State employees in Iowa earn notably higher wages than private sector
Department of Labor figures relayed by Public Interest Institute show Iowa state workers averaged 31 910 in 1994, about 50 percent higher than private sector wages. The gap is pronounced in Iowa yet varies by job type such as teachers. Negotiators warn averages can mislead, but figures may give state officials leverage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Department of Labor
Public Interest Institute
Iowa Wesleyan College
Mount Pleasant
U.S. Department of Labor
Iowa
Harkin is right Iowa prospering says Senate column
Sen. Tom Harkin argues the federal minimum wage should rise, citing Iowa’s $4.65 wage four years ago and a growing economy with low unemployment. Analysts question relevance to the 1990s. however, nationwide notes cite Iowa as a strong business climate with high school graduation rates and favorable costs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tom Harkin
Iowa
Iowa Senator Tom Harkin argues for raising minimum wage
Senator Tom Harkin cites Iowa as proof the wage increase boosts jobs and welfare reform. He notes Iowa moved to 4.65 dollars four years ago and highlights how higher wages aid women workers and family incomes, urging federal action to raise the national minimum wage to 5.15 dollars.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
America
The
Economic Policy Institute
Congress
Oppose Cedar Rapids riverboat gambling proposal now
Edward Spector argues gambling harms morality and stewardship, calling for Cedar Rapids city leaders to reject the riverboat lease. He warns of increased crime and social costs and urges local decision by the Cedar Rapids council rather than a Linn County referendum.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Linn County
Cedar Rapidians
Edward Spector
Rethinking Housing: From Renting to Ownership for All
Craig Seeley Jr. argues Cedar Rapids that renting sustains inequities and proposes a voluntary program pairing landlords lenders and institutions to allow rent to own schemes. He cites substandard housing and long payoff periods while urging broader societal and governmental support.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
America
HUD
Winning hand or losing bet in Cedar Rapids gambling debate
Residents face a 14 million dollar gambling expense and a possible 44 million future cost, contradicting front page claims of a winning hand. The letter argues the Gazette misled readers by framing the issue as beneficial rather than costly.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
C.R
Cedar Rapids
The
David and
Janet Webster
Respecting the unborn and all people in abortion debate
A reader objecting to abortion and partial birth procedures argues the unborn deserve respect and should have a chance at life. Tara Shaw of Atkins condemns abortion as cruel and compares it to killing for being born, urging protection of all human life.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tara Shaw
Atkins
Gazette welcomes letters and guest columns policy
The Cedar Rapids Gazette invites public business letters and guest columns but notes not all can be printed. Submissions must include full name, signature, street address and daytime phone number. addresses are not published and anonymity is not allowed. Length limits apply: 300-word limit on letters, one letter per writer per day. column length guidance 700 words or fewer.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Gazette
Cedar Rapids
Fighting Disruption Over Potholes in Marion Letter
A Marion resident argues city funds could fix potholes despite a May 25 letter writers claim. He says officials avoid boring tasks, invites readers to East Post Road to share horror stories, and laments habitat disruption from roadwork and expanding development.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Marion
East Post Road
Progress
Marie Blackburn
Peril in Eastern Iowa Through Red Light Violations
A visitor warns of dangerous driving in Linn County noting drivers speed through yellow and red lights. He cites five observed signal violations during a three day stay in Cedar Rapids and calls for greater traffic enforcement to protect residents and visitors.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Cedar Rapids
Linn County
West High Senior Accused of Abuse Sparks Public Debate
Reader questions the ethics of publishing an unproven sexual abuse accusation involving a West High senior. They argue reputations, especially of youth, should be protected unless proven, and urge consideration of harm over sensational reporting.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
West High
Also Mentioned on This Page
J.F. Hladky Jr
Joe Hladky
Ken Slaughter
Dale Larson
Jerry Elsen
Mark Bowden
Harkin
Iown
Sen. Harkin
Antiques
TATA
U.S
Edward Chesman
Cedric Lofdahl
Larry Johnson
Jim Hubert
Robins
Dole Nash
Bon AE
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