbeat ideas oriented candidate in the state of Iowa. If Governor Branstad decided not to run again, many people would assume that he would hand the keys over to Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds. Would Kim Reynolds have the field to herself or would people seek a definite alternative. I think you could probably write off Bob Vander Plaats as a serious gubernatorial candidate, his fixation with many social issues of the day I personally feel makes him a better fit for federal office. I think an individual like Fong is more likely to think outside of the box when it comes to matters dealing with education. … Read entire article »
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Huntsman Offering Reasonable Tax Structure Unlike Rick Perry?
Jon Huntsman is a person who has struggled to get attention during his bid for the Republican nomination for President of the United States. Huntsman is a man who has gotten credit for his ideas when it comes to the tax. Huntsman should also get credit for passing a flat tax proposal through the Utah legislature, sometimes it does not matter how “conservative” the overall makeup of a legislative body is; they still often look for ways to increase taxes and spending. Rick Perry is someone who deserves credit for not authorizing an income tax in the state of Texas. The voters there certainly would not support this proposal and you have to ask whether Perry is a true fiscal conservative in comparison to Huntsman. Perry’s twenty … Read entire article »
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