Iowa should veto little Davis Bacon wage bill say critics
Editorial cites Iowa Senate passage of a proposed law to pay prevailing wages on state projects in counties over 20 000. It argues the measure would raise costs for road work and Regents projects, expands government wage setting beyond market rates, and should be vetoed by Gov Branstad. It notes Davis Bacon laws vary and mainly benefit laborers while potentially inflating public costs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Regents
Senate
Branstad
Feds
District of Columbia
Davis-Bacon
Regents Institutions
Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Council
Iowa Eyes English Official Status in Legislature
Iowa lawmakers consider declaring English the official state language while arguing the move signals no urgent need. Proponents see a modest, nonharmful gesture amid national debates on bilingualism and immigration, while critics warn of misreading the message and potential consequences.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
America
Letters to the Gazette Teaches Concern Over Proposed Animal Ordinance
Readers criticize a new animal ordinance for defining a vicious dog by perceived attack and for allowing shelter workers to destroy animals and carry handguns. The letter notes lack of breed or neuter considerations and warns it could infringe on rights, urging action.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Byron Arnold
Canney
Debate on drinking age and seat belts sparks strong views
A reader agrees with a March 11 letter opposing raising the drinking age and questions mandatory seat belt laws. The letter argues enforcement of drunk driving is broader than age and warns seat belts would force driving cessation, citing 45 years of accident-free travel.
Going for more in 1985 UFCW Local 3P contract push
A 1985 wage and benefits demand from 1500 UFCW Local 3P workers at C R Meats argues against bankruptcy driven cuts. Workers claim management rewards itself while cutting pay, note higher output per hour, and pledge to fight for fair wages and seniority rights in September 1985 with broad union backing.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
UFCW
C.R. Meats
Voters criticize promises and blame government for hard times
A reader laments a harsh election outcome from Reagan era politics. The writer cites unemployment, farmer bankruptcies, and aid cuts, urging collective action to curb waste and defense spending and urging citizens to pressure Congress to address needs.
Emmetsburg St Pat's Day Hoax Recalled
A 23 year old memory recalls the Emmetsburg St. Patrick's Day prank involving the midnight kidnapping of the Robert Emmet statue. The hoax spoofed the media as organizers teased a color dye shortage for the official brew.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Emmetsburg St. Pat
the Gazette
St. Pat’s
Palo Alto County
Robert Emmet
Extremists threaten liberties and the rise of moral politics
Keith Kennedy argues that the Moral Majority led by Rev. Jerry Falwell seeks to push a conservative agenda through political clout and media influence. He warns that pursuing abortion bans, school prayer, and court packing risks restricting freedoms and empowering small groups to police reading material.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jerry Falwell
Falwell
Washington
Congress
Outlooks from Eastern Iowa Readers
Periodic observations from thoughtful eastern Iowans inviting public views on endless topics. The piece presents diverse opinions as submitted by readers and reflects local perspectives on community matters.
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J.F. Hladky, Jr
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Joe Hladky III
John Donnelly
John Robertson
Art Heusinkveld
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Bett
yomAn
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General Motors
Reagan
Keith Kennedy
Sen
Jesse Helms
North Carolina
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Far
CBS
Dan Rather
Dan
Ol’ Jesse
Supreme Court
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Midwest
National Geographic
Rural Center Point
Linn County Board of Review
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