Hundreds consider early retirement as Iowa budget aims to cut costs
By James Q. Lynch The Gazette Des Moines reports a few hundred state employees may take the one time early retirement offer. So far 166 employees have chosen to retire Feb. 1 with a total payout near 4.98 million dollars. If 700 take part the five year cost would reach about 21 million dollars. The plan, part of Gov. Vilsack's budget savings, relies on AFSCME union developments and a possible delay of a 3 percent pay raise. Officials expect 700 participants and monitor quarterly revenue reports for further actions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
James Q. Lynch
Gazette Des Moines
Julie Economaki
Department of Personnel
Economaki
Tom Vilsack
Afscme
House
Christopher Rants
Sioux City
Covenant marriage bill could tighten Iowa divorce laws
Iowa senators seek two tier licensing with covenant marriages requiring 12 hours of premarital education and counseling if the union falters. Covenant marriages would allow grounds for divorce beyond no fault, including adultery felony imprisonment abandonment two year separation abuse. Debate reflected support for stronger marriages and concerns over limiting freedom to divorce.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rod Boshart de Gaatte
Des Moines
Iowa
Senate
Senate Human Resources Committee
Literary legislator pushes statewide poetry contest
Iowa State Rep. Mary Mascher promotes House File 2165 to establish a state poetry competition run by the Arts Council. She aims to raise profile for Iowa poets and supports a Poets Day at the Capitol to honor their work.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette Des Moines
Mary Mascher
Weber School
Iowa City
Iowa City Democrat
Iowa
House
Iowa State Arts Council
Mascher
Capitol
Religious leaders urge Iowa to preserve aid programs
Des Moines religious leaders urged state officials to protect government social services for children the poor and elderly from further budget cuts. They warned cuts harm those most in need and pressed lawmakers to balance the budget without harming vulnerable populations.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rod Boshart
Gazette Des Moines
Gregory Palmer
Iowa United Methodist Church
Palmer
Statehouse
Iowa forgivable loan program doubles teaching certifications
Iowa's Teacher Shortage Forgivable Loan Program has doubled the number of certified instructors in high need subjects each year for three years. Gov. Vilsack reports up to 150 upcoming graduates may join shortage areas this spring and summer, with 110 graduates hired in the last three years across 80 districts and 54 in the current year.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Des Moines
Iowa
Iowa College Student Aid Commission
Tom Vilsack
Legislature Faces Tax Debate and Covenant Marriage Move
On January 30 2002 Iowa lawmakers grappled with social program funding and potential tax increases as church leaders warn against deep spending cuts. The day also highlighted a growing insurance sector strength in the state and a Senate committee advancing a covenant marriage bill aimed at tougher divorce conditions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
79Th General Assembly
Tom Vilsack
Also Mentioned on This Page
James Lynch
Jamesi
Neal Schuerer
R-Amana
Schuerer
Johnie Hammond
Jerry Behn
R-Boone
Neal Schaerer
Rep
Gazette
Joni Thornton
Business Center of
Iowa Senate
Thornton
Cedar Rapids
Forrest Harms
Des Moines Area
Agen
Cies
Philip Barrett
The
Presbytery of
United Methodist Church
Assembly
Dmbureau
E. Fifth St
Gazetteonline
GazetteOnline.com
Legis
State
Missouri River
Senate Agriculture Committee
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