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Bible truth or tradition: “Today you will be with me in paradise”

“And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”” Luke 23:42-43 ESV A few years ago I asked a local Pastor about what happens when we die. The only verse that he referenced was Luke 23:43, referring to Jesus’s answer to a criminal hanging next to him on a cross. The Pastor said that as believers when we die, we go immediately to heaven to be with God and Jesus. I thought to myself if that were true, I would want to be next in line. But, is that really what the Bible ...

District 53 Newsletter from Rep. Dean Fisher

The legislature has finished week 11 of the session, we are busy working on bills sent over from the Senate and preparing appropriations bills for the final weeks of the session. Nearly every year during the session we deal with legislation that to one degree or another seeks to end the requirement that local government notices be published in the local newspaper, opting for publication on local government websites instead. While discussing just such a bill with some of our small-town newspaper owners they made an interesting observation. Readership in that paper increased by 150% in ...

The Warme Wire: Week 11

Week 11 at the Capitol brought an important step forward in stopping financial scams in Iowa. I was proud to floor manage House File 2232, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support. This legislation focuses on preventing financial exploitation, particularly for seniors, in the life ...

Protecting American farmland for the next generation

In Iowa, we recognize that our rich soil is one of our most precious resources, making our farmland the envy of the world. In drafting the Farm Bill in the House Agriculture Committee, it was critical to make protecting our food supply, rural communities, and national security one of its ...

The Barker Bulletin: Week 11, the home stretch

This is the week after the 2nd legislative funnel deadline, which means that the picture is starting to become more clear about which bills are still alive. I continue to champion the Maternity Home / Strong Families Tax Credit, which continues to be eligible in the Ways & Means Committee. ...

From planning to pavement: Understanding Marshalltown’s street projects

If there’s one topic I hear about the most from residents, it’s streets – and for good reason. Streets are something we all use every day. When they’re in poor condition, you feel it every time you drive, bike, or walk through our community. Here’s where we are right now, what you ...