Category Archives: Issues

Primary issues in which Fawkes-Lee & Ryan are involved

Minority Impact Statements: History and Continuing Efforts

Posted on July 2, 2020 by Marty Ryan

The Iowa quarter, printed in the latter part of 2004, is based upon a Grant Wood painting depicting a group of students and their teacher planting a tree outside of a county school.  The statement on the coin says, “Foundation … Continue reading →

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What IS the Age of Maturity?

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Marty Ryan

A recent question in CityView, a Des Moines alternative newspaper, asked readers: “Should the minimum age to purchase tobacco products be raised to 21 in Iowa?”  All sorts of answers ensued.  One reader said tobacco should be outlawed and marijuana … Continue reading →

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Flaws in the Laws – Part III: 2nd Degree Kidnapping

Posted on April 17, 2019 by Marty Ryan

“He got off on a technicality.” This is a quip that drives me crazy whenever someone walks away from a courtroom in which the person otherwise should have been found guilty. Just what is a technicality? A technicality can be … Continue reading →

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“Thank you, sir”

Posted on March 20, 2019 by Marty & Stephanie

Vail is a small community in west-central Iowa. It’s also a ski resort in Colorado. But I grew up in the Iowa version. One thing both communities have in common is a swimming pool. However, Vail, Colorado has ten times … Continue reading →

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How much does it cost to buy a constitutional amendment?

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Marty Ryan

How much do you think it would cost to amend the Iowa Constitution? To fund an amendment to the U.S. Constitution? Or, the constitutions of all 50 states? What staggering amount would you have to cough up to amend all … Continue reading →

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Flaws in the Laws: Part I – Employment Drug Testing

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Marty Ryan

Prior to 1987, there was no law that regulated drug testing of employees or applicants for employment in Iowa.  Employers were free to test an employee, or an applicant for employment, for any drug or substance with impunity.  Since 1987, … Continue reading →

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