by Senator Ken Rozenboom It’s hard to believe, but the 2024 legislative session is already reaching the halfway point. We are scheduled for a 100-day session this year which means that by April 16 we should be wrapping up. That’s never a sure thing of course, but that’s our goal. Meanwhile both chambers began floor […]
by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 22, 2024 The Iowa House passed a bill Thursday to increase per-pupil state aid for K-12 schools by 3% — a level Democrats said was not adequate to keep up with inflation and does not account for potential new costs from other education proposals lawmakers are considering. House […]
by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 22, 2024 A bill raising fines for violating open meetings or records laws and requiring education for elected and appointed officials was approved in the Iowa House Thursday with bipartisan support. House File 2539 passed 92-2, with Reps. Phil Thompson and Brian Lohse voting against the measure. The […]
In a historic moment of teamwork, the Oskaloosa Girls Bowling Team made a remarkable appearance at the Team State Tournament held at Cadillac XBC Lanes in Waterloo. Competing among the state’s best, the team showcased exceptional talent and determination, finishing as the 5th seed in a nail-bitingly close qualification round. Despite a strong start, the […]
by Jennifer Shutt, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 21, 2024 President Joe Biden expanded his push to eliminate student loan debt Wednesday, saying during a speech the initiative is part of a campaign promise to address the “broken” system. “While a college degree is still a ticket to a better life, that ticket is too expensive,” […]
OSKALOOSA, IA – United Way of Mahaska County, established as United Community Services in 1963, commemorates its 60th anniversary, marking decades of evolution and community service. Michella Friesen, Executive Director of the United Way of Mahaska County, shared the journey from a volunteer-run agency to a crucial community resource, including the decision to join the […]
by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 19, 2024 The Iowa Senate approved a bill Monday allowing state agencies to employ private accountants to conduct annual audits instead of the state auditor’s office. Iowa Auditor Rob Sand and Democrats opposed the measure, arguing it will decrease government accountability. Senate File 2311 passed 31-16 and it […]
by Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 19, 2024 Republican lawmakers gave initial approval Monday to the governor’s individual income tax cut bill, though Sen. Dan Dawson, R-Council Bluffs, said other tax proposals could also move forward. Senate Study Bill 3038 received approval in a Senate subcommittee. It would speed up and expand 2022 legislation […]
OSKALOOSA, IOWA – Oskaloosa Elementary School welcomed Governor Kim Reynolds for a Regional Education Roundtable on Monday, February 19. Students, teachers, and leadership from the Oskaloosa Community Schools welcomed the governor as she conferenced with superintendents from Centerville, Clarke, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Pekin, and Pleasantville. State Representative Helena Hayes accompanied the governor on the visit. The […]
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors approved and signed a letter on Tuesday to the Iowa DOT in opposition to the City of Oskaloosa’s plan to annex land along Highway 163. That annexation would connect the City of Oskaloosa and land owned by the South Central Regional Airport Agency. The City could […]
