Q&A: Braley says progressives must ’speak truth to fear’
From the Iowa Independent

Politicians in Washington, D.C., are driven by the images they see in the media every day, and as far U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley is concerned those images have been dominated for far too long by right-wing activists.

It’s a situation progressives have to address, the Waterloo Democrat and founder of the House Populist Caucus said in an exclusive interview with The Iowa Independent. And while he isn’t advocating supporters of health care reform take to the streets with torches and pitchforks, he does believe it’s time to make their voices heard. Read full article…

Culver signs state worker retirement incentives
From the AP/Chicago Tribune

Gov. Chet Culver has signed into law a package of retirement incentives for state workers that backers say could save $60 million.

Culver signed the measure Wednesday morning, noting it was approved by big bipartisan majorities and shows Republicans and Democrats can work together. Read full article…

Good investment: Governor touts I-JOBS grant for Mark’s Park
From the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

Gov. Chet Culver pointed to a downtown performance area and children’s playground as one of more than 1,500 state-funded projects digging Iowa out of a recession.

Culver stopped in Waterloo Thursday to showcase a $135,000 I-JOBS grant being awarded to a $1 million Mark’s Park and stage project along the Cedar River banks near the Waterloo Center for the Arts. Read full article…