Yearly Archives: 2016

HUD Takes Action on Housing Authority Salary Caps Under Grassley Scrutiny

Under pressure from Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released updated salary data for the top executives at public housing authorities nationwide. The state and local housing authority executives are prohibited from exceeding a congressionally imposed cap on the amount of federal money that can be used for salaries. HUD announced it is seeking reimbursement from six housing authorities that exceeded the 2014 federal salary cap of $157,100. The cap for 2016 has been increased to $160,300. Grassley made the following comment on HUD’s action.

City of Osceola, Iowa, and EPA Settle Clean Water Act Violations

EPA Region 7 reached a proposed administrative settlement of Clean Water Act violations by the City of Osceola, Iowa, that requires the city to stabilize stream banks of a tributary flowing into White Breast Creek, and pay a cash penalty of $8,400.

Loebsack Applauds CFTC and EPA for Agreeing to Share RFS Data

Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an agreement to share information regarding the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) in order to fight the potential for manipulation along the fuel supply chain of the Renewable Identification Numbers (RIN) market. RINs help blenders and refiners track compliance with the RFS. In 2013, Loebsack led 13 members of the House in calling on the CFTC to ensure the integrity of the RIN market.

Iowa Home Prices Rose and Sales Decreased in February

WASHINGTON, DC – (RealEstateRama) — The Iowa Association of REALTORS® (IAR) reported that February home prices are up and sales were down. According to...

Iowa Home Prices Continue to Rise; Sales Hold Steady in January

The Iowa Association of REALTORS® (IAR) reported that January home prices are up, homes are selling faster and number of sales dipped slightly when compared to January of last year. According to the IAR’s Housing Trends Report, the median sale price increased by 12 percent. The median sale price rose from $121,000 in January of 2015 to $135,500 in January of 2016.

VIDEO: Loebsack Reintroduces Legislation to Expand Choice at the Gas Pump

Congressman Dave Loebsack today reintroduced legislation to establish a grant program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to invest in renewable and alternative fuel infrastructure. The Renewable Fuel Utilization, Expansion and Leadership (Re-FUEL) Act will create new and retrofit existing infrastructure, including pumps for biofuels and hydrogen, tanks, piping and electric vehicle chargers. The legislation is paid for and would not add to the deficit

Branstad, Reynolds Announce Over 31 Percent of Iowa Electricity Now Supplied By Wind

Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that Iowa now generates over 31.3% of its energy from wind. According to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Iowa is now the first and only state in the United States that has crossed the 30% mark

Branstad, Reynolds Announce State Innovation Model Initiative Communities

At the Administration’s Monday morning press conference today, Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that six communities are receiving grants for the State Innovation Model (SIM) Initiative. These six communities spanning 20 counties will engage in broad-based health care system and payment reforms over the next three years that will lead to better health outcomes and lower costs.

Loebsack: New DOE Report Confirms What Iowans Know- Wind & Solar Tax Credits Work

Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) released a report stating that the wind production tax credit (PTC) and the solar investment tax credit (ITC) will drive a net increase of 48-53 gigawatts of energy from renewable sources by 2020 and also lower CO2 emissions

Branstad, Reynolds & Northey Announce Flood Reduction and Water Quality Grant

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey and key federal and state partners announced that the State of Iowa was awarded nearly $97 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the National Disaster Resilience Competition that will help accelerate flood reduction and water quality efforts in key watersheds over the next five years.

Branstad, Reynolds & Northey Announce Significant Flood Reduction and Water Quality Grant Details

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey will join US Housing and Urban Development officials, Mayor Roy Buol of Dubuque and City of Dubuque officials, additional state officials and key stakeholders to provide significant flood reduction and water quality grant details. The leaders will discuss efforts to help accelerate flood reduction and water quality efforts in key watersheds around the state.

Governors’ Coalition to Advocate for Wind and Solar Energy

The Governors’ Wind Energy Coalition announced today that it has added solar energy issues to the Coalition’s portfolio, following a unanimous vote from member governors. The Coalition also announced its new name: Governors’ Wind and Solar Energy Coalition

Johnston, Iowa, to Receive WaterCARE Assistance from EPA to Invest in Drinking Water, Wastewater...

The city of Johnston, Iowa, has been selected as one of 10 communities across the country to receive financial and technical guidance for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure planning from EPA’s new Water Community Assistance for Resiliency and Excellence (WaterCARE) program.

Iowa Delegation Urges EPA to Set Strong Renewable Fuels Levels, Get RFS Back on...

The entire Iowa congressional delegation, led by Iowa Congressman David Young, today called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to propose 2017 ethanol and 2018 biodiesel Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) consistent with enacted law

Branstad, Reynolds Announce 2016 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Program

Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds at their Monday morning press conference today announced that eligible Iowans can now buy a home and reduce their federal income tax liability by up to $2,000 a year for the life of their mortgage through the Take Credit mortgage credit certificate program administered by the Iowa Finance Authority. Approximately 780 home buyers are expected to benefit from the program in 2016, which is now available for new purchases through a network of lenders throughout the state.

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HUD Secretary Donovan and Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller Unveil First...

WASHINGTON, DC - August 3, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller announced today the launch of the National Mortgage Servicing Settlement’s first public service announcement (PSA) television ad titled “Homeowner Help.” The PSA, which can be viewed at www.hud.gov and www.nationalmortgagesettlement.com, is designed to educate homeowners about the resources available to them through the mortgage servicing settlement.

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Property for Sale: Houses for sale: Property24

Property24.com is South Africa's largest property search portal and is the first place to start your property search! Property24.com lists houses, flats, vacant land...