Iowa Gov. Chet Culver Signs IT Consolidation Bill
From GovTech.com

IT consolidation in Iowa took another step forward this week when Gov. Chet Culver (pictured) signed legislation that sets a course for the state’s governance of technology and expands the state CIO’s role.

Iowa’s IT consolidation is the centerpiece of a statewide reorganization bill that Culver signed into law Wednesday, March 10. The governor’s office said the move will save taxpayers an estimated $125 million. Read full article…

Harkin encouraged by vote on biodiesel
From Radio Iowa

A tax credit on biodiesel fuel that expired in December, virtually shutting down that portion of Iowa’s renewable fuels industry, is being revived. The U.S. Senate voted Wednesday to extend the dollar-a-gallon tax credit through the end of 2010.

Iowa Senator Tom Harkin says he’s encouraged by the vote for biodiesel. “It passed by 63 to 36 so it was a pretty strong vote for this,” Harkin says. “It’s good news for the biofuels industry, great news for Iowa. I believe the other part of the bill will provide tax and other relief for Iowa’s families and small businesses.” Read full article…

State sees revenues on the rise
From the Cedar Rapids Gazette

Gov. Chet Culver hailed Thursday’s slightly rosier revenue projections as evidence that efforts to jump-start Iowa’s economy are working.

“Just as my Council of Economic Advisers told us last week, today’s Revenue Estimating Conference shows that Iowa is on the road to recovery,” Culver said shortly after REC members adjusted current-year revenue expectations upward by $900,000 and fiscal 2011 projections by $33.1 million. Read full article…