It is time for me to bid farewell to so many readers, contributors, and friends – but I can’t believe that it is time to say goodbye. I have resigned from the Missouri Valley Times News, The Dunlap Reporter, and The Mapleton Press. more

We live in the information age. One can ask a question by speaking into a phone or entering a few key strokes. Within seconds, a plethora of particulars flashes across the screen. Sometimes the … more

The largest bill to move out of each chamber this week was HF 2355, the Unemployment Insurance reform bill. There has long been a need to reform Iowa’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund laws in order to balance the need for those terminated through no fault of their own, against the need for the fund to grow during the good times of low unemployment. more

“Wait a minute … wait a minute … I got it!” said Steve, our tall cowboy with the shaving brush moustache. “Here’s what we can do … just listen a minute.” more

As your state representative I strive to communicate to you via this newsletter to keep you apprised of happenings at the State Capitol. Oftentimes I write about the positive and groundbreaking things we accomplish while in session. However, this week I am writing not to tell you of an accomplishment, but of a failure. Honest and transparent are two things I will always be while having the privilege to represent you here in Des Moines, and I hope you find this newsletter insightful and truthful, knowing that I will always be straightforward with my constituents. more

“But…” more

The World Economic Forum says by 2030 we will own no property but we will “be happy”. You can read all about it in Klaus Schwab’s book The Great Reset. But have you asked yourself, … more

Every year about this time I get the urge to purchase soil, seeds, a trowel and gardening gloves but there is one, actually two, small problems. First, I have a black thumb. more

I walked in the kitchen door. Mom’s gaze immediately fell to my knees. Two jagged holes were framed by dirt-encrusted blue fabric. Twisted, ragged threads drooped sadly around each gash. Mother’s pale-blue eyes quickly lifted to mine. “Are your knees scraped bad?” more

The thump of my boots echoed in the cold, dark hallway. A bare bulb high above cast shadows over the old steps, but I didn’t care, because when I got to the bottom of those steps and opened the door, an amazing world appeared. more

It was busy and productive this week at the Capitol with floor debate on many bills occurring in both chambers. Last week we reached our first self-imposed legislative deadline where bills that did not advance out of full committee are no longer eligible for debate (barring any procedural maneuvering). more