Revamping regents funding can wait
The Gazette argues against rushing a new performance based funding model for Iowa higher education. It says 60 percent of funding tied to in state enrollment could cut 12.9 million from the University of Iowa and shift funds to UNI and Iowa State, provoking concerns among private and community colleges and calls for open dialogue and a future implementation date. The piece suggests vouchers or differential UNI funding and warns against short term fixes that ignore each institution's mission.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Northern
Iowa
Iowa State University
Peter
Paul
Young
Branstad mental health policy criticized in letter
Rob Johnson of Cedar Rapids argues Gov. Branstad hides privatization goals behind Mental Health Month. He claims closures and private operation of Iowa facilities worsen care, cites prison mentally ill population, and urges Republicans to prove capitalism can work without federal aid. He also condemns Cruz and Grassley for Hurricane Sandy aid votes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Terry Branstad
Iowa
Fort Madison
Koch Industries
Petroleum Industry
Texas
Rural Iowa urged to fund emergency heart care equipment
A rural health advocate urges lawmakers to approve a 1.5 million one time appropriation for 12 lead ECGs in rural EMS vehicles through Mission Lifeline. The plan aims to improve heart attack detection, rapid physician consults, and appropriate hospital transport to save lives across Iowa.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Senate
Caitlyn Jenner and GOP identity politics clash
Kathleen Parker critiques the Jenner Vanity Fair moment as a flashpoint in Republican gender identity debates. She argues media hype and partisan stances risk stereotyping conservatives while urging focus on equal protections and legal processes rather than sensational coverage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Caitlyn Jenner
Vanity Fair
Rush Limbaugh
GOP
Lawmakers pass gas tax hike but miss broader reform
The 2015 session ended with a dime gas tax increase after a long, uneven year. Lawmakers argued over cannabis policy, criminal penalties, and water funding, but failed to advance smarter school funding plans or comprehensive reform. The piece criticizes slow progress and questions readiness to tackle major issues.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Senate
House
Congress
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