The Clinton Herald, Clinton, Iowa

Opinion

February 2, 2013

Hart casts first vote on Senate floor

CLINTON — This week seemed to just fly by as we had our first debate on the Senate floor.

I was so pleased to be able to cast my very first votes in the Senate chamber for bills that would increase school funding without raising local property taxes.

I look forward to the House and Governor Branstad taking up this issue as soon as possible.

The bill we approved in the Senate, SSB1057, provides the dollars that buy up-to-date textbooks, keep the lights on, put gas in the buses, and pay all school employees.

For an analysis of the legislation, go to http://tinyurl.com/aycqjmh.

I had fun talking to several of the state FFA officers who visited the Capitol this week.

These young agricultural leaders really impressed me with their knowledge base and their eagerness to make a difference. 

I’m especially proud of the many educational programs we have in this state that foster student participation and create engaged young citizens.

I really enjoy having visitors at the Capitol.

It’s nice to have people from home come for a visit, so remember that the welcome mat is always out here at the statehouse.

I have also appreciated the e-mails and phone calls I have received from many of you. Contact me any time you have questions or concerns.

Senator Rita Hart represents Clinton County and northern Scott County in the Iowa Senate.

Text Only
Opinion
  • A few issues to be resolved This past week was once again rumored to be the last week for legislators at the Statehouse, but while many of the major budget bills were agreed upon, a few of the most stubborn issues remain to be resolved. The House and Senate have now agreed on h

    May 20, 2013

  • Scott Levine LEVINE: Preparing for another child

    With a little more than a month before another child occupies my home, it's becoming more apparent every day that my daughter is ready for her first sibling.

    May 17, 2013 1 Photo

  • Seizure of AP phone records insult to independent press

    Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.

    May 16, 2013

  • Angie Bicker.jpg Herald's chicken lady says farewell

    Our lives are like the chapters of a book. Each crisp page we turn is like a new day in our lives.

    May 15, 2013 1 Photo

  • Scott Levine LEVINE: Access to information vital in society

    When a Clinton County judge ruled in 2012 that the Clinton City Council violated the open meetings law, it sent a direct message to current City Council members that operating in secret would not be tolerated.

    May 10, 2013 1 Photo

  • Vulich mug Mayor gives reasons for not signing Humane Society agreement The agreement that was approved by the Clinton City Council at the April 23 meeting between the city of Clinton and the Clinton Humane Society went into effect Tuesday without the signature of the mayor. With any action the City Council takes the ma

    May 9, 2013 1 Photo

  • Dutch Days reflects community steeped in tradition It started back in 1974 with a Dutch dinner organized by the Fulton Community Christian School women's auxiliary. In the years that followed, the dinner continued and the event grew into what is now known as Dutch Days, expanding to include downtown

    May 4, 2013

  • READER'S LETTER: Help letter carriers 'Stamp Out Hunger'

    Every year the National Association of Letter Carriers joins with its local community food banks to coordinate the nations' largest one day food drive. More than 1,400 branches across the country participate to help feed the hungry. With every bag,

    May 4, 2013

  • Scott Levine LEVINE: Health issues still a concern for residents

    The health of Clinton County residents represented a mixed bag in the annual county rankings. On one hand, the county is making progress in health outcomes. On the other, the county is declining in health factors.

    May 3, 2013 1 Photo

  • Make sure the humane society agreement stays in place I would like to thank the Clinton Herald for all the local and national news coverage. I would like to encourage our mayor to accept the proposal from the Clinton Humane Society. We need to make Clinton a safe place for our family and our families pe

    May 2, 2013

Facebook
Poll

Do you think the city of Clinton should be in the solid waste business?

Yes
No
     View Results