Without debate, the Iowa Senate has voted to block development of new casinos. This is how Republican Senator Roby Smith of Davenport explained the plan: "It caps the number of licenses at the current amount of 19, which is in effect for the next two years." The moratorium was attached to a … [Read more...]
Governor’s plan for state scholarships for private school students tabled
The state legislature has returned to Des Moines to vote on bills that outline state spending, but the governor's plan to provide state scholarships to private school students is not on the list. "When it comes to the school choice bill that the governor proposed, it doesn't look like we're going … [Read more...]
‘Un-retiring’ Iowans may be key to worker shortage in hospitality industry
The latest data from Iowa Workforce Development shows 10,300 jobs were added to the payrolls at Iowa restaurants and hotels over the last 12 months. "It's no surprise that we would be showing growth, but I can tell you we would show substantially more growth if there were more people out there to … [Read more...]
John Deere ag equipment sales up 13% in last quarter
Deere & Company saw net sales and revenue rise 11% in the last quarter and the company's executives are predicting even higher sales of tractors and combines in the months ahead. Deere & Company's net income in the last quarter was more than $2 billion, about $300 million more than in the … [Read more...]
Democrats seeking Iowa’s US Senate seat debate student loan debt
The three candidates competing for the Iowa Democratic Party's U.S. Senate nomination say college student debt is a problem, but they disagree about providing relief to borrowers. During a debate last night on Iowa PBS, Mike Franken of Sioux City said wage stagnation and the profits banks and … [Read more...]
Giving governor more influence in commissions nominating local judges
Senate Republicans have revived a plan to have the governor appoint the majority of those who serve on commissions that nominate candidates to be district court judges. Senator Todd Taylor, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, said it gives the governor too much influence. "The deck is going to be … [Read more...]
Legislature updating security technology at Capitol Complex
A senate committee has voted to spend a million dollars to replace security cameras and enhance security in the Iowa Capitol Complex. Senator Janet Petersen of Des Moines said she's grateful. "As many of you know, we have had a number of threats on this building," Petersen said during a Senate … [Read more...]
Senators scuttle proposed moratorium related to carbon pipelines
Senators are scrapping a moratorium that would have prevented developers from seeking eminent domain authority to seize property for carbon pipelines before next February. The Iowa House attached the moratorium to a budget bill in March. Late Wednesday, Republicans on the Senate Appropriations … [Read more...]
Senate GOP’s court budget includes money originally set aside for pensions
Senate Republicans are scaling back the amount of money they're willing to set aside to hire four new judges and provide pay raises to judges and other employees in the Iowa court system. Republican Senator Julian Garrett of Indianola today said it appears the courts can cover some expenses by using … [Read more...]
GOP leaders to resume state budget negotiations
A small group of legislators will return to the statehouse today and begin negotiations among Republicans on the spending plan for the state fiscal year that starts July 1. Republican Governor Kim Reynolds says there's no real impasse on the state budget and differences will be resolved … [Read more...]