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Government Policy and Law

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Obama looks to reorganize agencies

President Barack Obama called on Congress to give him authority to streamline the executive branch and consolidate six agencies dealing with trade and commerce, Bloomberg reported.

The reorganization would affect the Office of the U.S. …

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4 issues to watch…


1. Commercial Property Taxes

The issue: Governor, lawmakers and businesses want a tax cut

Tom Sands, a community banker from Columbus Junction, cut directly to what he calls the “big, heavy” stuff when he called …

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Taxpayer advocate: IRS underfunded, overworked

Taxpayer advocate: IRS underfunded, overworked   An expanding workload and declining funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will further erode the services it provides taxpayers, an official warned Congress today.  National Taxpayer Advocate Nina…
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Court: credit card claims must be arbitrated

Court: credit card claims must be arbitrated The U.S. Supreme Court ruled yesterday that credit card claims by consumers under a 1996 law must be handled in arbitration, not in court, Reuters reported. By an…
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Marshalltown attorney appointed to district court

Marshalltown attorney appointed to district court  Gov. Terry Branstad on Tuesday appointed James Ellefson, a Marshalltown attorney, as a district court judge for the 2B Judicial District. Ellefson, 60, an attorney with Moore, McKibben, Goodman,…
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Branstad delivers state address, outlines four-point jobs plan

Gov. Terry Branstad delivered his Condition of the State address to the Iowa General Assembly this morning, outlining two major priorities this legislative session: enacting a four-point jobs and careers plan of action and creating …

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Kramer takes post at Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs

Chris Kramer of Clive has been named deputy director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. She has been vice president of development for the Science Center of Iowa since 2000 and since 2008 also …

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Partnership to hosts opening-night reception for Iowa General Assembly on Jan. 9

The Greater Des Moines Partnership and its regional affiliate chambers and organizations will host the annual Opening Night Reception for the 84th Iowa General Assembly on Jan. 9. Affiliate member restaurants and vendors will provide …

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2012 in Preview: Law & Government


Attorney will change course to help struggling businesses

After July 1, there will be one less attorney fighting banks that go to court to recover property securing failed loans.

Jerrold Wanek, 53, who has been …

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Branstad to unveil education reform ideas

Branstad to unveil education reform ideas   Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will unveil their final recommendations for education reform at an 8:30 a.m. press conference on Friday. One reform Branstad has…