A quick look at news from around the tri-state region.
LEE COUNTY, IA
Teachers in the Central Lee School District are seeking a hefty pay hike in their contracts for the 2013-2014 school year.
The Central Lee Education Association’s initial offer calls for a nearly 9% salary increase through a base pay hike and a lump sum payment.
The teachers also want higher pay for workers at sporting events and the establishment of a peer review program.
DES MOINES, IA
Bicyclists will get a good look at southeast Iowa this summer as Fort Madison will be the end-point for the 41st annual RAGBRAI.
The seven-day, 407-mile bike ride across Iowa will begin in Council Bluffs on July 21st.
This year’s route will be the second shortest in the history of the event.
RAGBRAI has ended in Fort Madison four other times with the last time being in 2003.
WEST BURLINGTON, IA
Southeastern Community College is proposing a wage freeze in its next contract with its faculty.
By contrast, the SCC Higher Education Association is seeking a nearly 7% increase in salary and benefits during the 2013-2014 school year.
The college’s initial offer also calls for language changes for unpaid leave, family illness and fringe benefits.
Negotiations can now proceed behind closed doors.
DES MOINES, IA
More than 100 representatives of Lee, Des Moines, Henry and Louisa Counties will travel to Des Moines for the annual Great River Region Days.
Greater Burlington Partnership Executive Director Jason Hutcheson says a top priority is economic growth through lower commercial and industrial property taxes.
Some of the other priorities for the lobbying trip are education, transportation and workforce development.
The trip includes meetings with the governor, lieutenant governor and legislative leaders.
