Later this morning, Governor Kim Reynolds will take the oath of office for a four-year term. "It's very humbling," Reynolds told Radio Iowa recently. "I'm really honored and humbled. It's a privilege to get to do this. I'm just really excited." When Reynolds raises her right hand, she will … [Read more...]
Representative Axne named to House Ag Committee
Iowa will have a representative on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. Congresswoman Cindy Axne, a freshman Democrat from Des Moines, has been selected to serve on the Ag Committee - replacing Republican Steve King. He was stripped of all his committee assignments this week following comments to … [Read more...]
Penalty proposed for general threats to public places
Iowa's law enforcement community is asking senators to establish a new penalty for making general threats directed at public places where people gather. Individuals currently may be charged with arson for making a bomb threat and it is a crime in Iowa to threaten to terrorize or harass an … [Read more...]
Curbing Caucus Night extracurriculars in Iowa schools, colleges
A Democrat in the Iowa Senate has drafted legislation that would direct Iowa schools and colleges to keep the calendar clear on Caucus night. "We shouldn't have classes and extracurricular activities and practices conflict with Caucuses," says Senator Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids. Hogg says it's … [Read more...]
Wrangling over disputed House race plays out in committee
Legal arguments over a disputed northeast Iowa legislative race were aired during a two-and-a-half hour statehouse meeting today -- offering a preview of the wrangling that's ahead. Republican Representative Michael Bergen of Dorchester defeated Democrat Kayla Koether of Decorah by nine votes. In … [Read more...]
Grassley finds no progress in trade talks with China
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he recently met with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who reported no progress on key issues in last week's trade talks with China. "He (Lighthizer) said that there hasn't been any progress made in structural changes that need to be made, including … [Read more...]
Chief justice seeks big budget boost for Iowa courts
The chief justice of Iowa's Supreme Court is asking legislators for a $7.2 million boost in the budget for the judicial branch of state government. "Your justice system provides critical, unduplicated services to Iowans," Cady said this morning in the annual "Condition of the Judiciary" address … [Read more...]
House condemns King’s quote, with King’s ‘yes’ vote
Facing calls for his resignation and a 2020 primary challenge from his fellow Republicans, Iowa Congressman Steve King has voted for a resolution condemning white supremacy and white nationalism -- a resolution "of disapproval" drafted in response to comments from King that were published in The New … [Read more...]
Democrats calling for bigger boost in state aid to schools
Republican leaders in the legislature are embracing the main themes Republican Governor Kim Reynolds stressed this morning during her 2019 "Condition of the State" address -- while Democrats suggest Reynolds isn't calling for a big enough spending boost for Iowa schools. Senate President Charles … [Read more...]
Senator Grassley doesn’t disagree with House action against King
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says it's no surprise fellow Iowa Republican Congressman Steve King is being punished for his comments about white supremacy. Grassley notes Republican House leaders have stripped King of his committee assignments and some Democrats are calling for King's censure. … [Read more...]