Your piece on the solar business was excellent, I just spent $17,000 to put in solar and although it is expensive, I find it gratifying my recent bills have been less than ten bucks! Writing grants that are froth with political BS that are intent on failing ear marks our governor for getting the boot. Question is, who will be the best person for the job that represents Iowan's and not Corporate Iowa? Early looking for those potential runners to start taking back the capital would be helpful!
Steve, would you be interested in writing a guest post about the process of installing residential solar? The state tax credit expired, did it not? How did you go about calculating how large a system you needed and how many years it would take to recoup your investment? How much of your needs is your system supplying?
I'm going to write something about this, but probably not until after the primary. The best Iowa Senate pickup opportunity is definitely Brad Zaun's seat (SD 22). Republicans will target several Democratic-held Senate seats and it's not clear whether Democrats will have the resources to target SD 10 (Dawson in Council Bluffs), SD 50 (Burlington/Lee County, Reichman), or other seats.
There are some good Iowa House seat targets for Democrats in Polk and Dallas counties. They may target HD 43 (Andrews), HD 40 (Gustoff), and HD 28 (Young). HD 81 in Davenport (open seat) will definitely be a target. I'm not sure whether they will seriously try to win back seats in former strongholds like Clinton, Burlington, Ottumwa, or Newton.
For years, have been thinking that there is an untold story behind the staffers of Sen C Grassley. He must depend on them much more than it appears, and I think the story must start here in Iowa. Have you ever heard much about this?
I have the impression that he has always relied heavily on staff, even when he was much younger. I have not read anything specific about his staffers but in general his office's work is a lot more partisan than it was in the 1980s and 1990s.
I think he's been a hack for the GOP and for Trump for a long time now. He's hiring staff who are oriented the same way. I don't think his staff is telling him to be that way.
I am curious about Iowa's puppy mill problem & who is blocking anything from being done about it. I see all of the hoarding cases and rescues paying the bills to care for these poor animals. I don't understand why the hoarders & mill owners aren't being charged for the care of these animals instead? I have heard that there are specific people that block EVERYTHING before it even has a chance of passing. We should identify & out them, so this can be corrected and hopefully stopped.
I have not done much reporting on this issue but former legislators have told me that the Farm Bureau opposes legislation in this area, even when the bill specifically says it doesn't cover livestock animals.
Mark Kuhn of Floyd County worked on the puppy mill issue extensively when he was in the legislator. Of the current legislators, I would ask State Rep Bob Kressig.
re: your question about story frequency - I like getting a reminder in my email about your various pieces at BH. I don't read every single one, but the email flag is helpful in catching pertinent and timely information. Because I follow many different types of news organizations, there's never just one I read. Scanning the topics available gives me a chance to dive into my concerns at a moment in time. In short, you can't send too much, but that doesn't mean I read everything sent.
That was my goal with the other newsletter (which predates this one): send people a couple of emails a week linking to everything I've recently published. They can choose whether to click on any of the dozen or so pieces linked there.
I may have missed it, but I'm curious about the money trail that must influence Gov Reynolds agenda. How does she benefit from vouchers and dismantling the AEA?
Another point of interest for me is Iowa's loss of reputation as a great place to live and raise a family. I fail to see why anyone would move to this state, as we let our educational system decline, have very little available in mental health beds, won't support women to make their own health care decisions, go out of our way to demean immigrants, and make school and life in general difficult for gay, lesbian and transgender individuals. When will this "hit the fan" and cost us in recruiting professionals and bringing businesses into Iowa?
A lot of people have asked me this question. Certainly a lot of schools and private organizations, not to mention wealthy people, will benefit from the school voucher law. It's less clear whether anyone had a financial motive to blow up the AEAs. While I think it's important to follow the money, I also think some Republican policies are ideological and not necessarily grounded in someone getting rich.
For instance, literally no one benefits from cutting Iowans off food assistance. If anything, powerful grocery interests will lose money from that!
Laura, thank you for all your reporting, newsletters, and articles; and congratulations on your legal successes in the Iowa Legislature.
In my view, these are times which require "national economic leadership", if the U.S. Economy, and American people are to move forward! Since the end of WW II, the new, structural changes in the American Economy---from national to multinational corporations---has resulted in the end of a 200 year-long historical era of "automatic technological progress" to the U.S., by the private sector.
In 2024, the empirical, economic data shows, that the economic agenda, by the above, private sector, multinational corporations is one of long-term economic growth through the global economy, and not through the U.S. economy. Like the transcontinental railroad; the interstate highway system; and the NASA Apollo Space-Moon Program--- U.S. technological-economic progress, in our times, requires national direction, through national leadership. There is simply no other alternative.
With the above new conditions, "automatic national technological direction and progress", through the private sector, alone, is inherently unavailable. History has brought us to this "turning-point"; and we must "turn"---or decline!
The below remarks, by Steve, about the "expensive" cost of solar power, is just one more piece of everyday, empirical evidence, supporting the validity of the above remarks and ideas.
In my view, Iowa and U.S. politics have yet to address all the above. Yes, these are "Churchillian Times!" Democracy---American Democracy--- must remember, renew, and act upon, its U.S. Constitutional responsibilities, as set forth in the Preamble---"Union...general welfare...".
Now, Laura, in light of all the above, I would like to recommend future publication of an article or articles--- about the history, importance, status, and possible future of "critical materials", including "rare earth metals", research in Iowa, at Iowa State University's "Critical Materials Institute". And, perhaps, how all these efforts might be utilized, by state-local governments, and private sector, for additional development, around Iowa=-- in other Iowa cities, small towns, and academic communities.
I don’t understand why Republicans & just some ppl in general support Donald Trump with everything he’s done in his life now public knowledge. How do you think John Edwards views this? He was out of the running with one indiscretion….and how can ppl who say they are Christians support him? I’m just at a loss.
I was glad to see the coverage of the opioid settlement discussion. I'm interested in the momentum for syringe exchange services, adulterant testing strips decriminalization, access to naltrexone & the status of the Iowa Hemp Act.
Hey Laura, Thx for all your good work! Seeing the volume of material you're putting out, I can't imagine you doing anymore. But if you're looking for political topics now that the legislature has adjourned, might I suggest a piece on Sarah Corkery who's mounting a run against Ashley Hinson in the 2nd Congressional District. I'm hearing that the DNC has forsaken any races in Iowa, considering it to be a lost cause. But Sarah is a brilliant, high energy young woman with a very compelling story. Just a thought... thx! Tim Wagner
There are so many legislative things to be informed about I can't keep up. An hour-long Zoom call might help. In a townhall with Sean B, Janet P, and Austin B, it was mentioned that 4-5 more Dems in the House would give them a stronger voice. That will take work but not impossible. Let's give that to them. We are grateful for your excellent reporting. Keep it up. Happy Mother's Day.
The gov and her cult have taken away people’s power over their own bodies, have gutted public school, have thrown elderly, disabled, poor and even animals out in the garbage.
Democrats have introduced many bills that would protect reproductive rights, support working-class Iowans, etc. They have advocated for more funding for nursing home inspectors as well as other services, especially public education.
The problem is their numbers are too small in the legislature to enact any of these bills.
Your piece on the solar business was excellent, I just spent $17,000 to put in solar and although it is expensive, I find it gratifying my recent bills have been less than ten bucks! Writing grants that are froth with political BS that are intent on failing ear marks our governor for getting the boot. Question is, who will be the best person for the job that represents Iowan's and not Corporate Iowa? Early looking for those potential runners to start taking back the capital would be helpful!
Steve, would you be interested in writing a guest post about the process of installing residential solar? The state tax credit expired, did it not? How did you go about calculating how large a system you needed and how many years it would take to recoup your investment? How much of your needs is your system supplying?
what legislative districts do Dems have the best chance to flip?
I'm going to write something about this, but probably not until after the primary. The best Iowa Senate pickup opportunity is definitely Brad Zaun's seat (SD 22). Republicans will target several Democratic-held Senate seats and it's not clear whether Democrats will have the resources to target SD 10 (Dawson in Council Bluffs), SD 50 (Burlington/Lee County, Reichman), or other seats.
There are some good Iowa House seat targets for Democrats in Polk and Dallas counties. They may target HD 43 (Andrews), HD 40 (Gustoff), and HD 28 (Young). HD 81 in Davenport (open seat) will definitely be a target. I'm not sure whether they will seriously try to win back seats in former strongholds like Clinton, Burlington, Ottumwa, or Newton.
my hunch is your readers would crave a chance for a monthly zoom interview and Q&A. You could try one, and see if it works for you and them.
For years, have been thinking that there is an untold story behind the staffers of Sen C Grassley. He must depend on them much more than it appears, and I think the story must start here in Iowa. Have you ever heard much about this?
I have the impression that he has always relied heavily on staff, even when he was much younger. I have not read anything specific about his staffers but in general his office's work is a lot more partisan than it was in the 1980s and 1990s.
Do you feel that his staff is directing his opinions and actions in Congress?
I think he's been a hack for the GOP and for Trump for a long time now. He's hiring staff who are oriented the same way. I don't think his staff is telling him to be that way.
I appreciate your insight Thanks, Laura. I may be seeing malice when it is only dedication to a cause.
Hello,
I am curious about Iowa's puppy mill problem & who is blocking anything from being done about it. I see all of the hoarding cases and rescues paying the bills to care for these poor animals. I don't understand why the hoarders & mill owners aren't being charged for the care of these animals instead? I have heard that there are specific people that block EVERYTHING before it even has a chance of passing. We should identify & out them, so this can be corrected and hopefully stopped.
I have not done much reporting on this issue but former legislators have told me that the Farm Bureau opposes legislation in this area, even when the bill specifically says it doesn't cover livestock animals.
Mark Kuhn of Floyd County worked on the puppy mill issue extensively when he was in the legislator. Of the current legislators, I would ask State Rep Bob Kressig.
re: your question about story frequency - I like getting a reminder in my email about your various pieces at BH. I don't read every single one, but the email flag is helpful in catching pertinent and timely information. Because I follow many different types of news organizations, there's never just one I read. Scanning the topics available gives me a chance to dive into my concerns at a moment in time. In short, you can't send too much, but that doesn't mean I read everything sent.
That was my goal with the other newsletter (which predates this one): send people a couple of emails a week linking to everything I've recently published. They can choose whether to click on any of the dozen or so pieces linked there.
I may have missed it, but I'm curious about the money trail that must influence Gov Reynolds agenda. How does she benefit from vouchers and dismantling the AEA?
Another point of interest for me is Iowa's loss of reputation as a great place to live and raise a family. I fail to see why anyone would move to this state, as we let our educational system decline, have very little available in mental health beds, won't support women to make their own health care decisions, go out of our way to demean immigrants, and make school and life in general difficult for gay, lesbian and transgender individuals. When will this "hit the fan" and cost us in recruiting professionals and bringing businesses into Iowa?
A lot of people have asked me this question. Certainly a lot of schools and private organizations, not to mention wealthy people, will benefit from the school voucher law. It's less clear whether anyone had a financial motive to blow up the AEAs. While I think it's important to follow the money, I also think some Republican policies are ideological and not necessarily grounded in someone getting rich.
For instance, literally no one benefits from cutting Iowans off food assistance. If anything, powerful grocery interests will lose money from that!
Laura, thank you for all your reporting, newsletters, and articles; and congratulations on your legal successes in the Iowa Legislature.
In my view, these are times which require "national economic leadership", if the U.S. Economy, and American people are to move forward! Since the end of WW II, the new, structural changes in the American Economy---from national to multinational corporations---has resulted in the end of a 200 year-long historical era of "automatic technological progress" to the U.S., by the private sector.
In 2024, the empirical, economic data shows, that the economic agenda, by the above, private sector, multinational corporations is one of long-term economic growth through the global economy, and not through the U.S. economy. Like the transcontinental railroad; the interstate highway system; and the NASA Apollo Space-Moon Program--- U.S. technological-economic progress, in our times, requires national direction, through national leadership. There is simply no other alternative.
With the above new conditions, "automatic national technological direction and progress", through the private sector, alone, is inherently unavailable. History has brought us to this "turning-point"; and we must "turn"---or decline!
The below remarks, by Steve, about the "expensive" cost of solar power, is just one more piece of everyday, empirical evidence, supporting the validity of the above remarks and ideas.
In my view, Iowa and U.S. politics have yet to address all the above. Yes, these are "Churchillian Times!" Democracy---American Democracy--- must remember, renew, and act upon, its U.S. Constitutional responsibilities, as set forth in the Preamble---"Union...general welfare...".
Now, Laura, in light of all the above, I would like to recommend future publication of an article or articles--- about the history, importance, status, and possible future of "critical materials", including "rare earth metals", research in Iowa, at Iowa State University's "Critical Materials Institute". And, perhaps, how all these efforts might be utilized, by state-local governments, and private sector, for additional development, around Iowa=-- in other Iowa cities, small towns, and academic communities.
Thanks, again---Richard Sherzan
My door is always open to guest articles or commentaries on newsworthy topics.
Thank you for reading, Richard.
I don’t understand why Republicans & just some ppl in general support Donald Trump with everything he’s done in his life now public knowledge. How do you think John Edwards views this? He was out of the running with one indiscretion….and how can ppl who say they are Christians support him? I’m just at a loss.
It's hard for me to guess! I also find it difficult to understand why people would stick with Trump, who is corrupt and self-centered.
I was glad to see the coverage of the opioid settlement discussion. I'm interested in the momentum for syringe exchange services, adulterant testing strips decriminalization, access to naltrexone & the status of the Iowa Hemp Act.
I have a bigger post in progress on the opioid settlement but I need to get a block of time to find it.
I appreciated your sentiments about Mothers Day as it is a difficult time for some people. Thanks for all you do.
Hey Laura, Thx for all your good work! Seeing the volume of material you're putting out, I can't imagine you doing anymore. But if you're looking for political topics now that the legislature has adjourned, might I suggest a piece on Sarah Corkery who's mounting a run against Ashley Hinson in the 2nd Congressional District. I'm hearing that the DNC has forsaken any races in Iowa, considering it to be a lost cause. But Sarah is a brilliant, high energy young woman with a very compelling story. Just a thought... thx! Tim Wagner
Thanks, Tim. I have been meaning to write about that race for months! I hope to catch up on the campaigns after the June primary election.
There are so many legislative things to be informed about I can't keep up. An hour-long Zoom call might help. In a townhall with Sean B, Janet P, and Austin B, it was mentioned that 4-5 more Dems in the House would give them a stronger voice. That will take work but not impossible. Let's give that to them. We are grateful for your excellent reporting. Keep it up. Happy Mother's Day.
Who's that hippy long hair guy?
Oh sorry, that's Burns!
What is the Democrats’ plan to save Iowa?
The gov and her cult have taken away people’s power over their own bodies, have gutted public school, have thrown elderly, disabled, poor and even animals out in the garbage.
Democrats have introduced many bills that would protect reproductive rights, support working-class Iowans, etc. They have advocated for more funding for nursing home inspectors as well as other services, especially public education.
The problem is their numbers are too small in the legislature to enact any of these bills.
Democrats bottom line:
Be neo-liberal or
Be social-democrat