Iowa on Thursday May 08, 2008

Archive of Iowa on Thursday May 08, 2008

Culver -- 'Community effort' needed to keep young people in school
By Dan Gearino, Quad-City Times
Gov. Chet Culver said Wednesday that his policies have begun to remedy some of the problems that lead to school dropouts, though he said the best approaches are customized to local problems and conducted by local leaders.
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Proposal eases property taxes by adding fees
By Jason Clayworth, The Des Moines Register
Iowa's city and county governments would have more ability to charge special taxes or fees, under one idea for property tax relief that top legislative leaders said will be reviewed next year.
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Hispanics fear immigration raid in Iowa
By Jens Manuel Krogstad, Quad-City Times
WATERLOO, Iowa ? The presence of immigration officials at National Cattle Congress in Waterloo has stoked fears of an impending raid and caused some in the Hispanic community to avoid workplaces and public areas.
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Iowa leaders say don't blame ethanol for food costs
By Dan Gearino, Sioux City Journal
Rising food prices have emboldened critics of ethanol and provoked a firm pushback from Iowa leaders.
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Fee for records may be reviewed
By Lee Rood, The Des Moines Register
Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal said Wednesday that the Legislature would take a look at a new policy initiated in state agencies by Gov. Chet Culver's office to charge more fees in connection with fulfilling open-records requests.
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Culver wants dropout rates reduced
By Jason Clayworth, The Des Moines Register
Iowa must take more steps to reduce the number of high school dropouts, specifically among minority students, Gov. Chet Culver said Wednesday.
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At-risk gubernatorial seats increase
By Louis Jacobson, Stateline.org Columnist

After a pair of hard-fought primaries, North Carolina joins Missouri, Washington and Indiana on Out There's list of states where partisan control of the governorship could flip this fall.
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Silver Alert helps rescue lost seniors
By Christine Vestal, Stateline.org Staff Writer
(Updated 9:30 a.m EST, May 8, 2008)

When an elderly person with dementia is lost, eight states can trigger an alert to let the community know. Proposals in Congress would expand the successful missing persons program to all 50 states.
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Will states fix 2012 primary process?
By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer

While voters in Indiana and North Carolina go to the polls today (May 6) to help Democrats pick Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama as their nominee and Republicans rally behind John McCain, party insiders and state election officials are in informal talks to improve the presidential nominating contests for 2012 and beyond.
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Oh say, is that banner made in the U.S.A.?
By Kim Mendelsohn, Special to Stateline.org
Lawmakers in 10 states have taken steps to require that American flags bought with state funds be manufactured in this country. While not all the legislation has passed, one state’s new law even bans the sale of foreign-made American flags in that state.
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WORTH NOTING: Voters' guide promotes phone sex
By Pauline Vu, Stateline.org Staff Writer
An Oregon voters’ guide lists a very wrong number. California’s governor insults rural legislators. And Pennsylvania considers selling wine in vending machines. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in.
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Parents turn to states for autism help
By Daniel C. Vock, Stateline.org Staff Writer
(UPDATED 4 p.m. EDT, Thursday May 1) One of the toughest problems facing autism patients, their families and policymakers is paying for treatment. Families are increasingly relying on states to help them cope with the financial, medical and educational needs.

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