Money from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan could go toward much-needed improvements to crumbling public school buildings. (Photo by Erin Clark for The Boston Globe via Getty Images) Many kids are attending public schools this spring with the use of COVID-19 safety protocols, including more desk spacing, more frequent cleaning and mandates to wear masks. But far too many … [Read more...] about America gets a D+ for school infrastructure – but federal COVID relief could pay for many repairs
American Rescue Plan
A voter asked Biden to cancel student debt. She’s not giving up.
Des Moines East High School graduates attend commencement in 2019. (Photo courtesy of Des Moines Public Schools) WASHINGTON — Joycelyn Fish drove through several feet of snow that blanketed Wisconsin one February night so she could get to a nationally televised town hall and question President Joe Biden about the crush of student debt. The blunt reply she got from Biden — that … [Read more...] about A voter asked Biden to cancel student debt. She’s not giving up.
Legislative leaders still uncertain about effect of tax-cut plans on federal COVID relief
Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley stands and applauds during Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds' 2020 Condition of the State address on Jan. 14. (Photo by Linh Ta/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa lawmakers may have to decide whether to proceed with plans for tax cuts before knowing for sure if the action could jeopardize federal coronavirus relief dollars, House Speaker Pat Grassley said … [Read more...] about Legislative leaders still uncertain about effect of tax-cut plans on federal COVID relief
Iowa House speaker: Federal coronavirus aid may stymie Iowa tax cuts
Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley speaks with the press after his swearing in on Jan. 13, 2020, at the Iowa Capitol. (Iowa Capital Dispatch photo) Iowa Republican lawmakers’ plans to cut taxes this year may be stymied by language in the new federal coronavirus relief package. House Speaker Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, said Thursday the federal aid might prevent Iowa and other … [Read more...] about Iowa House speaker: Federal coronavirus aid may stymie Iowa tax cuts
GOP opposition to state and local aid remains as Senate heads toward vote on COVID bill
The U.S. Capitol dome, photographed June 17, 2019. (Photo by Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch) WASHINGTON — As Democrats seek to send President Joe Biden their latest $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill, federal lawmakers remain deeply divided on the question of whether state and local governments need another infusion of federal aid. Supporters of the bill — … [Read more...] about GOP opposition to state and local aid remains as Senate heads toward vote on COVID bill