Breaking News

Columnists

Celebrating Community College Month

For 60 years, Iowa’s community colleges have quietly shaped the trajectory of our state, opening doors for students, strengthening local economies, and anchoring communities in times of both challenge and opportunity. As president of Iowa Valley Community College District, I have the privilege of seeing that impact every day and of reflecting on how far we have come. Iowa’s community college system was established in 1965, when the state reorganized a network of local junior colleges and vocational schools into a coordinated system designed to serve all Iowans. The vision was clear ...

Another war for oil? This is why we need renewable energy

The war on Iran has caused the biggest oil supply disruption in history, as oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz falters. Taken together with this year’s invasion of Venezuela, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and the Trump administration’s subsequent cutting off of oil sales to Cuba — potentially its next military target — we are witnessing how the race for fossil fuel resources is compromising global peace and stability. Oil prices have swung wildly, and impacts may be felt in the fertilizer and food sectors too. According to Andy Rowell, an ...

GOP property tax plan may fall into one-size-fits-all trap

For as long as I can remember, I’ve listened to conservative politicians complain about one-size-fits-all laws and regulations. Usually, it’s in the context of the federal government. Often, the complainers are at the state level who say Washington, D.C., shouldn’t infringe upon the so-called “laboratories of democracy.” Now, Republicans in the Iowa Statehouse may violate their own rule. They may pass a big property tax cut this year with a very bad feature: A 2% cap on local revenues for cities and counties, excluding new growth and debt service. Local governments say ...

The Barker Bulletin

Week 12: Rural Healthcare As we approach the end of session, our focus will continue to narrow. The House and Senate continue to have conversations surrounding the details of property tax reform and I expect floor action on a bill in the coming weeks. This week it was a pleasure to visit with disability advocates at the Capitol, including many who helped me pass the visually accessibly pharmacy label bill this session. I also was able to speak to the Iowa Health Initiative about our fight against cancer. Rural Health Transformation Plan This week, the Iowa House passed House File 2743 ...

The Warme Wire: Week 12

With Holy Week underway and Easter Sunday approaching, this week at the Capitol has been a time to reflect on faith, service, and the human impact of the work before us. I had the opportunity to attend the Iowa Prayer Breakfast, where 1,400 Iowans gathered for the 65th year to study God’s ...