Iowa legislative panel backs prevailing wage bill
From AP/ABC News
Contractors on some public construction projects would have to pay workers a set wage under a bill approved Monday by a House committee, but the proposal would let cities, counties and school opt out of the effort.

The topic, known as the prevailing wage, is a top priority of organized labor and sparked a bitter fight in last year’s session, when lawmakers narrowly defeated a measure. The proposal remains controversial, although supporters said the exemptions they’ve carved out should make it more popular. Read full article…

Lawmakers demand back pay for Guard
From the Quad City Times
About 750 Iowa National Guard members still owed benefits for a tour of Iraq that ended in 2007 have been deployed again, according to Iowa congressmen who are pressing the Defense Department to accelerate their back pay.

U.S. Reps. Bruce Braley, Leonard Boswell and Dave Loebsack and U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin said Friday they are among about three dozen members of Congress expected to sign a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Read full article…

Iowa Lawmakers Focus on Efficiency Plan
From KCRG.com
Government efficiency and budget cutting will again be the focus at the Legislature this week as lawmakers scramble to cover an expected shortfall.

Legislators know they need to act quickly because leaders have agreed to trim the session from 100 days to 80 days to save money. IRead full article…