Iowa lawmakers clash over politics and real issues in session
In eight weeks, Iowa Legislature strains under partisan tension as Republicans push special‑interest bills while Gov. Tom Vilsack faces a revenue shortfall. Veteran Sen. Gronstal notes the era’s unusual politicking and calls for focusing on bipartisan actions like K‑12 funding and teacher pay reform.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Senate
Mike Gronstal
Council Bluffs
the Gazette
Rod Boshart
Gronstal
Robert Ray
Harold Hughes
U.S. Senate
Ray
Terry Branstad
Vilsack
Sen. Gronstal
GOP
General Assembly
Letters to the Gazette Give historic district a chance
A reader defends Cedar Rapids historic district status, arguing it protects original homes built with quality materials and craftsmanship. The piece urges residents to value Neighborhood standards to prevent irreversible harm, attract quality buyers, and raise property values.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Abraham Lincoln
Laughing at American Gothic spoof art shines in Overalls project
The writer reflects on a humorous “Overalls” art spoof inspired by Grant Wood and American Gothic. He recalls his own tire cover painting, hopes readers enjoyed the piece, and imagines a future museum collection capturing the playful homage while celebrating art that brings joy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Gazette Readers Letters Policy Statement
The Gazette prints readers letters without endorsing content and offers equal space for corrections or contradictions as desired by other readers. It notes it does not vouch for factual accuracy or judge the opinions published.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
Cheney on energy policy warns against fuel shortage blame
A commenter argues California power woes stem from deregulation, not fuel shortages. The piece urges rapid conservation, investment in renewables, and reduced reliance on foreign oil, noting cheaper energy comes from using less now.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
California
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Hunt Crows Not Doves In Northern Iowa Outlook
A statewide reflection praises Gov. Vilsack for vetoing a dove bill while noting winter storms reduced pheasants and turkeys. The piece forecasts mourning doves returning in spring but laments fewer pheasants, turkeys, and ducks due to crows and coyotes and urges a moratorium on turkey and pheasant seasons.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tom Vilsack
Iowa
Canada
Manitoba
State Conservation Commission
Gazette letter policy prompts reader submissions
The Gazette invites letters up to 300 words. Submissions must include name, street address and daytime phone number. Only author name and hometown will be published. anonymous letters are not accepted. Send to The Gazette Box 511 Cedar Rapids IA 52406 or via FAX or email.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Gazette
Cedar Rapids
Iowa
Bush talks tax cut while Social Security reform on back burner
Larry Eichel argues Bush’s budget speech sidesteps Social Security reform. He notes the president avoided details, calls for a study commission, and warns reform hinges on tax-cut decisions. Analysts see limited funds for new accounts and potential future benefit cuts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bush
Larry Eichel
Congress
Peter Orszag
Liberal Center For Budget and Policy Priorities
Orszag
David John
Conservative Heritage Foundation
Also Mentioned on This Page
Mark Bowden
Jerry Elsen
Dave Storey
Scott Swenson
Peg Schmitz
Mount Pleasant
Gov. Vilsack
Grant Wood
God
Dick Cheney
Bush-Gore
White House
Larry Lindsey
The
Philadelphia Inquirer
Right Ridder/Tribune Information Services
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