Conversations About Government in Iowa

By Legislative Services Agency

What's Conversations About Government in Iowa about?

Short, conversational interviews conducted by LSA staff regarding state and local government. Watch for new Conversations to be posted here periodically. Watch for new Fiscal One-On-One interviews to be posted here periodically.

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Conversations About Government in Iowa episodes:

11.05.2018
Joe Morris — Aquaculture Industry in Iowa
Interview by Deb Kozel with Joe Morris, Aquaculture Extension Specialist at Iowa State University and the Director of the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center, about the development of an aquaculture industry in Iowa.
09.18.2018
Dennis Britson — Local Governance of Cemeteries
Interview by Christin Mechler with Dennis Britson, Assistant Bureau Chief of the Iowa Securities and Regulated Industries Bureau, regarding local governance, and specifically township governance, of cemeteries in Iowa.
12.13.2017
George Oster — Township Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services
Interview by Robin Madison and Laura Book with George Oster, former Executive Director of the Fire Service Institute at Iowa State University, regarding the role of townships in providing fire protection and emergency medical services in Iowa.
10.17.2017
Senator Charles Grassley - History of the Iowa School Aid Formula
Interview by Josie Gerrietts with US Senator Charles Grassley regarding the history of and his role in the development of the Iowa school aid formula.
09.20.2017
Lettie Prell - Thirty-Year Career in the Field of Corrections
Interview by Alice Wisner with Lettie Prell, retiring Director of Research in the Department of Corrections (DOC), about her 30-year career that included earlier postings with the Board of Parole and the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning Division in the...
08.22.2017
Lee Tack - Iowa School Aid
Interview by Josie Gerrietts with Lee Tack, retired Division Director in the Department of Education, regarding his career in education and the history of the Iowa School Aid Formula.
10.26.2016
Judy Bradshaw - Director of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy
Interview by Alice Wisner with Judy Bradshaw, current Director of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and former Des Moines Chief of Police, regarding her career in law enforcement.
09.08.2016
John Quinn - Career in Law Enforcement
Interview by Alice Wisner with John Quinn, current Waukee Chief of Police and former Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Special Agent and DCI Division Director with the Iowa Department of Public Safety, regarding his career in State law enforcement prior...
09.01.2016
State Forest Nursery
Interview by Deb Kozel with Paul Tauke, State Forester with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, regarding operations at the State Forest Nursery in Ames.
08.01.2016
State Accounting Enterprise: Chief Operating Officer Interview
Interview by Jennifer Acton with Calvin McKelvogue, State Accounting Enterprise Chief Operating Officer with the Department of Administrative Services, regarding his work in state accounting and the changes implemented over the years to maintain Iowa's solid financial outlook for years...
02.05.2016
Former Women Legislators Roundtable Part 2
(Part two of two) Interview by Robin Madison and Jennifer Acton, Senior Legislative Analysts with the Legislative Services Agency, with former Iowa legislators: Senator Mary Kramer, Representative Delores Mertz, Senator Sandy Greiner, and Representative Janet Adams, regarding their respective careers...
02.05.2016
Former Women Legislators Roundtable Part 1
(Part one of two) Interview by Robin Madison and Jennifer Acton, Senior Legislative Analysts with the Legislative Services Agency, with former Iowa legislators: Senator Mary Kramer, Representative Delores Mertz, Senator Sandy Greiner, and Representative Janet Adams regarding their respective careers...
02.05.2016
History of the Legislative Services Agency and the Legislative Fiscal Bureau
Interview by Glen Dickinson, current Director of the Legislative Services Agency, with Dennis Prouty, former Director of the Legislative Services Agency and Legislative Fiscal Bureau, regarding Dennis's career as the Director of both agencies and his work in the Legislative...
10.26.2015
Abandoned Mine Land Reclaimation Program
Interview by Deb Kozel with Susan Kozak, Mines and Minerals Bureau Chief with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, regarding the Abandoned Mine Land Reclaimation Program.
09.22.2015
Smarter Balanced Assessments
Interview by Tim Crellin with David Tilly, Deputy Director of the Iowa Department of Education, regarding Smarter Balanced Assessments and current assessments.
03.05.2015
History of the Administrative Rules Process
Interview by Glen Dickinson, Director of the Legislative Services Agency, with Joe Royce upon his retirement as Administrative Rules Coordinator regarding the creation of the administrative rules process and the history of how it evolved into the Committee it is...
03.05.2015
Reflections on the Legislative Process
Interview by Glen Dickinson, Director of the Legislative Services Agency, with Joe Royce upon his retirement as Administrative Rules Coordinator regarding an historical perspective on a broad range of subjects, including the Capitol restoration and the legislative process in general.
11.21.2014
Federal Road Funding
Interview by Adam Broich with Dan Franklin, Director of the Office of Policy and Legislative Services, and Stu Anderson, Division Director of Planning, Programming, and Modal Funding for the Department of Transportation regarding federal road funding including a history of...
09.26.2014
REAP Program Overview
Interview by Deb Kozel with Jean Eells, State Soil and Water Committee member, regarding the Iowa Department of Natural Resources REAP Program (Resource Enhancement and Protection Fund) including an overview of the REAP Fund and the prospective of a REAP...
09.09.2014
The Career of a Correctional Officer
Interview by Beth Lenstra with Marty Hathaway, Correctional Officer for the State of Iowa with the Iowa Department of Corrections at the Iowa Medical Classification Center (IMCC) at Oakdale regarding Marty’s career, a typical day as a correctional officer, the...
08.20.2014
Jail Inspections
Interview by Beth Lenstra with Delbert Longley, Chief Jail Inspector for the State of Iowa and an employee of the Iowa Department of Corrections, regarding Delbert’s career, the jail inspection process, and the development of administrative rules related to jail...
11.01.2013
College Savings Iowa, 529 Plan
Interview by Ron Robinson, Senior Legislative Analyst, with the Fiscal Services Division of the Legislative Services Agency, with Michael Fitzgerald, Iowa Treasurer of State about Iowa's 529 plan, what College Savings Iowa is, and public participation in the plan.
10.01.2013
State and Federally Declared Disasters
Interview by Jennifer Acton, Senior Legislative Analyst, with the Fiscal Services Division of the Legislative Services Agency with John Benson, Communications Bureau Chief, with the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management regarding the differences between a State and federally...
10.01.2013
Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund
Interview by Adam Broich, Legislative Analyst, with the Fiscal Services Division of the Legislative Services Agency with Chuck Corell, Division Administrator with the Conservation and Recreation Division, with the Department of Natural Resources regarding the Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund...
09.01.2013
Iowa Correctional Institution for Women at Mitchellville
Interview by Beth Lenstra with Patti Wachtendorf, Warden of the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women at Mitchellville, regarding Patti?s career in corrections, the gender-specific treatment programs for women at Mitchellville, and the new construction taking place at Mitchellville.
09.01.2013
7th Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, Community-Based Corrections (CBC)
Interview by Beth Lenstra with Jim Wayne, Director of the 7th Judicial District, Department of Correctional Services Community-Based Corrections (CBC), regarding Jim?s career in corrections, the history of the CBC, CBC treatment programs, and budget issues.
08.01.2013
Iowa College Student Aid Commission
Interview by Robin Madison with Heather Doe, Associate Director for the Iowa College Student Aid Commission, regarding Commission programs that help prepare elementary, middle school, and high school students for college and careers.
08.01.2013
Iowa Ethics and Campaign Finance Board
Interview by Dwayne Ferguson with Megan Tooker, Executive Director and Legal Counsel for the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Finance Disclosure Board, regarding the responsibilities of the Board and staff, the enforcement of campaign and ethics laws, and important current and...
08.01.2013
Department of Natural Resources Happy and Healthy Outdoors Program
Interview by Deb Kozel with Michelle Wilson, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator with the DNR, regarding the Happy and Healthy Outdoors Program sponsored by the DNR.
01.01.2013
Iowa Medicaid
Interview by Jess Benson with Jennifer Vermeer, Iowa Medicaid Director, regarding the basics of Medicaid including who is eligible, how the program is operated, and what drives the expenditures.
01.01.2013
Fiscal Services Division
Interview by Mary Shipman with Holly Lyons, Director of the Fiscal Services Division of the Legislative Services Agency, regarding the background of the Fiscal Services Division, the major roles the Division has in the legislative process, and the history of...
12.01.2012
State Budget Process
Interview by Shawn Snyder with Dave Reynolds, Senior Legislative Analyst with the Legislative Services Agency, regarding Iowa?s budget process.
12.01.2012
Iowa School Aid Funding Formula
Interview by Dave Reynolds with Shawn Snyder, Division Administrator with the Legislative Services Agency, regarding the Iowa school aid funding formula.
12.01.2012
Prison Operations
Interview by Beth Lenstra with Jerry Burt, Deputy Director of the Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC), regarding the 1981 prison riot at the Iowa State Penitentiary at Fort Madison, changes in prison operations as a result of the riot, and...
11.01.2012
State Appellate Defender
Interview by Beth Lenstra with Mark Smith, State Appellate Defender, regarding the State appellate process, defense counsel services to indigent defendants, and the mix of public and private attorneys in this process.
11.01.2012
Insurance Committee
Interview by Ron Robinson with Ed Holland, Risk and Benefits Manager with the Department of Administrative Services, regarding how the Committee was created, its purpose, and the benefits provided to Iowa taxpayers.
11.01.2012
Lottery History and Operations
Interview by Dwayne Ferguson with Mary Neubauer, Vice President of External Relations with the Iowa Lottery, regarding the history and organization of the Lottery, as well as funding, security, and other issues facing the Lottery.
11.01.2012
Project AWARE
Interview by Adam Broich with Brian Soenen, Project Coordinator for Project AWARE with the Department of Natural Resources, regarding the project and water quality issues.
11.01.2012
Rail Transportation in Iowa
Interview by Marcia Tannian with Tammy Nicholson, Director of the Office of Rail Transportation in the Iowa Department of Transportation, regarding historical and current rail transportation in Iowa.
11.01.2012
Gas Tax
Interview by Estelle Montgomery with Stu Anderson, Director of the Iowa Department of Transportation's Planning, Programming and Modal Division, regarding the gas tax in funding the roadway system, the philosophy behind a gas tax user fee, the specifics of the...
10.01.2012
Historical Overview of the Judicial Branch
An interview by Jennifer Acton with David Boyd, State Court Administrator, regarding the history of the Judicial Branch, court re-organization in the 1980's, and court technology in the 1990's to present.
10.01.2012
Comparing Iowa College Student Aid to Nation
An interview by Robin Madison with Todd Brown, Director of Student Financial Aid Programs, College Student Aid Commission, regarding how Iowa compares to the rest of the nation in the amount and types of state-funded college student aid.
10.01.2012
Vertical Infrastructure Program, Major and Routine Maintenance
An interview by Marcia Tannian with Jennifer Moehlmann, Manager of the Vertical Infrastructure Program within the Department of Administrative Services, regarding major and routine maintenance of State of Iowa buildings.
09.01.2012
Overview of the Department of Corrections Part 2
Interview by Beth Lenstra with John Baldwin, Director of the Department of Corrections, regarding the creation of the Department of Corrections, current challenges and opportunities, and future issues of Iowa's corrections system.
08.01.2012
The Founding of Iowa's Community College System
Interview by Robin Madison with Senator Jack Kibbie regarding the creation of the Community College System in Iowa.
08.01.2012
State Athletic Commissioner
Interview by Kent Ohms with Michael Mauro, Labor Commissioner, regarding his role as the State Athletic Commissioner.
08.01.2012
Overview of the Department of Corrections' Iowa Corrections Offender Network (ICON)
Interview by Beth Lenstra with John Baldwin, Director of the Department of Corrections, regarding a general overview and funding of the ICON System.
07.01.2012
Iowa Public Television (IPTV)
Interview by John Parker with Dan Miller, Executive Director and General Manager of IPTV, regarding programming, costs, and funding sources.
07.01.2012
Resource Enhancement and Protection(REAP) Program
Interview by Deb Kozel with Tammie Krausman, Executive Officer with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), about the REAP Program, its funding and the types of programs funded.
12.01.2011
Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System (411 System)
Interview by Jennifer Acton with Dennis Jacobs, Executive Director of the Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System (411 System), regarding how the retirement system came to be in the early 1990's and how the System has developed over the past...

What's Conversations About Government in Iowa about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Conversations About Government in Iowa episodes:

Joe Morris — Aquaculture Industry in Iowa

Dennis Britson — Local Governance of Cemeteries

George Oster — Township Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services

Senator Charles Grassley - History of the Iowa School Aid Formula

Lettie Prell - Thirty-Year Career in the Field of Corrections

Lee Tack - Iowa School Aid

Judy Bradshaw - Director of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy

John Quinn - Career in Law Enforcement

State Forest Nursery

State Accounting Enterprise: Chief Operating Officer Interview

Former Women Legislators Roundtable Part 2

Former Women Legislators Roundtable Part 1

History of the Legislative Services Agency and the Legislative Fiscal Bureau

Abandoned Mine Land Reclaimation Program

Smarter Balanced Assessments

History of the Administrative Rules Process

Reflections on the Legislative Process

Federal Road Funding

REAP Program Overview

The Career of a Correctional Officer

Jail Inspections

College Savings Iowa, 529 Plan

State and Federally Declared Disasters

Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund

Iowa Correctional Institution for Women at Mitchellville

7th Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, Community-Based Corrections (CBC)

Iowa College Student Aid Commission

Iowa Ethics and Campaign Finance Board

Department of Natural Resources Happy and Healthy Outdoors Program

Iowa Medicaid

Fiscal Services Division

State Budget Process

Iowa School Aid Funding Formula

Prison Operations

State Appellate Defender

Insurance Committee

Lottery History and Operations

Project AWARE

Rail Transportation in Iowa

Gas Tax

Historical Overview of the Judicial Branch

Comparing Iowa College Student Aid to Nation

Vertical Infrastructure Program, Major and Routine Maintenance

Overview of the Department of Corrections Part 2

The Founding of Iowa's Community College System

State Athletic Commissioner

Overview of the Department of Corrections' Iowa Corrections Offender Network (ICON)

Iowa Public Television (IPTV)

Resource Enhancement and Protection(REAP) Program

Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System (411 System)