Legislators have settled on providing $100 million worth of state grants to companies that expand broadband service in Iowa. Democrats, led by Representative Chris Hall of Sioux City, suggested using federal pandemic relief money rather than state tax dollars for those grants. "We know that the … [Read more...]
43 Iowa counties decline doses of Covid-19 vaccine this week
State officials say 43 of Iowa's counties have declined new doses of COVID-19 vaccine this week, due to a lack of demand. A spokeswoman for the Iowa Department of Public Health told the Associated Press the 43 county public health departments are doing the right thing. State officials say it's … [Read more...]
Senate GOP plan has new limits, verification for Iowa welfare benefits
Iowa households with more than one vehicle could be ineligible for food stamps if a Senate GOP plan inserted in a budget bill becomes law. The plan also calls for a new system to investigate an Iowan's financial situation to determine if they're eligible for food assistance or Medicaid … [Read more...]
House sends governor ban on diversity plans in 5 Iowa districts
House Republicans have sent the governor a bill that immediately forbids five Iowa school districts from using voluntary diversity plans to deny student transfers. It's one in a group of "school choice" bills Republican Representative Dustin Hite of New Sharon has guided through the House this … [Read more...]
After Chauvin verdict, Iowa House Black Caucus says there’s more work to be done
Members of the Iowa House Black Caucus are expressing both relief and resolve after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murder and manslaughter today for causing George Floyd's death. Representative Ras Smith, a Democrat from Waterloo, said he had to go on a walk … [Read more...]
House again votes for reimbursement parity for virtual mental health services
For a second time this year, the Iowa House has voted to require insurance companies to provide equal reimbursement rates for in-person and virtual mental health services. The insurance industry opposes the move and it stalled in the Senate. House members voted to attached their proposal to a … [Read more...]
Iowa lawmakers set up speed limits for electric bicycles
Iowa legislators have voted to establish some speed restrictions for low-speed electric bicycles. People riding e-bikes on multi-use trails or in bike lanes along city streets would be required to abide by any posted speed limit for other traffic. If there are no speed limits in the area, 20 … [Read more...]
Senator Grassley questions claims of voter suppression
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is scheduled to take part in a Judiciary Committee hearing this morning entitled "Jim Crow 2021: The Latest Assault on the Right to Vote.” The hearing's name was created by Democrats, who hold a thin majority in the Senate. Grassley, a Republican, is preparing for a … [Read more...]
Former VP Walter Mondale dies at age 93
Former Vice President Walter Mondale has died at the age of 93. Mondale's campaign for the presidency that ended with a loss to President Reagan began with a 49% victory in the 1984 Iowa Caucuses. "I wouldn't change one moment of it," Mondale said in 1992. "I love public service. I love politics. … [Read more...]
Iowa OSHA sends ‘hazard alert letter’ to GOP leaders about Covid in Capitol
The Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration has sent Republican leaders at the state Capitol a letter, warning working conditions may be exposing legislative branch employees to Covid-19 hazards. The OSHA letter says no state law is being broken, but cited concerns about a lack of … [Read more...]