Tonight (6/11); Relay for Life at NIACC, Saturday; Art Festival and 20th Anniversary celebration of Morning Rotary, Sunday; Bark in the Park at Lime Creek…no reason to be bored in Mason City!

http://www.iowahouse.org/Steckman/Steckman52810

Iowa ranked 8th by the US Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber Foundation for “top economic-performing states”, due to stats compiled by the Chamber dealing with entrepreneurship, innovation and exports. Also ranked 7th in “top export performers” due to overseas trade offices. Ranks 4th in growth of exports. Should Iowa keep on the same track for 2011???

Ribbon cutting, 4pm at MacNider Campgrounds today. But first trying out the new Ralph’s on the mall for lunch, and then checking out a possible site for Democratic Headquarters.

The first two houses to be bought out from the flood is being taken down this morning.

Check out the front page of the Des Moines Register “Data show sizable drop in tax burden”. Combined taxes (federal, state and local) as a percent of income is the lowest since 1950. 23% decrease in taxes paid in 2009, yet only a 2% decrease in personal income.

Congrats to our own Brian Scott…received Reporter of the Year in Cedar Rapids this weekend!

Met with State Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald and Senator Ragan today to talk about the great economic news for Iowa. One of 5 states with a rainy day fund ($400m), one of 8 states given a triple A rating this year by all three rating top financial ratings agencies. The past 6 months Iowa’s economy has shown steady growth.

http://www.iowahousedemocrats.org/Steckman/Steckman33010.html

Senator Ragan and I will be teaching the process of a bill becoming a law to Newman 3rd Graders today using the lunch menu! Love getting back in the classroom!