A bipartisan group of state senators has voted to confirm Beth Skinner as director of the Iowa Department of Corrections. Senator Rich Taylor, a Democrat from Mount Pleasant is a retired correctional officer. He urged his colleagues to support Skinner. "She has some very honorable intentions, I … [Read more...]
Iowa lawmaker offers reflection on Black History Month (AUDIO)
Members of the Iowa House mark Black History Month by giving a series of speeches shortly after the House convenes each day. Representative Ras Smith of Waterloo took his turn at the microphone in a different direction. "We have a propensity to read about iconic African American figures … [Read more...]
Limited Iowa Caucus recount yields same national delegate result
The counting of the Iowa Democratic Party's February 3rd Caucuses appears to be over, with Pete Buttigieg finishing a fraction ahead of Bernie Sanders -- in the narrowest margin of victory ever. Early this evening, the Iowa Democratic Party announced the results of the limited recount requested … [Read more...]
March 16th is the date for Oversight hearing about Glenwood facility
The Government Oversight Committee in the Iowa House will meet March 16th to hear from the state agency director Governor Reynolds has put in charge of changes at the state-run Glenwood Resource Center. Department of Human Services director Kelly Garcia started in the job November 1st and 21 days … [Read more...]
Backers say House bill addresses labyrinth of gun restrictions
Republicans in the Iowa House have passed a bill that would force any Iowa city or county with gun restrictions in a government-owned building to screen people at entrances and have an armed guard inside. Representative Steven Holt, a Republican from Denison, said it will help ensure Iowans have … [Read more...]
State medical director, economic development chief discuss corona virus
The state's top economic development officer says the coronavirus outbreak could have a negative impact on the economy, but Iowa Economic Development Authority director Debi Durham says the state's biotech firms could play a role in coming up with a vaccine for Covid-19 or expanding the U.S. … [Read more...]
Officials warn college enrollment is expected to drop
Iowa's colleges and universities are warning legislators of a looming "cliff" or drop off in student enrollment. The decline is projected to be about 7% starting in the 2024 academic year. While that's partly due to a decline in Iowa's fertility rate, Iowa College Aid Commission executive … [Read more...]
Iowa Senate GOP votes to hire private firm to check welfare eligibility
Republicans in the Iowa Senate want the state to hire a business to determine whether Iowans who get government food assistance or Medicaid coverage are eligible for welfare benefits. Supporters of the plan say a private firm doing this work in other states can quickly flag problems, so the State … [Read more...]
Ending state historic preservation grants for owner-occupied housing
The head of the Iowa Economic Development Authority says state tax credits for the restoration of historic properties should no longer be available to Iowans who plan to live in the property. IEDA Director Debi Durham says she reviewed the tax credits that were awarded in the past couple of years … [Read more...]
Iowa Senate seeks to address disruptive student situations
The Iowa Senate has approved legislation designed to address difficult and violent student behavior in Iowa schools. Senator Amy Sinclair, a Republican from Allerton, said the problem is more widespread than many imagine. "This bill is truly about creating a safe learning space for all students … [Read more...]