Viewpoints

To the Editor:
Recent news about the Iowa Legislature has focused on when we will adjourn. However, what matters more to Iowa families are the disagreements preventing adjournment.
The most important disagreement is education funding, something that directly affects economic prosperity.
Iowa’s families depend on educational opportunity.  Education is the primary tool we have to give our children and grandchildren a leg up in life.
Investing in education is also key to building a stronger Iowa economy. Iowa’s schools help make Iowa’s workers among the nation’s most productive.
Rather than more tax giveaways for low-skill, low-wage jobs, we should promote the high-skill, high-wage jobs and businesses of tomorrow.
Educational leadership starts at our local schools. Today, Iowa invests $1,600 less per student than the national average, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency.

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

by Rev. Lynn Groe

Matthew 11:28  - Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

by Rev. Samantha Houser

by Heather Homewood,
Allamakee County Veterans Affairs Director

In order to understand VA benefits, please remember that there are three main branches of administration that cover federal benefits. The Benefit Administration covers Disability Compensation, Non-Service Connected Disability Pension, Education, Home Loan Guaranties, and Death Benefits. The Health Care Administration covers Medical Care in VA facilities and Fee Basis Health Care. Finally, the Cemetery Administration covers aspects of burial in veteran cemeteries.
The following are a few recently changed federal and state veteran benefits.

by State Representative Patti Ruff

by State Senator Mike Breitbach

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

by Rev. Kevin Smith