Columns

State Capitol Week in Review,October 27, 2023

One in every five students has a language-based learning disability, most commonly dyslexia. Although dyslexia is such a common condition and much headway has occurred, all too often schools are not well equipped to diagnose and treat it. Until identification of dyslexia is done in a much more timely and consistent manner, students will continue to be prevented from getting the services and accommodations that are in line with scientific, evidence-based practices which will greatly benefit them in learning to read. The consequences of inaction can cause lifelong harm, including lower career wages, reduced graduation rates, and even increased rates of incarceration.

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We elect them and expect them to do the right thing. We expect them to act responsible. We expect them to act like adults and govern with wise and selfless actions. We assume they are honest and trustworthy. (Well, we used to have hope that was the case.) Accountability is the key to keeping our elected honest. We do that by watching what they do. The local meeting times and locations are published and usually the same time every month. We try to make them and report on significant items. The more public people present at the meetings the more reasonable and accountable they are. The best way to influence their decisions is to contact your representative on the court, council or board.

State Capitol Week in Review,October 13, 2023

It’s hard to put into words the evil that is plaguing the Middle East right now. On Saturday, we woke to learn that Hamas terrorists launched an unprovoked attack on Israel with no regard for the lives of civilian men, women, children, or babies. Many people have never experienced or even imagined the violence and evil inflicted on innocent Israelis by the Hamas terrorists. It is a disgrace to humanity.

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We all know that life is about making choices. Serving in Congress requires making big choices on a big stage that are forever chronicled in our vote record. And making choices is about setting priorities. House Republicans have made it clear that cutting spending, securing the border, and keeping our men and women in uniform paid are our top priorities. On Friday, my vote reflected that.

State Capitol Week in Review,September 29, 2023

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HISTORY

* On Oct. 2, 1614, Louis XIII of France was declared an adult. His mother, Marie de’ Medici, continued to act as his Regent, however, as she had begun upon the assassination of his father, King Henry IV of France, in 1610, until Louis turned 16.