The Republicans have failed to make headway reforming Obamacare, but their effort isn’t over. And there will continue to be lots of politics in the “fix vs. repeal/replace” debate.
Opinions
Appointing Iowans to our State Boards and Commissions is a humbling responsibility. As Governor of this state, it’s a responsibility I take very seriously. That’s why it was so disappointing and unfortunate to see 18 Senate Democrats inject petty partisan politics when they failed to reconfirm...
I have significant differences with Donald Trump’s political stances, but I want him to enjoy a successful presidency. It’s good for neither the country nor the world when a U.S. president struggles or fails.
Yet, I also believe that constructive criticism can help a president grow more capable....
The 2017 legislative session has come to an end. Our lawmakers and governor have once again made budget decisions. Let’s look at some facts about our financial situation:
The State’s general fund surplus, which was $928 million just four years ago, has been spent.
The State’s reserve funds, which...
You can’t help but reflect on the above statement as you age.
This time of year, it is especially true for me in several ways.
May marks my birth month, and each and every year, the odometer rolls over, I realize that it is a blessing, more than a given, that I have made another milestone.
The...
Democrats opened the 2017 Iowa Legislature ready to work together with the Republican-led majority to make progress for all Iowans again.
But Republicans chose a different path this session. And Iowans noticed.
Instead of working with us, Republicans chose to pursue a divisive, special interest...
The picture of retirement that many of us have is a post-work period filled with travel and plenty of relaxation. It's a time when you can finally take up a new hobby, sink into the pile of books and enjoy more time with family and friends.
The reality is that many haven't been able to save enough...
There has been much news “buzz” surrounding the recent appointment and approval of Neil Gorsuch to the United States Supreme Court. And recently in this paper, unsuccessful U.S. Senate candidate Michael Lucik Thrames presented an open letter to Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley. The letter declared Iowans...
Small scale entrepreneurship is a proven strategy to revitalize rural communities. Owning one’s own business can create genuine opportunity across rural America with the support of a modest public investment.
The importance of entrepreneurship is particularly profound in the most rural areas. Our...
Planning for a baby is exciting and sometimes a little frightening for expectant parents, especially first-time parents. The months will fly by and soon you'll be at home embarking on an adventure along with the newest member of your family. Welcome to the excitement, exhaustion, fascination,...
For the last few years, I’ve been keeping a file of clippings about the erosion of transparency and candor in government. I’m sorry to report that it’s getting rather full.
This is not a good thing. Public officials should feel strongly obliged to do their business in an open and upfront manner....
