Path to benefits policy after Iowa marriage ruling
The Gazette Editorial argues for a clear shift to extend health benefits only to legally married couples, noting the Iowa Supreme Court’s ruling that ended bans on same sex marriage. Johnson County and Iowa City plan changes to limit domestic partner benefits, while private and public employers weigh costs and recruiting gains against equal access.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Johnson County
City of
Iowa City
Privat
Cedar Rapids
Regents
Richard Saunders
Universit of
Gazette
Bad parenting and balloon hoax profiled by writer
The Heene parents are condemned for endangering their children to chase reality fame. The piece urges stricter limits on foster care and cautions that reality television can blur lines between child actors and real kids. Richard Heene faces possible Colorado charges for the hoax and harm to his family.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Richard
Mayumi Heene
Heenes
New York
Andrew Bridge
Hope
Richard Heene
Colorado
Herwig for Coralville City Council Re-Election
Francis Xavier Cretzmeyer III endorses Henry Herwig citing 36 years of service including 16 on council. The letter praises Coralville governance and status as a top rated Iowa community with a 2009 Great Place designation and strong state grant prospects.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Henry Herwig
Coralville
Standard & Poor
Iowa
Herwig
Francis Xavier Cretzmeyer III
Corbett campaigned to lead Cedar Rapids mayor race
Mike Dulaney urges Cedar Rapids voters to elect Ron Corbett, praising his record as state House speaker and Chamber of Commerce executive director. The letter contrasts Corbett with a younger rival and highlights rebuilding efforts after the flood in downtown Cedar Rapids with local churches and businesses returning.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Smulekoff’s
Guaranty Bank
Mr. Beans
City Hall
Chamber of Commerce
Ron Corbett
Cedar Rapids
Mike Dulaney
Brian Fagan
Corbett
Iowa
Karla Underwood
Corbett’s quiet return questions Branstad’s Iowa path
Local writer argues Corbett left politics in 1999 to raise family rather than pursue power. He contrasts Corbett’s choices with Branstad’s policy moves on CAFOs, campaign donations, and Iowa’s rural economy, citing studies on CAFO health and local impact.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Branstad
Iowa
North Carolina
Grassley
Iowa Select
John Skerd
Missouri Ag
Brad Wilson
Springville
Branstad policies blamed for 1980s farmers’ losses
The 1984 Gazette noted Branstad backed Reagan and Iowa farmers faced steep declines. From 1981 to 1986 farm sector returns stayed negative, with corn and soybeans yielding well below zero. Parity and food-dollar shares fell, while export prices and undercut grain sales reflected broader federal issues. Grassley aided export support. Culver favored higher price floors for corn and wheat.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Branstad
Iowa
Chuck Grassley
John Culver
Culver
U.S
City Hall and Cedar Rapids Downtown Confidence
Raymond Baker argues for keeping City Hall downtown to signal confidence in Cedar Rapids, urging the council to foster redevelopment through local business and customer support after the 2008 flood. He suggests a new location would undermine trust in the area's recovery and urges steadfast commitment to the existing site.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tom
Cedar Rapids
City Hall
Raymond Baker
Evolutionists May Be Right About Origins
The text notes that evolutionists may be correct about origins, suggesting belief in a creator requires too much faith. It also mentions a bone sketch from Ethiopia resembling a free thinking professor.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tom
Ethiopia
Mandatory insurance already a reality
Guest columnist Kathy Rickertson of Cedar Rapids, owner of Quill Insurance Consultants, argues lawmakers including Sen Chuck Grassley must recognize existing federal insurance mandates. She cites Medicare Parts A B and D, COBRA timing, AHIP testing, and the need for under 65 protections, urging reform that safeguards clients and clarifies rules.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chuck Grassley
Iowa
Grassley
Social Security Office
Kathy Rickertson
Cedar Rapids
Quill Insurance Consultants
Also Mentioned on This Page
the Gazette
Info
Creators
Susan Estrich
Kathy Rickertsen
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