Optimum Plant Population in Iowa, 2007

As a result of higher seed prices, improved planters and weed management programs, soybean growers are more aware of the importance of seeding rates and optimal plant populations at harvest. A harvest population of approximately 100,000 uniformly distributed plants per acre will maximize economic return in Iowa regardless of row spacing. There appears to be no economic advantage to harvest populations greater than, or less than, 100,000 plants per acre. Economics, however, should be considered carefully when striving for higher harvest populations since seed is expensive. Timely management, such as weed management, is more critical at low plant populations.

Diversity and Affirmative Action in Iowa, October 5, 2009

This report documents the progress of the executive branch of Iowa state government in the areas of diversity and affirmative action in employment. While the State has had an affirmative action program since 1986, the focus is shifting toward a more comprehensive view of diversity in order to create a richer and more welcoming workplace. To that end, Governor Chester J. Culver initiated Executive Order Four (EO4) in October of 2007. The goal of EO4 is to achieve and maintain a diverse workforce in state government. In FY 2009, EO4 remained an important driving force for diversity related issues. New this year, each department‘s diversity and affirmative action information contained in this report was also required for the State‘s workforce planning process. Because of the change in the reporting process, some departments submitted full workforce plans and others submitted the required excerpts from the workforce planning template for diversity and affirmative action. We expect full workforce plans from all departments in FY 2010.

Gross to Net Calculator, November 2009

Gross-to-Net is a payroll calculator modeled after the actual payroll calculation program used for state employees’ pay warrants. This calculator can be used to project changes in deduction amounts and net pay when there are changes in pay amounts, hours worked, mandatory and voluntary deductions, including all pre-tax deductions such as retirement, insurances, deferred compensation or flexible spending plans. Federal and state tax withholding, retirement rates, OASDI and Medicare (FICA), and insurance deductions are calculated using current rates on HRIS Production. The Gross-to-Net Calculator is accessed through the employee’s timesheet. For instructions on accessing the timesheet, please refer to the HRIS Time Reporting System Manual. When viewing the timesheet, enter “GN” in the header action field to go to the calculator.

Iowa Public Library Statistics Pocket Digest, 2009

The information in this digest comes from the FY09 Iowa Annual Public Library Survey. It reflects the activities of 522 of the 543 public libraries in Iowa.

Human Resource Information System; Gross-to-Net Calculator, November 2009

Gross-to-Net is a payroll calculator modeled after the actual payroll calculation program used for state employees’ pay warrants. This calculator can be used to project changes in deduction amounts and net pay when there are changes in pay amounts, hours worked, mandatory and voluntary deductions, including all pre-tax deductions such as retirement, insurances, deferred compensation or flexible spending plans. Federal and state tax withholding, retirement rates, OASDI and Medicare (FICA), and insurance deductions are calculated using current rates on HRIS Production.

Iowa Aviation System Plan, 2004-2024

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), strives to ensure that Iowa���s system of public airports is positioned to meet the needs of businesses, residents, and visitors to our state. Airports must be accessible and positioned to safely meet different levels of aviation activity. In partnership with the FAA and various cities, counties, and airport authorities, the Iowa DOT helps to direct the systematic development of public airports. This report is a summary of a more comprehensive technical report that outlines a strategic plan for improving the performance of airports in Iowa over the next 20 years. More information on the technical report and on individual reports prepared for each of the public airports can be obtained from the Iowa DOT, Office of Aviation website at www.iawings.com. The Iowa Aviation System Plan provides the Iowa DOT with an important tool to monitor the ability of airports to meet customer needs. The plan also provides a means to measure the effects of investment on the performance of the Iowa Aviation System. Over the next 20 years, federal, state, local, and private funding will be needed to ensure that the aviation system meets goals established in this study. It is estimated that at least $821 million will be needed over the next 20 years if airports in Iowa are to respond to objectives set by the system plan. In future years, the plan will enable the Iowa DOT to measure system performance. By tracking key indicators for the airport system, it will be possible for the Iowa DOT and the FAA to formulate strategies for responding to Iowa���s air transportation needs. The Iowa Aviation System Plan provides a guide for the state and its communities to ensure that the vision established for the Iowa Aviation System can be achieved.

Iowa Workforce Monthly, December 2009, Issue 11

Highlights: * During 2009, IWD staff members participated in a 5-day Kaizen event designed to streamline the collection of employers’ delinquent unemployment insurance (UI) taxes……………………………pg. 2 * Beginning January 15, the Iowa Department of Revenue web site will feature links to companies that provide online filing of both federal and Iowa income tax returns………pg. 2 * Recently, OSHA Inspectors Lonnie Majerus and Don Peddy visited Hannah, Inc. in Sioux City………………………………………………pg. 2 * Looking for a new job when you are over the age of 50 poses a whole new set of challenges…………………………………………pg. 3 * Over the last year, IWD has been working on an Integration Project that will change the way services are delivered to customers………pg. 3

State Library Update, March 2010, Vol.8, no. 2

Quarterly update for State Library patrons.

State Library Update, January 2006, Vol. 4, no. 1

Quarterly update for State Library patrons.

State Library Update, October 2006, Vol. 4, no. 4

Quarterly update for State Library patrons.

State Library Update, July 2010, Vol.8, no. 3

Quarterly update for State Library patrons.

State Library Update, January 2006, Vol. 4, no. 1

Quarterly State Library Update for patrons.

Iowa Library Services Reorganization Report, 2010.

Legislation passed during the 2010 legislative session required a study of ways to streamline state-funded library operations and services. The Iowa Library Association was asked to lead this endeavor and named a committee to carry out the study. The study resulted in the development of a plan for reorganization, which is outlined in the Iowa Library Services Reorganization Report. The Iowa Library Reorganization Committee was representative of the Library Services Areas, the State Library of Iowa, and public libraries of all sizes from all around the state. The president of the Iowa Library Association and the State Librarian also served as members of the Committee. The report was submitted to members of the Iowa legislature on November 1, 2010.

State Library Update, November 2010, Vol.8, no. 4

Quarterly update for State Library patrons.

State Library Update, February 2011, Vol.9, no. 1

Quarterly update for State Library patrons.