Editorial: Low wages aren’t the problem in Iowa’s Corridor
The Gazette notes low wages aren’t the core issue as Cedar Rapids area residents discuss Barbara Ehrenreich’s Nickel and Dimed during the Greater CR Reads program. It cites 2 percent of Iowa’s hourly workforce earning 5.15 or less and highlights Linn and Johnson counties’ stronger earnings, arguing discussions should address broader poverty factors and seek local solutions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Barbara Ehrenreich
America
Iowa
U.S. Department of Labor
Linn
Johnson
Bureau of Economic Analysis
Ehrenreich
Community forum panel on skills for working poor growth
The Gazette sponsors a Wednesday February panel at 7 p m in Beems Auditorium Cedar Rapids Public Library to discuss how to build marketable skills for the working poor. Leaders and state legislators will hear about child care costs health care benefits and reforms.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Gazette
Beems
Cedar Rapids Public Library
First St
Iraq Handover Turning Point Will Test US Policy
The coming handover of political sovereignty in Iraq by June 30 hinges on a legitimate elected government. U N involvement in Baghdad aims to craft a workable path, with Shiite leaders led by Ayatollah Sistani demanding elections and a chosen Iraqi assembly viewed skeptically by occupation authorities. If the UN backs fall elections and a legitimate process, Baghdad could gain credibility and reduce U S casualties. a rushed transfer risks chaos and renewed insurgency.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iraq
U.S
U.N
Baghdad
White House
Ayatollah
Ali al-Sistani
Sistani
Hussain Shahristani
Saddam
Shahristani
IGC
Pentagon
Ahmed Chalabi
Japan
United States
Iowa School Reforms Target Better Education Outcomes
Since 1996 Iowa trimmed state and local taxes by about 1 billion dollars annually, shifting focus away from funding public schools. Reorganization cut districts from 4387 in 1985 to 371, with more than 1,600 additional students in public schools since 1985. Principals and superintendents declined, jobs merged, and per pupil funding increased efficiency. Schools test more, report progress, and pursue comprehensive improvement plans. Citizens are urged to read progress reports and attend school board meetings.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Linn County
Springville
Central City
Alburnett
Community Schools Board President Sells Drugs Questioned
Lee Ann Grimley, president of the Springville Community Schools Board of Directors, is accused of drug selling and asks why she is treated like a leper as Mary McGeorge of Coralville raises the issue.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lee Ann Grimley
Springville Community Schools Board of Directors
Eulogy for an Invisible Man On a Street Corner
Daniel McGroarty reflects on Fred a homeless man who died in a city shelter or apartment earlier. The piece contrasts his invisibility with his quiet dignity noting his last weeks his apartment purchase and the final search for a home. It frames Fred as a symbol for homeless lives and urges empathy and policy change.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Daniel McGroarty
Fred
Rehabilitated sex offenders deserve second chance
A reader letter in The Gazette argues for fair treatment of rehabilitated sex offenders, criticizing blanket stigma and urging education of advocates like Betty Brown. The writer recalls release on June 21 2000 and contends many offenders do not reoffend, while some are later proven innocent after serving sentences. The piece calls for nuanced laws.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Gazette
Betty Brown
Tam
Review Attacks Show, Asserts Paramount Still Shines
A Cedar Rapids letter defends Paramount Theatre and its Broadway Series after a negative review. It urges reviewers to highlight positives to attract audiences, praising the cast of Music Man and the venue as a local bright spot amid other city influences.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
Harold
Paramount
Cedar Rapids
Robert Davison
No More Same Sex Wedding Photos in Gazette
A reader protests a February 8 Mile Stones photo showing two women in a same sex wedding scene. The letter expresses disappointment and urges the newspaper not to adopt such imagery as a trend.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
The
Gazette
Also Mentioned on This Page
Community Forum
State of Working Town
Iowa Policy Project
Laith
Kubba
Bush Team
Trudy Rubin
Philadelphia Inquirer
QO. J. Simpson
Arnold
Schwarzenegger
Bush
Ick
Mary McGeorge
Coralville
White House Writers Group
Washington
Mark Bowden
Doug Neumann
Dave Storey
Scott Swenson
Kim Hefley
Peg Schmitz
Gazette Communications
Joe Hladky
Chuck Peters
Ken Slaughter
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