From the daily archives:

Saturday, December 5, 2009

The ten-percent across-the-board cut in state government spending is having a big economic impact in the counties where Iowa’s three public universities are located. In Iowa City, Plumbers Supply Company CEO John Balmer says his business has definitely taken a hit from the belt-tightening at the University of Iowa.

“Since January, we’ve noticed a reduction of about 28-percent and in real dollars, that’s significant,” Balmer said. “The University of Iowa is our largest customer.” The universities have cut their spending on supplies and implemented pay freezes. Dean Hunzinker is a realtor and home builder in Ames. He says the market has softened, but he credits the overall economy more so than the cuts at Iowa State University.

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Fruitcakes turn out to be popular fundraiser for Camp Courageous

by Radio Iowa Contributor 12/5/09 4:09 AM

The eastern Iowa camp that serves thousands of Iowans with disabilities every year is launching one of its largest annual fundraisers. Charlie Becker is executive director of Camp Courageous and he admits, he initially thought the idea of selling fruitcakes would be a tremendous flop.
“Back over 20 years ago, one of our board members came [...]

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Experts talk about raising state taxes, cutting spending

by Dar Danielson 12/5/09 4:07 AM

Budget and policy experts speaking at a conference in Des Moines say it may be time for the state to raise taxes. Iowa lawmakers are facing a projected shortfall of one billion dollars in revenue when the legislature convenes in January. Governor Chet Culver has said he opposes raising tax during a recession but the [...]

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