Homers -- What's going right

IOWA STABLE: Valid arguments about what legislators should or shouldn't have spent taxpayer money on in recent legislative sessions remain, but Iowans can find comfort in that the financial base of our state government is solid, especially compared to many other states. Spending increases have been 2.9 percent since Gov. Branstad took office, while revenue growth is 8.8 percent, according to new state auditor Mary Mosiman. The cash reserve (rainy day) fund and economic emergency fund are filled to the level required by law.

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TEST SCORES: The latest ACT college-entrance exam scores held mostly good news for our Corridor area's largest high schools: Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Washington both posted substantial gains, Iowa City schools - the region's leader - and Cedar Rapids Xavier improved slightly, while others remained flat or saw minor declines. As a state, Iowa was flat but remained second only to Minnesota nationwide.

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WHAT A DEAL: A new computer software program will enable Buchanan County to design a replacement bridge on a busy commuter route that will cost than $100,000 instead of an expected $240,000, the county engineer says.