The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Image Builders have awarded the Casey’s General Store on Poplar Streetwith a “Community Improvement Award,” for exterior and interior updates and renovation to the former Kum & Go station at 7^th and Poplar Streets. Manager Stacie Hansen accepted the award from committee members Gene Fischer, Bill Saluk and Rich Perry. Hansen said new pumps will be added later in 2013. 

The Image Builders focus on bettering the community image of the greater Atlantic Area in part through projects such as improvement awards and holiday lighting. To nominate a business or residence for an improvement award, call the Atlantic Area Chamber at 712.243.3017.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa lawmakers have adjourned the 2013 session after reaching deals to cut property taxes, revise education policy and provide health care for low-income residents. The Senate concluded just before midnight Wednesday and the House finished voting Thursday morning. The legislation now moves to Gov. Terry Branstad.
 
Property taxes and education changes have been top priorities for Branstad. The property tax plan will cut commercial property taxes, as well as provide some income tax breaks. Under the education deal, schools will get an increase in basic funding and additional dollars will be provided to districts that boost minimum teacher pay and offer leadership perks. 
 
Lawmakers also agreed to a compromise health care plan that will seek federal funding to provide health care coverage to an estimated 150,000 low-income residents.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A compromise plan to cut commercial property taxes in the state has won approval from the state legislature.   The plan was approved in the state House Thursday in an 84-13 vote. It won approval in the state Senate Wednesday. It now moves to Gov. Terry Branstad, who has long sought these tax cuts. 
 
The property tax plan will gradually reduce taxable assessments of commercial properties by 10 percent and provide property tax credits geared for smaller businesses.  The deal also limits the amount that residential property assessments can grow. It includes small income tax credits and increases the state earned income tax credit for low-income workers.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Legislature has approved a deal to accept federal funding to provide health care coverage to low-income residents.  The deal was included in the $1.7 billion state Health and Human Services budget, which includes funding for the departments of Public Health and Human Services. House lawmakers approved the budget in an 80 to 17 vote Thursday morning. It was approved in the Senate Wednesday night.
 
The health agreement would cover an estimated 150,000 Iowans. Those with incomes up to 100 percent of the poverty line would go on a state-run health plan. People with incomes from 101 to 138 percent of poverty would get private health plans on the new health care exchanges. Those premiums would be paid for with the federal dollars. Any deal would need federal approval.